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Explore the Outdoors: Top Summer Ideas and Free Scavenger Hunt

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some summer ideas to be sure your kids can stay inspired or recharge. Also, look at my post Free Summer Unit Study For Kids.

Too, if you want to continue summer learning, I will share ideas for summer learning.

Besides, summer is about relaxing or stepping back from your routine.

Explore the Outdoors: Top Summer Ideas and Free Scavenger Hunt

Whether you go far or stay local, nature has endless ways to inspire you.

For example, there are outdoor concerts, farmers market, open-air movies (one of my boys’ favorites when done poolside) and even food truck festivals to savor.

Don’t forget stargazing, sitting around a fire pit or heading to the beach for more summer fun.

SUMMER READS FOR KIDS

Next, look at grabbing some of these fun books to read while you’re soaking up the sun.

13 Books About Summer to Read to Kids and For Kids to Read

Grab some of these fun books about summer to add to a summer unit study or to learn about the change in the season.

Summer: An Alphabet Acrostic

In a companion volume to Autumn: an Alphabet Acrostic and Spring: an Alphabet Acrostic, sandy beaches, juicy watermelons, and porch swings are just a few of the warm-weather delights featured in acrostic poems about summer.

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate―Discoveries from A Secret World

Are trees social beings? In The Hidden Life of Trees forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that, yes, the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration that he has observed in his woodland.

A Frog in the Bog

There’s a small green frog on a half-sunk log in the middle of the bog. He eats one tick, two fleas, three flies, four slugs, and five snails. And the frog gets a whole lot bigger. Then a hungry gator shows up, ready to eat the big fat frog. The frog opens his mouth wide to scream and out comes everything he’s eaten! And the frog gets a whole lot smaller.

The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read

It's not easy to teach a cat to read, but one boy tries to anyway in this sweet and silly picture book debut that captures the challenges and rewards of learning to read.Nick loves to read books--and he loves to play with his cats, Verne and Stevenson. So naturally Nick decides it's a great idea to teach his cats to read.

And Then Comes Summer

When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-jump-ups jump up . . . then it’s time to get ready for summer! From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there’s something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season.

The Lorax (Classic Seuss)

Dr. Seuss’s beloved story teaches kids to treat the planet with kindness and stand up and speak up for others. Experience the beauty of the Truffula Trees and the danger of taking our earth for granted in a story that is timely, playful, and hopeful. The book’s final pages teach us that just one small seed, or one small child, can make a difference. 

Summer Story: Introduce children to the seasons in the gorgeously illustrated classics of Brambly Hedge!

It was such a hot summer. The sky was deep blue and the sun never faltered. All along Brambly Hedge, the mice did their best to keep cool. Poppy Eyebright sought refuge in the mossy shadows of the mill wheel; Dusty Dogwood took to walking by the banks of the cooling stream. Dusty and Poppy spent more and more time together, so no one was at all surprised when they announced their engagement. They decided on a very unusual setting for the wedding ceremony, but even they didn't realise just how unusual it was prove to be!Also look out for Spring Story, Autumn Story and Winter Story!

The Raft

Nicky is convinced that his summer with his grandmother in the Wisconsin woods is going to be the worst summer ever. She cooks food that he doesn’t like, there’s an art studio where her living room should be, and he’s expected to do chores—including fishing, the most boring chore ever.

But one afternoon, while Nicky is trying to catch their dinner, a raft drifts down the river towards him. The raft has a calming magic about it, affecting both Nicky and the wildlife of the river and woods. Through the raft and the adventures it brings him on, Nicky finds new common ground with his grandmother, a fellow river rat, who encourages him to explore his newfound talent for art.

Summertime in the Big Woods (Little House Picture Book)

The winter is finally over, and now it is summertime. Laura and Mary are busy all day helping Ma in the garden and playing outside.

We Were Tired of Living in a House: 55th Anniversary Edition

"We were tired of living in a house.

So we packed a bag with

sweaters and socks and scarves

and mittens and woolen caps.

And we moved to a tree...."

So begins this whimsical tale of four small children, a dog and a cat who decided they were tired of living in a house. They try a tree, a pond, a cave and the seashore, but in each place something unusual happens to make them move on to the next place-and finally home.

Blueberries for Sal

Sal and her mother a picking blueberries to can for the winter. But when Sal wanders to the other side of Blueberry Hill, she discovers a mama bear preparing for her own long winter.  Meanwhile Sal's mother is being followed by a small bear with a big appetite for berries! Will each mother go home with the right little one?With its expressive line drawings and charming story, Blueberries for Sal has won readers' hearts since its first publication in 1948."The adventures of a little girl and a baby bear while hunting for blueberries with their mothers one bright summer day. All the color and flavor of the sea and pine-covered Maine countryside.

Over and Under the Canyon

Over and Under the Canyon takes young readers on a thrilling tour of a desert canyon ecosystem. Over the canyon, the sun scalds the air, baking desert mud to stone. But under the shade of the cliffs hides another world, where bighorn sheep bound from rock to rock on the hillside, roadrunners make their nests in sturdy cacti, and banded geckos tuck themselves into the shelter of the sand. Discover the wonders concealed in the curves of the canyon, the magic of a desert wildflower bloom, and all the unexpected creatures that bring the desert to life.DISCOVER AMAZING ANIMALS: Kids are endlessly curious about the natural world and the wildly varied animals living in it—and the desert is FULL of amazing and surprising animals!

Over and Under the Waves

Award-winning duo Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal return in this latest addition to the Over and Under picture book series, this time exploring the rich, interconnected ecosystem of the ocean!Over the waves, the sea lions bark and seagulls wheel and call. The bay is smooth and bright in the sun. But under the waves, there's a whole hidden forest, full of whales and wolf eels, sardines and sea bass, leopard sharks and luminous jellies, as well as the waving kelp that shelters them all. Discover the magical depths of the kelp forest, and all the fascinating creatures living just a paddle's length away—over and under the waves.SO MANY FASCINATING FACTS: Kids are endlessly curious about the natural world and the wildly varied animals and plants living in it—and the ocean is FULL of amazing and surprising life!ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS MADE WONDERFUL: Preservation of our wilderness—and of our oceans in particular—is essential, and this book makes such a great, upbeat jumping-off point for discussions of the importance and wonder of our world's natural habitats and ecosystems.

Now, look at some summer ideas for learning.

Where possible, I included ideas for multiple ages.

SUMMER IDEAS FOR LEARNING

In addition, here are some fun summer ideas to cure the doldrums.

Explore the Outdoors: Top Summer Ideas and Free Scavenger Hunt

Finally, look what is included in the summer scavenger hunt for multiple ages.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE SUMMER SCAVENGER HUNT

First, look at the themes of the summer scavenger hunts that are included in this download.

  • water fun
  • nighttime summer
  • summer treats
  • summer sounds
  • camping
  • backyard & garden
  • beach ocean
  • summer adventure

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

How to Make a Strawberry Lemonade Summer Sensory Bin

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making a summer sensory bin today. Also, look at Free Summer Unit Study For Kids for more summer ideas.

Lemonade is a classic summertime treat on its own.

Adding fresh, juicy strawberries just makes it even more cheerful.

This strawberry lemonade sensory bin captures all the fun and flavor of summer in a water sensory play activity that is hands-on, and perfect for warm-weather fun.

How to Make a Strawberry Lemonade Summer Sensory Bin

It’s loaded with bright colors, fresh fruity scents, and clear, clean water.

With all this to scoop and pour, kids will enjoy engaging their senses while building up multiple developmental skills.

Real lemons and strawberries combine with reusable ice cubes to offer kids a sweet summer adventure.

A few kitchen utensils mean kids can also scoop and pour the ingredients for a fun sensory experience.

This activity is perfect for anywhere that a little splashing water won’t cause any trouble. No matter how you slice it, it’s sure to be a favorite.

SUMMER BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at some fun books about summer to add to the reading day.

13 Books About Summer to Read to Kids and For Kids to Read

Grab some of these fun books about summer to add to a summer unit study or to learn about the change in the season.

Summer: An Alphabet Acrostic

In a companion volume to Autumn: an Alphabet Acrostic and Spring: an Alphabet Acrostic, sandy beaches, juicy watermelons, and porch swings are just a few of the warm-weather delights featured in acrostic poems about summer.

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate―Discoveries from A Secret World

Are trees social beings? In The Hidden Life of Trees forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that, yes, the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration that he has observed in his woodland.

A Frog in the Bog

There’s a small green frog on a half-sunk log in the middle of the bog. He eats one tick, two fleas, three flies, four slugs, and five snails. And the frog gets a whole lot bigger. Then a hungry gator shows up, ready to eat the big fat frog. The frog opens his mouth wide to scream and out comes everything he’s eaten! And the frog gets a whole lot smaller.

The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read

It's not easy to teach a cat to read, but one boy tries to anyway in this sweet and silly picture book debut that captures the challenges and rewards of learning to read.Nick loves to read books--and he loves to play with his cats, Verne and Stevenson. So naturally Nick decides it's a great idea to teach his cats to read.

And Then Comes Summer

When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-jump-ups jump up . . . then it’s time to get ready for summer! From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there’s something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season.

The Lorax (Classic Seuss)

Dr. Seuss’s beloved story teaches kids to treat the planet with kindness and stand up and speak up for others. Experience the beauty of the Truffula Trees and the danger of taking our earth for granted in a story that is timely, playful, and hopeful. The book’s final pages teach us that just one small seed, or one small child, can make a difference. 

Summer Story: Introduce children to the seasons in the gorgeously illustrated classics of Brambly Hedge!

It was such a hot summer. The sky was deep blue and the sun never faltered. All along Brambly Hedge, the mice did their best to keep cool. Poppy Eyebright sought refuge in the mossy shadows of the mill wheel; Dusty Dogwood took to walking by the banks of the cooling stream. Dusty and Poppy spent more and more time together, so no one was at all surprised when they announced their engagement. They decided on a very unusual setting for the wedding ceremony, but even they didn't realise just how unusual it was prove to be!Also look out for Spring Story, Autumn Story and Winter Story!

The Raft

Nicky is convinced that his summer with his grandmother in the Wisconsin woods is going to be the worst summer ever. She cooks food that he doesn’t like, there’s an art studio where her living room should be, and he’s expected to do chores—including fishing, the most boring chore ever.

But one afternoon, while Nicky is trying to catch their dinner, a raft drifts down the river towards him. The raft has a calming magic about it, affecting both Nicky and the wildlife of the river and woods. Through the raft and the adventures it brings him on, Nicky finds new common ground with his grandmother, a fellow river rat, who encourages him to explore his newfound talent for art.

Summertime in the Big Woods (Little House Picture Book)

The winter is finally over, and now it is summertime. Laura and Mary are busy all day helping Ma in the garden and playing outside.

We Were Tired of Living in a House: 55th Anniversary Edition

"We were tired of living in a house.

So we packed a bag with

sweaters and socks and scarves

and mittens and woolen caps.

And we moved to a tree...."

So begins this whimsical tale of four small children, a dog and a cat who decided they were tired of living in a house. They try a tree, a pond, a cave and the seashore, but in each place something unusual happens to make them move on to the next place-and finally home.

Blueberries for Sal

Sal and her mother a picking blueberries to can for the winter. But when Sal wanders to the other side of Blueberry Hill, she discovers a mama bear preparing for her own long winter.  Meanwhile Sal's mother is being followed by a small bear with a big appetite for berries! Will each mother go home with the right little one?With its expressive line drawings and charming story, Blueberries for Sal has won readers' hearts since its first publication in 1948."The adventures of a little girl and a baby bear while hunting for blueberries with their mothers one bright summer day. All the color and flavor of the sea and pine-covered Maine countryside.

Over and Under the Canyon

Over and Under the Canyon takes young readers on a thrilling tour of a desert canyon ecosystem. Over the canyon, the sun scalds the air, baking desert mud to stone. But under the shade of the cliffs hides another world, where bighorn sheep bound from rock to rock on the hillside, roadrunners make their nests in sturdy cacti, and banded geckos tuck themselves into the shelter of the sand. Discover the wonders concealed in the curves of the canyon, the magic of a desert wildflower bloom, and all the unexpected creatures that bring the desert to life.DISCOVER AMAZING ANIMALS: Kids are endlessly curious about the natural world and the wildly varied animals living in it—and the desert is FULL of amazing and surprising animals!

Over and Under the Waves

Award-winning duo Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal return in this latest addition to the Over and Under picture book series, this time exploring the rich, interconnected ecosystem of the ocean!Over the waves, the sea lions bark and seagulls wheel and call. The bay is smooth and bright in the sun. But under the waves, there's a whole hidden forest, full of whales and wolf eels, sardines and sea bass, leopard sharks and luminous jellies, as well as the waving kelp that shelters them all. Discover the magical depths of the kelp forest, and all the fascinating creatures living just a paddle's length away—over and under the waves.SO MANY FASCINATING FACTS: Kids are endlessly curious about the natural world and the wildly varied animals and plants living in it—and the ocean is FULL of amazing and surprising life!ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS MADE WONDERFUL: Preservation of our wilderness—and of our oceans in particular—is essential, and this book makes such a great, upbeat jumping-off point for discussions of the importance and wonder of our world's natural habitats and ecosystems.

Too, look at more sensory bin ideas.

MORE SENSORY BIN IDEAS

How to Make a Strawberry Lemonade Summer Sensory Bin

Finally, look at how to make this fun strawberry lemonade summer sensory bin.

HOW TO MAKE A SUMMER SENSORY BIN

Setting up a strawberry lemonade sensory bin is quick and simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A few real lemons, sliced into rounds or wedges
  • A handful of real strawberries, sliced or whole (sliced strawberries fill more space and add more scent)
  • Fake ice cubes (requires adult supervision)
  • Mini strainer
  • Ladle or kitchen spoon
  • Plastic cup(s) for scooping and pretend serving
  • Large bin or shallow container
  • Water (enough to partially fill the bin for scooping and pouring)

Tip: Only fill the bin about 1/4 to 1/3 full with water. You want enough for floating, scooping, and splashing, without making too big of a mess.

Add the lemons, strawberries, and fake ice cubes to your bin.

Pour in enough water to let everything float and move around easily.

Place the mini strainer, ladle, and plastic cup(s) in the bin or nearby.

Invite your child to jump in and start exploring!

The real fruit contributes scents to the water, making the experience even more realistic and inviting. Plus, floating lemons and strawberries are so much fun to scoop and catch.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

When thinking of an idea for kindergarten sensory bin ideas I came up with a theme perfect to cap off summer while introducing kindergarten concepts. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

What do you think of when you think of summer?

For a preschooler headed to kindergarten they have probably spent their summer in the sand.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Or at the pool, splashing in sun shower puddles, kites, sidewalk chalk, and enjoying drippy popsicles.

So, popsicles it is.

This is a fun and inexpensive way to practice letter recognition and matching, not to mention the other wonderful benefits of sensory bins.

Sensory bins are also fabulous for toddlers through middle elementary kids to introduce and reinforce new themes.

Also, they encourage creative play, and sensory input.

They can also be used as a fun way to teach simple concepts like alphabet matching.

Kindergarten is a time of exploration and big learning leaps making it a great time to introduce or continue using bins for learning.

Add another level of learning to the sensory bin learning by adding in some ABC tiles, books, or flashcards.

Also, this is one of my favorite books for learning about the letters.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is one of my favorites for learning letters, bright and fun with singsong rhymes. Kids love it.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Chicka Chicka Book, A)

There is always enough room on your child’s bookshelf for this rollicking alphabet chant that has been a children’s favorite for over thirty years!A told B, and B told C, “I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree” In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no—Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom!

Besides my summer sensory bin, I have 10 more amazing kindergarten themed sensory bins to make your whole year of learning fun and memorable.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas

Whatever the theme you need to cover I can guarantee there is a creative sensory bin to go along with it.

  1. For another summer theme, learn How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learn to reinforce letter sounds and thematic concepts.
  2. Here, learn How to Dye Rice & Make Mini Sensory Bins
  3. Kids start with learning how to identify and spell out their own name first, making this Magnetic Letter Name Search Sensory Bin a great place to start.
  4. If you need something to do with all of those shells you brought home from the beach this summer, create a Seashell Alphabet Sensory Bin with them.
  5. These 4 Fun and Engaging Bat Activities include a neat bat sensory bin
  6. Make a Construction Site Sensory Bin to go along with not only a construction themed unit but for community helpers as well.
  7. Use the Farm Harvest Sensory Bin to teach your child about the seasons of planting and harvest.
  8. Make teaching numbers a snap with a Number Recognition Sensory Bin that you can easily develop into simple addition and subtraction problems for your cold to figure out.
  9. Is your kindergartener reading sight words already? Check out this Kindergarten Sight Words Sensory Bin.
  10. This Apple Pie Sensory Bin can go in so many theme directions- A is for Apple, farm, fall, or a cooking unit.
10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

Kindergarten Sensory Bin Resources

  • Sensory Bin
  • Letters
  • Numbers
  • Sensory Bin Tools
  • Kinetic Sand for Filler

How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

You will need:

  • Large shallow bin
  • Shred paper filler
  • Craft foam
  • Wooden craft sticks
  • Paint marker
  • Pompoms, pipe cleaners, etc…
  • Alpha tiles/letters
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

First, start by adding a base layer to your sensory bin.

A shredded paper from the dollar store is a great choice because it’s inexpensive, comes in a variety of colors, and is reusable for many applications.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

I also threw in some colorful pom poms to give it a little more splash of color.

Twist some pipe cleaners around your finger to make a fun little spring shape that adds more color, texture, and dimension to your bin.

And add some letter beads to continue with the ABC theme in our bin.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Cut out popsicle shapes, twice, you will need a front and back for every popsicle.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Run a line of hot glue along the top and sides of one half and then press the other piece onto the top and let it cool.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Now on the popsicle use a paint marker, sharpies run, to write either a lowercase or capital letter

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Finally, write the opposite letter (lowercase or uppercase) on a stick.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Place “popsicles” in the sensory bin either together or separate with some buried to encourage your child to search through for matches.

You can also add in cups, scoops, tongs, spoons, etc. for your child to investigate the filler and learn about measuring and more.

I highly recommend capping off this activity with a real popsicle to enjoy.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some amazing summer wood crafts and other ideas to keep teens busy this summer.

For example, you’ll love this simple idea for a teen bikini box to keep all her summer suits and other gear.

All you need is an unfinished white crate from the craft store, some craft paints, and a clear sealer in whatever finish you like.

I guarantee this is going to be a summer craft that your middle or high school girl is going to get so excited about and think you’re the coolest mom on the block for coming up with the idea.

Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

If you feel like you need to extend this activity and make it educational there are plenty of fantastic books about the beach that you can use alongside the craft like Ocean Anatomy or the Best of Seashells Craft Book.

Beyond books, life experiences with a summer theme will help keep your teens busy.

It will keep your teens out of trouble and prevent learning loss through the long hot dog days of summer while they gain valuable experiences and possibly even credit for high school courses.

Also, if you want to include all your children in some fun learning about the ocean, I have some living books.

Kids Books About the Ocean for Multiple Ages

We prefer living books but also like to add reference books too.

I have something for all ages to keep learning fun along with this summer wooden craft.

16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet! 

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. 

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

Pagoo

An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

Also, look at a few more ideas on how to extend learning through the summer.

How to Extend Learning Through Summer

  • Buy your teen a pretty journal and require or encourage daily journal prompts with a summer theme.
  • Assign a craft a week that counts as an elective as well as reading, language arts, and science. Just like today’s bikini box or one of the additional ideas below.
  • Brush up on cooking/practical life skills and make summer themed food like homemade popsicles, Coral Reef Cake, or put what your teen has learned about nutrition into practice by putting together a healthy salad.
  • Have your child sign up to volunteer for a kids summer program as a big brother/sister, lifeguard etc. to count towards volunteer hours in high school.
Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

Next, look at more summer wood crafts.

Summer Wood Crafts

  1. How fun would this Jumbo Tic Tac Toe Board be for indoors or outside at a pool party? It does require power tool usage and makes a great project for shop class credit.
  2. Make DIY Lawn Dominoes and add a fun game to your family’s backyard time while your teen learns a new skill.
  3. Dye unfinished wood and create this gorgeous Rainbow Wood Stacking Game that builds fine motor skills, decision making, dexterity, and decision making skills.
  4. A DIY Colorful Cornhole and Bean Bag Set is a great addition to your physical education requirement and is so much fun for get togethers and family BBQ’s
  5. Turn a plain wooden craft staple into a really cool and portable Popsicle Stick Playing Cards deck. This is great practice for more complicated wood burning ideas and makes a great gift for friends, family members, or to take along to co-op.
  6. Get them off their tech by helping them make a Wooden Phone Amplifier/Speakers, this project is great for practice working with power tools but also makes a really cool and useful end product.

How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

You will need:

  • Unfinished wood crate
  • Craft paint
  • Sandpaper
  • Clear sealer spray
  • Paint brushes
  • Pencil
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

First, you need to do two things to keep the wooden box from snagging and ruining those bathing suits.

The first is to give it a good sanding all over to smooth off any rough edges inside and out.

Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

Next, wipe it down with a slightly damp towel to remove all the dust and allow it to dry thoroughly.

You can freehand words and pictures with paint, but I recommend using a pencil to first draw out your design to get it just the way you like.

Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

The next step is the most fun, let your teen paint and decorate the box any way that they like. Of course, a summer/beach theme is fun. 

You can use paint and paintbrushes, paint pens, or a combination of both to make the details pop.

Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

Paint, dry, and then hot glue the letters onto your box, spelling out a name, phrase, or simply ‘bikini box’.

I picked up these wooden letters on sale for $5 and there are enough to do several projects with. 

Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

Once the box is painted and dried completely, take it outside and give it 2 to 3 coats of sealer inside to help seal on the paint and make it more permanent.

Also, this will help create a smoother surface, so it is less likely to snag bathing suits.

Allow the sealer spray to dry completely and it’s ready to use.

Fill it up with beach towels, bathing suits, sunglasses, sunscreen, goggles, and more.

Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning

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Today I’m showing you how easy it is to make a summer theme watermelon sensory bin that is perfect for play and learning. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more ideas.

What may seem just like a fun container of rice is so much more than just play!

There are many benefits to sensory bins for preschoolers.

How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning

And they can introduce a fun standalone theme like watermelon or be used as a springboard for a small unit study.

If you have not introduced sensory bins yet this is a perfect easy starter one that can be made into any size

You can spend a little time learning about how watermelons grow, planting your own seeds and watching them develop, and even taste testing different varieties to fill it out even more.

Make the entire week wildly watermelon themed with these additional sensory ideas which I have below.

Too, learn why sensory bins are such a wonderful part of preschool development.

Wild Watermelon Sensory Ideas

Grab Food Anatomy from the Julia Rothman series and learn a little bit more about different varieties of this delicious summer treat.

Include a taste test before or after the sensory bin to include even more of your child’s senses.

How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning

We have also learned How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning, another great activity to involve several of the 5 senses and build hand muscles.

Make a Watermelon Squish Bag for a sensory treat that doesn’t make a mess.

I love that everything is contained in a tidy gallon zip top bag.

While slices of watermelon are fantastic on their own try putting a twist on it and get your kids in the kitchen learning all about following directions, measuring, and kitchen safely with a Kid Friendly Watermelon Slush.

These tempera paint sticks make for great painting projects and keep the mess to a minimum,

How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning

They worked fantastically for a quick W is for watermelon picture.

Watermelon Moon Sand is a unique texture that kids love to play with (messy warning, this stuff sticks and spreads).

8 Benefits of Using Sensory Bins

Next look at the benefits of using sensory bins in your homeschool.

  1. Sensory bins are a calming activity where children can play independently or with others.
  2. Scooping with cups or spoons builds fine motor skills.
  3. Picking up items with fingers or tweezers develops grasp important for prewriting.
  4. Prompt cognitive development as children sort,
  5. Talking about what they find or are doing in the bin builds language development and vocabulary.
  6. Adding letters introduces literacy skills like letter identification, sounds, and building words.
  7. Counting and measuring objects in the sensory bin introduces early math concepts like counting, sorting, and volume.
  8. When playing with others it teaches children to share through cooperative play.
How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning

Finally, look at how to make a watermelon sensory bin.

How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin

You will need:

  • Uncooked rice
  • red/pink food coloring
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Black beans or sunflower seeds
  • Containers and spoons
  • Optional-watermelon scent
How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning

First, measure out enough uncooked rice to fill about 2” depth in whatever container you have chosen.

Stir in either liquid or gel food color along with enough hand sanitizer to help spread the color all around until you have reached your desired color.

Mix it up well and then spread out the rice as flat as you can, using a baking sheet if you like.

How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning

Stir in scent at this time if you are going to use it as well.

How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning

Lay your rice out in the sun to dry and stir every so often, the alcohol in the hand sanitizer helps it to dry fast.

Transfer rice to a shallow container for your sensory bin.

Sprinkle on some black beans or sunflower seeds for watermelon seeds

These are great for counting and sorting.

I happened to have sunflower seeds on hand and loved the way they looked as watermelon seeds.

Add in fun items for exploring like spoons, cups, bowls, mason jar rings, measuring cups and spoons.

You want items that can be used for filling, pouring, scooping, investigating volume, etc.

Next, include some letters to hide like W’s or even those to spell out w-a-t-e-r-m-e-l-o-n for a quick language lesson.

How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning

I also included 4 wooden craft sticks to play with and these can also be used to form a w.

How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning

Have your child sort out the watermelon “seeds” for counting.

How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning