In addition to being a time for play, sunshine, and creating lifelong memories, summer is also a fantastic opportunity to keep young minds active! At Des Moines Pediatrics, we think that just because school is out doesn’t mean that learning has to stop. Your child can maintain their curiosity and mental activity throughout the summer without it feeling like homework if they are a little creative.
During the break, try these easy, enjoyable ways to help your child’s brain grow.
Explore Local Library Programs
The Des Moines area is blessed with amazing libraries! For children of all ages, local branches provide free summer reading programs full of interesting activities.
- Des Moines Public Library hosts a Summer Reading Challenge complete with prizes, curated book lists, and events like storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and STEM activities.
- Urbandale, Ankeny, and West Des Moines Libraries also feature interactive programs—from author visits and puppet shows to themed activity days.
Allowing young readers to select their own books is a great way to inspire them to read. Children are more likely to remain interested and grow up to be independent when they are allowed to choose what interests them.
Activities & Games That Improve the Brain
Free play and educational play can be equally enjoyable. Play brain-boosting games like crosswords, word searches, memory cards, and building challenges with LEGO sets or blocks. Arrange a puzzle table so that family members can gradually add to a jigsaw puzzle. These kinds of activities keep children interested in a constructive way while encouraging focus, strategy, and problem-solving.
Make Learning Part of Travel
Whether your family is heading out of town or exploring nearby parks, travel can be a powerful learning experience. Encourage your kids to assist with route planning, map reading, or learning a few facts about each place you visit. Additionally, give them sketchbooks or travel journals so they can write and draw about their trip. Even a quick day trip can turn into an opportunity to explore, observe, and ask questions about a new location.
Outdoor Play and Growing with Nature
Spending time outdoors offers countless benefits for both the body and mind. Gardening is a wonderful hands-on way for children to learn about science, weather, responsibility, and the cycle of life. Whether you try planting a few vegetables in containers or tend to a small backyard plot, children gain a sense of pride and patience as they watch their efforts grow. In addition to gardening, unstructured outdoor play, like climbing, digging, building with sticks, or simply exploring, helps develop motor skills, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Encourage your child to observe insects, collect leaves, or identify birds and flowers. These simple, sensory-rich experiences help kids slow down, stay present, and build a lifelong appreciation for nature.
A Little Goes a Long Way
Even just 15 to 30 minutes a day of focused educational activity can help prevent summer learning loss. These small efforts can make a big difference when school starts back up in the fall.
At Des Moines Pediatrics, we love watching our patients grow in every way—physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you have concerns about your child’s development, learning progress, or school readiness, our team is here to help. Schedule an appointment with us today to discuss how we can support your child’s growth and success.