How to keep your kids busy this summer (without spending a fortune or leaving the Maritimes)
- Judith Mendiolea Lelo de Larrea
- Jun 5, 2025
- 6 min read
(Story originally published on PNI Atlantic News Network on Jun. 03, 2025)
From P.E.I.’s red dirt trails to backyards and balconies across Nova Scotia, families throughout the Maritimes are gearing up for summer break. But with rising costs and growing screen-time fatigue, many parents are asking: What can we do that actually keeps kids engaged, creative and connected?
After speaking with three East Coast experts — mothers and early childhood educators — they shared practical and inclusive ideas for meaningful summer experiences without relying on pricey camps or location-specific attractions. Their strategies are rooted in child development, play-based learning and a strong connection to the natural environment.
1. Let nature lead the way (and the learning)
Encourage curiosity with nature walks, scavenger hunts and Minecraft-style exploration.
Whether it’s P.E.I. woodlots, N.S. trails, or N.B. parks, nature is the Maritimes’ most abundant (and free) playground. Outdoor play has been linked to better emotional regulation, improved attention spans and stronger immune systems in children, according to the Canadian Public Health Association.
Katie Colliflower, a mother of five in Summerside, P.E.I., takes her children on “walks with a mission” — scavenger hunts for mushrooms, trees, flowers or rocks. “It’s not just ‘let’s go on a walk.’ It’s a walk with a mission,” she said. “Kids are naturally curious… when we go and learn about mushrooms, I’m learning just as much as them.”
Cassie Ballantyne, assistant director at Creative Kids Education Centre in Hammonds Plains, N.S., and mother of one, said even video games like Minecraft can inspire outdoor adventures. “Kids can find things in their own environment that represent Minecraft elements — like coal, water, stone — and then build with them.”
2. Create a “Nature Bucket” and watch the rainy days fill themselves
Collect treasures from nature and turn them into crafts when the weather turns.
“Gather nature,” Colliflower suggests, “then on rainy days, say: ‘Here’s the nature bucket — make something with it.’” Her family makes dandelion prints, crafts with sticks and shells, and even forages ingredients for spruce tip tea and dandelion jelly.
At the end of each season, they revisit what they’ve collected. “Each season we change the display: a cool leaf, a shell… then at the end of summer, we remember where we got each one.”
3. Turn “Bored” into “Brilliant” with purpose-driven play
Give kids creative tasks with meaning and see how far they go.
Forget the idea you need to entertain kids constantly. In fact, boredom might be the best thing that happens to them this summer.
Research supports this. A 2023 Harvard Graduate School of Education report found that unstructured play encourages children to develop creative thinking and builds independence — foundations for long-term mental health.
“Kids need a break from expectation,” Ballantyne said. “They need the freedom to explore their own backyard without adult control.”
Colliflower agrees. She gives her kids creative missions: make something for Grandma, sew a pillow, build a clay pot. “Give them a mission — like make something out of clay as a gift. It gives them a purpose, not just entertainment.”
4. Include them in the process (not just the product)
From prep to cleanup, kids thrive when they’re trusted with responsibility.
Nathaly Muñoz, owner of Treehouse Adventures Daycare in P.E.I. and mother of two, believes kids stay more engaged when they’re part of every step — from planning to execution. “Including children in all parts of an activity — from the shopping list to the cleanup — makes them feel involved and valued.”
Studies from the National Association for the Education of Young Children show that involving kids in planning and routines builds executive functioning skills — essential for goal-setting and emotional control.
She’s not talking complicated crafts. Her go-to activity? Mixing cornstarch and water to make “oobleck,” a non-Newtonian fluid kids can’t get enough of. “Slime, play dough, water, bubbles — those things work on all ages. Even teens love them.”
5. Make a summer bucket list — and let your kids write it
A simple list can turn boredom into momentum.
Structure doesn’t have to be strict. Ballantyne’s family creates a summer bucket list together. “It could be as simple as camping or getting a new popsicle flavour — it keeps us motivated,” she said.
Giving kids some ownership over their summer builds excitement and helps them practice decision-making. It’s not about doing everything — it’s about doing things together.
6. Use the season to teach emotional independence
Self-esteem grows when kids are given space to try (and fail).
Muñoz’s approach is shaped by her experience raising a son with autism. Her daycare focuses on inclusion, emotional development and sensory play. “Children will always tell you what they need — in their own ways. You just have to listen, even if they’re nonverbal.”
One of her parenting principles? Let them struggle a little. “When they finally get it, they’re so proud. It’s huge for their self-esteem.”
7. Ditch the screens — connect through real play
Learning happens in kitchens, gardens and craft corners.
After the pandemic, many families are still navigating screen dependence. Ballantyne encourages hands-on, co-engaged alternatives like baking, board games or gardening.
“Cooking with kids teaches math and fractions,” she explains. “Like if we need three-quarters of a cup and only have a quarter-cup measure — how many times do we fill it?”
This is cognitive development in action. According to a 2022 UNICEF report, cooperative play and shared tasks like cooking are strongly correlated with improved vocabulary, math comprehension and emotional bonding between parent and child.
Colliflower’s daughters sew their own doll clothes. Others bake cornbread or comics, or build elaborate blanket forts. “If your child’s into sewing, get them a little kit, teach them a few stitches. Then say: make a pillow for Grandma.”
8. Teach respect for the land, not just love for it
Outdoor play is a chance to plant seeds of responsibility.
When you’re outdoors, use it as a time to introduce Leave No Trace principles. Ballantyne teaches her students to return sticks after hikes or observe insects instead of collecting them.
“Children are competent,” she said. “If you explain the ‘why,’ they’ll understand why we return the stick or protect the needles on the ground.”
9. Keep it low-cost and local
Creativity, not cash, makes the best memories.
“There’s always something: corn-peeling contests, bicycle days, parks, trails,” said Muñoz. “You just have to look around.”
She reminds parents they don’t need to spend a lot: water tables made from storage bins, ice cubes on the porch, bubbles in the yard. “It’s like meal prepping, but with activities. You just plan ahead for your kids to stay busy and engaged.”
Even Colliflower, who lives in an apartment, forages with her kids on public lands.
“You don’t need a big backyard. You just need to be creative.”
10. Forget perfect — aim for present
What they’ll remember isn’t the plan — it’s the person.
At the end of the day, summer doesn’t have to be curated or expensive. What matters most is connection.
“Don’t chase the perfect summer,” Ballantyne said. “Kids remember the time spent with you, not how fancy the plan was.”
Experts agree. A joint study from the University of British Columbia and McGill University found that children who regularly spend time with engaged caregivers report higher life satisfaction than those enrolled in highly structured summer programs.
From nature walks to muddy crafts to comic books and cornbread, the best summer memories are often made when you slow down and show up.
11. Don’t underestimate a ball and a hula hoop
Simple physical games can keep kids active — and adaptable.
If your kids are bouncing off the walls, you don’t need a whole sports team or field to keep them moving.
Ballantyne recommends adapting old-school games for limited space or players. “All you need is a ball and a hula hoop. Hang it from a tree or have someone hold it, and let kids practice their aim. You can adjust the height or distance to keep it fun.”
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