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For most households, summer break is here or just around the corner. There are so many unique opportunities to capitalize on during this time of the year. Here is my must-have list for preschool summer fun activities:

1. Water: Whether it is at a pool, beach, or a sprinkler–water is a big part of summer. Water can be more than just keeping cool. Here are some ways to use water play with your preschoolers: paint with water on the sidewalk, create a backyard sprinkler park, transfer water between various types of containers,  and more. Check out my water & mud Pinterest board for additional ideas.

2. Mud:  I know, I know mud is messy! That’s what is so much fun about it! Set aside appropriate muddy areas for you child to explore. Make mud pies, make mud prints, squish mud between your toes!

3. Bubbles: We love bubbles! One Charming Party has a wonderful post on how to throw a bubble party— that sounds like so much fun! Putting this on our summer to-do list!

4. Sand: We are blessed to have an 8′x8′ sandbox in our backyard. It has provided loads of fun over the years. Even my older kids sneak in and join building and digging every once in awhile. My kids build sand forts, create sand food, and make trenches and roads for cars. Of course adding water into the mix adds even more fun!

5. Chalk: There are unlimited amount of activities to do with chalk! Decorate the sidewalk with unique designs, turn your driveway into a hopscotch game. Use chalk and water for a preschool evaporation activity. Write letters on the sidewalk and have children paint them with water. Check out my Preschool Pinterest board for more chalk activity ideas.

6. Bug jar: In our area, catching fire flies are a summer must-do. In addition, we like to go on back-yard insect hunts. We look under logs and rocks to see what creatures we can find. When we are done observing, we let them go free. You can see what we’ve studied so far: Preschool Science

7. Magnifying glass: This might seem silly, but my kids love to carry around magnifying glasses. We use them on our nature hikes and to observe little treasures we find.

8. Ice-cream maker: One of our summer traditions is to make homemade ice-cream. We have made ice-cream in a bag, and our own custom creations in our ice-cream maker. Children of all ages love this tasty activity.

9. Riding Toys and Bikes: We spend hours riding bikes outside during the summer. Our favorite is the (afflink) Strider Pre-Bike. My 7yr.  old and 5 year old have both transitioned from their Strider Bikes to regular bikes. It only took a day or two for them to figure out the brakes on a big bike, but they never had to use training wheels. They knew how to balance right away. This was a huge difference from when my oldest child was this age. It was like pulling teeth to get her to learn how to ride a bike. Strider Bikes do work and ours is currently being used by our 3yr. old.

10: Art and crafts: Take those messy crafts outside! Try sidewalk paint, or ice-cube art!

Special Summer Survival Kit 6/16 – 6/23 2014

Talk about perfect timing–this week Bundle of the Week has a collection of books that offers you tools and resources to survive — and thrive — this summer! Discover activities for kids big and small, ideas for affordable family activities, tips for juggling your responsibilities and inspiration for documenting the magic!

But hurry because this collection is only available through Monday, 6/23 at 8 a.m. ET.

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With your purchase of this week’s bundle, you’ll receive the Summer Boredom Buster set! Offer good from 6/16 – 6/23  2014

Click here to subscribe to the free weekly newsletter for access to this week’s bundle.

What are your favorite Preschool Summer Activities to do?

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My Top-10 ABC Materials
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