Summer is a time for sunshine, fun, and discovery, but it’s also a chance to continue nurturing your preschooler’s growth through hands-on, engaging learning. Whether your child is waiting to start preschool or attending summer camp part-time, these easy, educational activities are perfect for bridging learning at home. At ABC Child Development Centers in Greeley, we know that meaningful learning happens everywhere, especially when parents feel supported.
10 Fun & Educational Summer Activities for Preschoolers at Home
In this post, you’ll find 10 educator-recommended activities that combine fun with foundational skill-building, plus tips to make the most of your child’s summer at home.
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Encourage observation and curiosity with a simple outdoor scavenger hunt. Create a list of things to find; like a red flower, a smooth rock, or a bird. Use photos or simple drawings for non-readers.
Skills Built: Science exploration, language development, sensory observation
Pro Tip: Let your child draw or describe their findings afterward for extra learning.
2. Water Play & Measuring
Set up a water table or use bowls and measuring cups for a splashy math and science session. Show your child how to pour, compare, and measure using labeled cups.
Skills Built: Fine motor coordination, early math concepts (volume, comparison)
3. Alphabet Sidewalk Chalk
Take learning outdoors by writing letters on the sidewalk with chalk. Call out a sound or word and ask your child to hop to the correct letter.
Skills Built: Letter recognition, phonemic awareness, gross motor skills
4. DIY Story Time Theater
Turn favorite picture books into mini performances! Use puppets, dress-up clothes, or toys to act out scenes.
Skills Built: Language development, creativity, comprehension
Bonus: Acting out stories helps build memory and emotional understanding.
5. Frozen Toy Rescue
Freeze small plastic toys in ice cube trays or containers and give your child tools like squeeze bottles or paintbrushes with warm water to “rescue” them.
Skills Built: Problem-solving, sensory play, cause-and-effect thinking
6. Pattern Pasta Necklaces
Dye pasta in different colors and invite your child to string patterns; red, red, blue, red, red, blue, etc., onto yarn to make a necklace.
Skills Built: Pattern recognition, fine motor strength, sequencing
7. Backyard Bug Journal
Give your child a simple notebook and help them “document” bugs they find in the yard; drawing pictures, counting legs, and asking questions like, “What do you think it eats?”
Skills Built: Scientific thinking, early writing, empathy for nature
8. Cooking Together
Involve your child in age-appropriate kitchen tasks like mixing, pouring, or adding ingredients. Cooking is full of built-in math, science, and reading opportunities!
Skills Built: Math (counting, measuring), literacy (following directions), motor planning
Safety Tip: Always supervise closely and stick to safe, no-heat recipes for young children.
9. Shape Hunt Around the House
Ask your child to find and name shapes in everyday objects; circles in plates, rectangles in books, triangles in pizza slices.
Skills Built: Geometry, vocabulary, attention to detail
10. Mindful Movement Breaks
Use short yoga videos, stretching songs, or breathing games to help children reset and focus throughout the day.
Skills Built: Self-regulation, body awareness, emotional literacy
Top Tip: Calm moments help balance energetic activities for better all-day behavior.
At a Glance: Why These Activities Matter
Preschool-aged children (typically ages 3–5) thrive on play-based, hands-on learning. According to early education experts including the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), summer activities that are developmentally appropriate, engaging, and flexible help support cognitive, emotional, and physical development. At ABC, our programs mirror these same principles in our school-age programs and summer camp curriculum.
Want More Summer Learning? Join ABC’s Summer Camp!
These activities are just the beginning. At ABC Child Development Centers, our summer camp blends educational fun with safe socialization, outdoor play, and learning routines that prepare children for school success.
Spots fill quickly: contact us today to learn more about summer enrollment or explore our health and safety practices designed to give your family peace of mind.
Get even more activities during ABC’s summer camp, enroll today!