Summer break is a wonderful time for children to relax, explore, and enjoy sunshine-filled days, but it’s also an important opportunity for continued learning. For toddlers and preschoolers, even small breaks from daily routines can impact developmental momentum. Fortunately, keeping young minds active doesn’t require a structured classroom, it just takes a little creativity, patience, and play.

In this post, we’ll share expert-approved, brain-building activities that families can do at home to support school readiness and foster meaningful engagement throughout the summer. As a trusted Greeley child development center, we’re here to help your child thrive year-round.

Why Continued Learning Matters in Early Childhood

At a glance:

• Young brains grow rapidly. During the first five years of life, neural connections form at a pace never matched again.
• Consistent learning environments help children build and retain skills in language, problem-solving, and social-emotional development.
• Summer routines can support growth through exploration, hands-on play, and connection with caregivers.

As early childhood educators, we encourage families to see summer as a season of opportunity, a chance to explore new interests, reinforce developmental milestones, and celebrate learning in fun, flexible ways.

Everyday Routines That Build School Readiness

You don’t need elaborate lessons or expensive materials to support learning at home. Here are a few simple, developmentally appropriate ways to keep toddlers and preschoolers engaged:

1. Start the Day with a Routine

Establishing a predictable rhythm helps children feel secure and encourages self-regulation. A consistent morning routine might include:

• Making the bed together
• Picking out clothes
• Washing hands and brushing teeth
• Talking about the day’s plan (“Today we’ll go to the park!”)

Key takeaway: Routines prepare children for the structure of preschool while building independence.

2. Make Reading Part of Every Day

Aim for at least 15–20 minutes of shared reading daily. You can read:

• Board books or picture books
• Grocery lists together
• Street signs while walking

Let your child turn the pages, point to pictures, and talk about what they see. Encourage questions and storytelling.

Pro tip: Re-reading favorite books boosts vocabulary, memory, and comprehension.

3. Engage in Sensory Play

Water tables, sandboxes, finger paints, and homemade playdough provide rich, hands-on learning experiences.

Sensory play supports:

• Fine motor skills
• Scientific observation (“What happens when I mix colors?”)
• Emotional regulation

Try this: Fill a bin with dry rice and hide small toys inside for a tactile treasure hunt.

Summer-Themed Learning Activities to Try at Home

Looking for inspiration? These activities support school readiness and can be adapted for various ages:

Sorting Fruits and Veggies

• Use real produce or toy food.
• Ask your child to sort by color, size, or type.
• Practice counting and vocabulary (“This is a red strawberry!”).

Scissor Skills Art

• Provide child-safe scissors and let your child cut paper strips or old magazines.
• Glue shapes onto paper to create a collage.

This boosts hand strength and prepares children for future writing tasks.

Laundry Helpers

• Let your toddler or preschooler help sort socks by color or size.
• Ask them to fold washcloths or stack towels.

This practical activity promotes early math skills and responsibility.

The Role of Parents in Summer Learning

Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher. When families engage in learning through play, children:

• Build stronger brain connections
• Strengthen language and social-emotional skills
• Feel confident and supported

You don’t need to do everything perfectly; just showing up with love, curiosity, and a few fun ideas is enough to keep summer educational and joyful.

How ABC Central Supports Summer Growth

At ABC Central, we understand that learning doesn’t take a break in June, July, or August. That’s why our team of certified educators and caregivers integrates purposeful play, sensory experiences, and nature-based exploration into our summer programs for toddlers and preschoolers.

Whether your child is preparing for their first preschool classroom or continuing their developmental journey, our Greeley child development center offers:

• Age-appropriate curriculum aligned with NAEYC standards
• Safe, nurturing classrooms with outdoor enrichment
• Open-ended activities that spark imagination and independence

Explore our Preschool Programs or Toddler Programs to find the right fit for your family.

In Summary

Summer is a chance to slow down, reconnect, and let learning happen through everyday moments. Whether you’re reading together, exploring the backyard, or making art with sidewalk chalk, these activities nurture your child’s curiosity and confidence.

Looking for more structured summer support?

Explore ABC Central’s summer programs; open enrollment is now available!

Let’s make this summer one filled with growth, laughter, and lifelong learning.