Ah, summertime! We all love the long days and endless sunshine, but there’s one group of people who especially enjoy this time of year: children. With school vacation comes a feeling of freedom and joy for most youngsters. In summer, life is all about having fun. As a parent, there’s little as exciting as helping your children’s summer be as amazing as possible. But how to keep your kids entertained? Of course, children are usually perfectly adept at entertaining themselves, coming up with all sorts of games to play with their siblings and the neighborhood kids. Sometimes, however, it’s nice to inject this daily funfest with the exhilaration of a special occasion. Checking out a Raleigh summer camp can allow you to have a break and your kids to have fun. By taking note of these six fun ideas, you can make this summer truly unforgettable for your children.

Fishing

Is there any better way to pass a summer day than by taking a kid fishing? Not only does a day on the water make for fantastic family fun, but it also instills in children a respect for nature and a passion for the outdoors that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. If you’re not an experienced angler yourself, look for help from a friend or relative who is. Most die-hard anglers love nothing more than introducing youngsters to the pleasures of their favorite pastime. For advice and equipment, head to a local bait shop. Most store owners are also happy to point you in the right direction so your child can experience the joy of feeling a fish on the other end of their line.

Trampoline Park

Nothing fills a youthful heart with joy like bouncing up and down. Trampolines are beautiful in their simplicity; kids love bouncing, and games are more fun in a bouncy environment. Trampoline parks take the fun of a single trampoline and multiple it by a million. With an array of different activities and enough bounce to send a child into ecstasy, these parks are sure to provide the highlight of any kid’s week.

Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are great for children because they’re both active and intellectual. Kids can be outside running around, but with a purpose and a goal. Scavenger hunts are simple to make; all it takes is a little time and imagination. You can organize the event in a backyard or, for more space, in a public park. Pick a few items you have lying around the house, make a list of them, and then hide them around the “playing field.” Then, it’s a simple matter of telling the children what they need to look for and letting them get at it.

Rock Painting

This activity is as simple as it is adorable, and it is sure to be a hit with any creative-minded kid. Almost any yard, park, or stretch of land is bound to have some gold old fashion rocks. Just buy some paints, find some rocks, and tell the kids to paint whatever comes to them. You’ll likely be shocked by the extent of their imaginations.

Visit the Zoo

If you have a zoo in the area, then take you kids on over to check out the animals. There’s little that amazes children like getting up close and personal with other species. Many zoos and animal parks also feature a petting zoo, which is a uniquely cool opportunity for kids. Interacting with goats, sheep, and other domesticated animals will prove a formative experience.

Take a Nature Hike

Getting children out in nature is good for their minds, bodies, and souls. It is also, if done right, wildly entertaining. Encourage children to look for animals, plants, and other natural phenomena. Teach them to appreciate the wonders of the natural world. This appreciation will likely last a lifetime, informing their habits and molding their worldview to the benefit of themselves and society at large.