5 Montessori Inspired Activities to Try This Summer

Summer days call for outdoor adventures, water fun, refreshing popsicles, and more family time. These 5+ summer activities will provide just that while keeping your child engaged.

1. Visiting a Farm

Visiting a local farm is not only a fun family trip. A small farm offers your child many learning opportunities such as:

Encountering real animals such as goats, donkeys, cows, and pigs.
Rich sensorial experience - petting animals, smelling different odors (odor of barn, freshly turned soil, etc.), and tasting products made on the farm.
Learning about where the foods are coming from
Experiencing the harmony of life between people, the land, and the animals
Learning about the roles of different people on the farm - the milkers, the cheesemakers, etc.

When choosing a farm, pick a small farm if possible. Many farms offer guided tours that are generally suitable for older preschoolers.

A few weeks ago, we visited Harley Farms Goat Dairy in Pescadero, CA. We walked around this charming farm and were able to see the working goats and dogs as well as baby goats and the donkey of the farm. The animals Emma was most excited about were the farm cats. This farm has a shop where you can buy products made on the farm. Their chévre cheese looks like a piece of art. If you live in the Bay Area, this farm is worth the trip.

2. Gardening

Taking care of plants is a popular activity in Montessori classrooms. If you’re a gardening pro, all you need to include your child is your guidance and child-sized gardening tools. If you don’t have an outdoor garden or you’re a beginner gardener, take advantage of kitchen herbs grow kits that include everything you need to grow your own herbs. I came across one of these kits when I was doing grocery shopping and decided to give it a try. The kit included: 3 terracotta pots, 3 seed packets (parsley, basil, chives), and 3 grow mic pellets.

When I showed Emma the pots, she immediately suggested painting them. I was surprised by her request but set up the painting work for her. One day, we painted the pots, the next day we focused on seed germination. I let Emma scoop dirt into a pot, pour seeds inside the pots, and place more dirt on top of them. Finally, we sprayed the dirt with a sprayer. A few weeks later, we could see the herbs sprouting.

3. Water activities - washing

Children of different ages love water. Washing is a simple activity that can be set up in a blink of an eye using items you have at hand. Activities including water are attractive for toddlers. And oftentimes, they stay with them for a long period of time.

To set up the activity, all you need is:

brush/sponge
bucket with a few drops of soap (you can also use a water table if you have it).
water
something to wash
towel for drying

What can be washed?

tables/chairs
rain boots
bikes, tricycles
sand toys
windows
fruits and vegetables
sink
dishes etc.

After washing comes drying and cleaning. Cleaning is part of the activity - don't skip it.

4. Having a picnic

Having a picnic is everyone’s favorite way to eat during the summer months. Kids enjoy picnics because eating on the ground allows them more movement. You might enjoy them because having a picnic is a synonym for fewer dishes.

Include your kids in the preparation of the picnic:

making a picnic lunch (have your kids help you make sandwiches, cut some fruits and vegetables, and prepare other snacks)

packing picnic items such as a picnic blanket, utensils, napkins, etc.

Even if you don’t have your own backyard, you can enjoy having a picnic with your children. Head out on your favorite hike, and have a picnic while surrounded by nature.

5. Making popsicles

What is more summery than having a refreshing popsicle on a hot summer day? Making homemade popsicles has many benefits. Not only do you know what goes into your popsicle, but you can also include your child in making them. For a mouthwatering recipe and step by step tutorial on how to include your child, check this blog post: