Keeping Your Kids Busy Without a Traditional Summer Vacation

If you’re like many parents who planned your family summer vacation earlier in the year, you’ve probably spent the past few months trying to make new arrangements. Many families are skipping the flights and renting RVs for road trips. Disney World plans on reopening July 11, but you might not be ready for that type of vacation. According to a survey from MMGY Travel Intelligence, in partnership with the U.S. Travel Association, 47 percent of respondents said they’d be more likely to travel by car.

You’ve likely set up a routine for your kids while they were under quarantine. Maintaining a routine is just as important for the summer. “Encouraging routines around meals, naps and bedtimes, even in the summer, will help break up the day and provide structure for your little ones,” says Nicole Grossmayer-Mercado, executive director of Little Smiles, a nonprofit that helps caring professionals bring joy to children in tough situations. But more importantly, maintain positivity. “Above all, parents should be kind to themselves and not put pressure on themselves to create a backyard Disney World this summer,” she says. “Children will be happy if they see their parents are happy.”

The good news is, businesses across the country have taken note and pivoted on their summer offerings, but there’s a lot to consider. In a survey of 1,100 moms by Party City, almost 80 percent of moms said they were concerned on how they would entertain their children after 2 to 3 months of home schooling. By this time, you've probably tried all of the family board games and watched plenty of funny family movies. If you’re juggling work and childcare, virtual summer camps may be a great way to keep your kids engaged during the day. But if you’re over Zoom and want to limit screen time (unless it’s something educational!), this list offers plenty of fun ways to stay busy.