Swim Classes for Kids and the Benefits

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on swim classes for kids.  While most people know how to swim, few people think about actually getting swimming lessons. That’s especially true of anybody with kids, as they often overlook the opportunity. Either that, or they decide to teach their kids themselves.

Though that’s an understandable approach, it may not be the best one. Instead, you could be better off getting your children swimming lessons. You might be wondering why you should shell out the money for classes rather than teaching them.

Aside from saving you some time – you can do other things as your kid learns – there can be quite a few different reasons to get swim classes.

 

 

 

swim classes for kids

 

 

Swim Classes for Kids and Benefits

 

Swim Classes Teach Water Safety

While swim classes are primarily focused on learning to swim, they also teach water safety. Many aspects of this can be obvious, but they wouldn’t be to a child. As a result, the lessons could provide  practical benefits that you may be aware of.

These water safety rules will stick with them through life, which will make them much safer around any body of water. That’ll provide a significant amount of peace of mind, both for you and your child. That could be one of the most positive benefits behind the swim classes, as your children’s safety is paramount.

 

Strengthen Your Lungs

One of the first things that any swimmer learns is how to control their breath. They’ll obviously need to hold their breath for periods of time. While this might be short at first, it will be longer and longer over time.

The practice is proven to strengthen your lungs and increase your lung capacity. That’s true regardless of what age you are. As a child, that could have much larger benefits over time. Once this happens, there should be more physical benefits, such as allowing blood and oxygen to pump more efficiently.

 

 

swim classes for kids

 

 

Reduces Stress

What many people don’t realize is that swimming can help reduce stress and anxiety. While that’s primarily true of recreational swimming, it’s also true with classes. When they’re learning, they’ll be in a supportive environment with like-minded individuals.

That support could also help reduce stress. Once they’ve learned how to swim, your child will then be able to take full advantage of the skill. They’ll be much more active, which typically makes people healthier and happier.

Couple that with the other advantages associated with regular exercise, and your child’s physical and mental health should see positive benefits.

 

Last, there can be quite a few other reasons why you should put your kids in swim classes rather than teaching them yourself. The end result will naturally be the same, but professional classes will do so in a much more efficient and disciplined manner.

Classes could also mean that your child will be a much stronger swimmer. You can still bond by swimming with them recreationally and encourage them to keep learning. Like many other things, however, teaching them might be best left to the professionals.

What’s stopping you from signing them up? It’s almost guaranteed to be an enjoyable experience for everyone.

These Dinosaurs Are Larger Than Life

dinosaurs, T-Rex, prehistoric dinosaurs

                                                                          Dinosaur Land

Looking for inexpensive places to visit before the kids return to school? If you’re planning a trip to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia take time to check out Dinosaur Land. It’s an inexpensive roadside attraction that has been around since 1962, and is a great place for photo ops with the little dinosaur lover. 

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Summer Activities For Kids Printables

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on summer activities for kids.  If you’re headed to the beach or decided to go camping instead, these colorful summer printables will get them excited.  They will occupy them for a few hours.  What parent wouldn’t be grateful for an hour or two of peach and quiet.  They are great for road trips or at home for rainy day activities.

Summer Activities for Kids Printables

kids word search, kids printables, kids games, kids activities

 

 

 


 

 

 

kids beach activities, kids printables, kids games, childrens activities, family games

 

 

This beach printable is filled with fun items: umbrella, snorkel, star fish and other items that you will find at the beach. It is a great way to help children enhance their writing and spelling skills during the summer months too.  This printable would be great on a beach trip activity. See how many items you can find while you’re walking along the board walk or shops.  Mark them off the list when you return to your vacation home.  This is a great way to challenge your memory too.

Our camping printable is a word search puzzle and just as fun and colorful. It’s filled with camping items. The goal is to find the items on the list.  Many children don’t get the opportunity to go camping.  Children who have never been camping will become familiar with camping items.  This printable is a great way to educate them.  It’s also a challenge for this who have been camping.  The puzzle will also help children improve their vocabulary and their  spelling during the summer.

When you need to eliminate boredom, print these beach and camping printables .  Printing these summer activities for kids on cardstock makes them a little sturdier.  The kids will be yelling let the fun begin in no time.  Be sure to grab a clipboard, so the kids will have a hard item to work on.  Clipboards are great for road trips and writing while resting in the shade on the beach.   

 Check our Black History Month challenge.  Have your children test their knowledge of African American Inventions.  There’s also an answer key to assist you.  Which printable is your favorite, the beach or camping?

16 Mom Approved Kid’s Beach Crafts

Summer is in full swing and families are heading to the beach. So, when we go to the beach there are days that we don’t head out. For example, we stay inside and enjoy a day or 2 of crafts and movies with the children.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on kid’s beach crafts. These crafts are fun and easy to make, and can help keep the kids busy at home too.
beach crafts for kids
beach crafts for kids

 

Here’s my roundup selections. Click on the link to check out the blog and instructions on how to make these adorable crafts or use the images as inspiration and create your own version:


1.  Dr. Seuss Crafts (Mrs. Thompson’s Treasures)  First, kids love these little snack fish.  I’m sure they will be willing to share a few for adorable sea crafts.

2.  Fish Hands (Mom To Two Plush Lil Divas)  Second, kids love getting messy.  The exception is my granddaughter.  Nothing on her hands please.  But, these colorful little hand fish are adorable.

3.  Grandma’s Sea of Love (Flickr Photo) Cute hand and foot print craft.

4.  Shells and Shimmer (A List Maker’s Life)  Next, use the sea shells gathered on your family vacation to make a picture frame to house some memories.

5.  Fish Bowl (Walking By The Way)  This hand print fish bowl is so cute and easy to make.  Capture those little hand prints while you can.

6.  Cupcake Liner Fish (Buggy and Buddy)  Find some colorful cupcake liners and make a few colorful fish.

7.  Celery Stamping Fish (Crafty Morning)  So, celery makes a healthy snack and beautiful crafts.  Cut up a few pieces for the kids to make this fun and colorful craft.

8.  Bucket & Shovel (Learn Create Love)  Additionally, what kid doesn’t want a bucket and shovel on their beach trip.  Make this bucket and shovel craft, and they can enjoy it year round.

9.  Cupcake Liner Fish (I Heart Crafty Things)  Another fun craft using cupcake liners and construction paper.  Easy, colorful and fun.

10. Paper Lemonade (Pitter Patter Art) Now, this craft is one of my favorites.  A refreshing cup of lemonade is loved by everyone.

11.  Paper Plate Whale (In The Play Room)  This is a fun craft for a little boy.  Any dollar store will have these paper plates.

12. Egg Carton Ocean (The Imagination Tree)  Another great craft.  So, starting saving those egg cartons.

13. Paper Plate Shark (Almost Unschoolers)  He’s a scary looking little fellow.  But, any little boy would love to make him.

14. Beach In A Jar (Country Chic Cottage)  Put those mason jars to use.  A favorite beach picture, a little sand and few shells will bring this craft to life.

15. Bears At The Beach Snack (The Chickabug Blog) Making crafts will work up an appetite.  Serve this yummy snack.

16. Under The Sea (Daisy Cottage Designs) Can’t get your kids to eat beans?  Maybe you can get them to create this craft with the beans.

Using sea shells that you have gathered from a family trip is always fun to add to any kid’s beach crafts.  Furthermore, you can use them for your crafts too.  They will help create great memories either way  Also, these crafts are easy to make and the materials are budget friendly.  Making these kid’s beach crafts easy for mom to approve.

Also, paper plates, beans, cupcake lines, straws, construction and glue are normally craft items that most parents have around.  Check out your craft stash so you can determine what is needed.  I recommend purchasing a cheap plastic container from the dollar store. Place the items needed in the container before you hit the road.  I also place the items that we have finished in the container on our trip home.  This helps keep them safe.

Last, we hope that you enjoyed our round up of kid’s beach crafts. Pick out a few ideas for your beach trip.  If you’re not heading to the beach, have a little beach fun at home.  Finally, I had a hard time selecting a favorite.  But, I do love number 15 – Bears At the Beach Snack. What a great beach snack idea.   What’s your favorite?  Leave us a comment.

You may also like 9 Tried and True Beach Foods.
  

Fun Summer Activities For Kids

So, today I’m sharing parenting tips on a list of fun summer activities for kids that won’t break the bank. School’s out, and it can become stressful for parents.  However, it is a joyful time for the kids. They can sleep in, they will be home all day, and they will need to be occupied in a fun and healthy way.

 

 

fun summer activities for kids

 

 

 

Note:  This post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase, I may be compensated.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

Furthermore, checking the local newspaper, subscribing to local sites like the zoo, the aquarium, family fun centers, can help you come up with activities and get discounts.  Getting off the electronics and outside getting fresh air and enjoying the sunshine should be at the top of your list.

 

 

Fun Summer Activities for Kids: 

Crafts and Coloring – First, I occupy the 6  year old with crayons and printables that I collect all year. My grandson loves to do printables too.

Paint Party  – Next, invite a few of their friends over.  Set-up a table outside in a shady spot and let them paint, color and draw until their heart is content.  Serve snacks and fun drinks.

 

 

fun summer activities for kids

 

 

Matinee Movies Matinees are a great summer activity with the kids. They’re much cheaper than evening shows.  Also, theaters in my area offer free movies once a week until the end of the summer.  Check out your local theater for freebies.

Family Fun Center – Next, add a water park to your list of summer activities for kids. You can also include arcade centers, paint ball fun and more.

We’ll spend a day at Shenandoah Caverns in Virginia – They have beautiful caverns, an area that houses props from Presidential Inaugurations, floats from Macy’s and the Rose Bowl parades, and an original 1957 Cafe that serves old time shakes, burgers and fries.  So, check out your local area for unique places to visit.

Day At The Park – Furthermore, I will be planning an old fashioned picnic.  Something most parents have lost sight off these days. I will be packing a picnic basket with sandwiches, drinks etc. and find a spot where we can just enjoy nature. The park also has swings, ducks, and paddle boats  Adding in a walk will be the perfect way to get exercise with the kids too. No grilling on this day.

Story Hour At the Library –  Just as important, I’m still partial to actual books and I’ve started a library for both of my grandchildren. I think it’s important that the kids be exposed to books and family friendly stories.  Our local library also offers activities, so I’ll have to see what’s on the calendar during their stay.

 

 

 

fun summer activities for kids

 

 

 

Baking Day – We’ll make funnel cake and bake cupcakes.  The kids love to cook.  I found a kit that has flower pots that we can bake the cupcakes in.  Delicious Blooming Cupcakes baked in a flower pot makes a yummy day.

Visit a Farmer’s Market – We’ll spend a few hours at a local farm picking berries to make homemade jam.  They love it on toast and biscuits.  Many also have farm animals, fields of flowers, hay rides and other activities.

Home Movie Day – We’ll spend the day watching movies from the home DVD collection and eating popcorn. I also have Infinity on Demand.  I can found shows or movies that we didn’t see at the theater.

Backyard Movie Night –  Purchase a King size white sheet and a movie projector.  Set up the backyard with strings of lights, chairs and snacks.  We purchased a movie screen from Amazon at a reasonable price.  We found that it saved us time from having to put together a screen each time we wanted to use it.  Additionally, we purchased a outdoor movie projector, which we absolutely love.  It’s easy to put up and take down.  It stores perfectly in my outdoor storage building.

Sprinkler Day –  I’ll invite a few friends or cousins over to spend the day running through the sprinkler.  The kids have a great time.  I purchased an outdoor dressing room, which is perfect for drying off and changing clothes before heading home or in the house.  I love it, it can be used for camping too.  

Sleep Over – I’ll invite a few of their cousins over to spend the day running through the sprinklers and a sleep over.  I have issues with public pools and the things that happen in them.  They can’t add enough chlorine for me! I’m debating on whether or not I want to put a pool in my backyard.  Once I retire, we’ll be able to enjoy it during the summer.

Fishing  – We’ll spend the day fishing and throwing back the fish at one of the stocked ponds in the area.  Life jackets for this one.

Summer Reading List –  We’re all avid readers in my family, and this summer I will be adding to my grandson’s summer reading list.  I will be downloading a few books on his Kindle, but I also want him to enjoy handling a good old fashion book.

Nature Hike – Summer activities for kids should include a day with nature. Set up a day to go on a small nature hike.  Give each kid a backpack with water, snacks, a magnifying glass, and disposal camera. You can look for bugs, birds, and flowers.

Bird Watching – Add birding to your summer activities for kids. Buy inexpensive binoculars for the kids and find them a shady spot in the backyard where they can watch the birds from a feeding station. Let them fill up the feeders, and than wait for the birds to retrieve the treats.  This is an excellent way to have them engage with nature.

 

 

fun summer activities for kids

 

 

Sea Shell Hunt – If you live close to the beach, set up a day to go on a sea shell hunt. You can use the shells to make crafts or to use in your decor.

Garden –  Start a flower or vegetable garden with your kids.  A few pots on the patio or deck is a great place to start.  Carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes are great vegetables.  Petunias and marigold are great flowers to plant.

Write Letters to Soldiers – Our troops are always receptive to hearing about what’s happening at home.  Making a Pen Pal can be a great experience for the soldier and child.

Organize a Care Package Drive for Soldiers – Our soldiers always need items when they are overseas.   Organize a neighborhood care package drive.  As a result, be sure to add this one to your summer activities for kids.

Volunteer for Day Camps –   This is a great job for a teen.  It helps with leadership, communication and problem-solving skills, which look great on your college resume.  Colleges appreciate students who volunteer.

 

 

 

fun summer activities for kids

 

 

 

 

Roast Hot Dogs and Making S’mores – My grandchildren love hot dog roasts and making s’mores.  I never got around to building one.  Although it is currently unavailable, I purchased this fire pit several years ago.  It’s a great addition to the backyard.  Building one is still on my list though.

Volunteer to Read at the Nursing Home – Interacting with our elderly is so important.  Reading can be a great pass time for our senior, and a great way to knock out the books on your kids reading list.

Volunteer at the Local Boys and Girls Club – Many boys and girls clubs help under privileged children participate in sports and learn other skills to help them overcome any disadvantages.  It’s a great way to meet other children and enhance skills.

Camp In the Back Yard – If your children have never been camping, start in the backyard.  It’s a great way to bond with dad too.

Volunteer at Your Local YMCA – Volunteering at the YMCA is a great way to give back to the community, and help children learn new skills.  Additionally, they offer swimming lessons.  If you want to strengthen your child’s swimming skills, the YMCA is a great place.

Assist at a Local Food Bank –  Sorting and putting together boxes for those in need is fulfilling.  It gives kids a chance to see and appreciate what they have at home.

Horseback Lessons –  Last, many equestrian centers offer summer activities for kids.  Many offer riding lessons during the summer months.  Additionally, it’s a great way to learn about horses and their care.  So, be sure to check with private farms/ranches for activities too.

 

Finally, we hope that you find a few of our summer activities for kids inspirational.  Start planning with your kids, and get your kids off to a great summer. What activities do your children like to do or participate in during the summer?