10 Tips to Keep Children Active and Safe This Summer
Summer is a season of sunshine, energy, and opportunities. However, the Climate Prediction Center forecasted that this year is expected to be warmer than average during the summer globally. With the arrival of long sunny days, it is important for families to ensure children remain engaged while also staying healthy and safe. Whether your child is attending a summer camp, spending time outdoors, or going on a trip with the family, these 10 practical tips can help them make the most of the season together!
Tessa Summer Camp supports families to make the most of this season filled with opportunities and discoveries.
1. Keep a Consistent Routine
While summer vacations bring more flexibility, children will still benefit greatly from a sense of structure and routines. Even simple practice, such as waking up at a regular time, having regular meals, and setting aside time for both play and rest, support children’s emotional well-being and encourage self-discipline.
2. Prioritize Sun Safety
Extra time outside means greater exposure to sun and heat, especially for our children. Dress them in breathable clothing, hats with brims, and UV protective sunglasses. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before heading outside, and reapply frequently, especially after swimming or sweating. Encourage them to take breaks in the shade and drink water regularly.
3. Enroll in a Well-Rounded Summer Camp
A thoughtfully designed summer camp can offer more than just entertainment; it supports development, sparks curiosity, and provides reliable care. At Tessa International School, our bilingual summer camp offers a dynamic mix of indoor and outdoor activities to inspire learning and exploration in Spanish, French, or Mandarin.
With themed weeks, age-appropriate instruction, and supportive professionals, our summer camp provides children ages 2 to 10 with a joyful, safe environment to build friendships, discover new interests, and stay active—all while being immersed in language and culture.
4. Balance Indoor and Outdoor Play
A good mix of inside and outside play can help keep kids from getting overwhelmed or restless. Time at the playground or in the garten offers space to move and explore, while indoor moments such as STEM explorations and language learning give room for calm and creativity.
5. Encourage Water Play—Safely
Whether it’s swimming or splash pads visiting, water fun is a seasonal favorite. However, safety is our top priority. Stay close and attentive around any body of water, even shallow pools or bathtubs. Teach basic water safety habits as early as possible, and use floatation devices where appropriate.
6. Travel Smart: Keep Safety Top of Mind
If your summer plans include travel, a little forethought can ease the journey. Equip your child with an ID bracelet or tags with contact information. Pack essentials like sunscreen, first aid kits, and comfort items such as their favorite toys or books to reduce your child’s possible anxieties in a foreign environment.
7. Keep a Healthy Balance with Technology
Summer offers a valuable opportunity to step back from screens. Excessive screen time, especially for young children, take away from valuable physical movement and in-person connection.
Instead of overrelying on digital entertainment, encourage children to explore hands-on activities, outdoor games, and creative projects. Set clear expectations around screen use, such as screen-free mornings or tech-free dinners, to help children stay more engaged with their surroundings.
8. Make Space for Discovery and Growth
Summer offers room for discovery, from experimenting with a different art form to picking up a new language. Smart risk-taking experiences can build confidence and resilience, maximizing children’s potential in a nurturing environment. At Tessa summer camp, we encourage age-appropriate challenges and spark their curiosity.
9. Stay Active as a Family
When parents and guardians model an active lifestyle, children are likely to follow. Consider family hiking, reading picnics, or trying recipes from different cultures. All these shared moments build connections while helping everyone stay physically and mentally healthy throughout the summer.
10. Keep Conversations Ongoing
Check in regularly with your child—ask what they are enjoying, what they are learning, and how they are feeling. Open dialogue helps children feel seen and supported, whether they are traveling, staying home, or attending camp.
With thoughtful planning and the right support, summer can be a time of meaningful growth and connection. At Tessa International School, we care deeply about helping families create enriching summer experiences. Our bilingual summer camp brings together fun, learning, and professional support, creating a space where children can truly thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can working parents do with their child(ren) during summer?
Life can be busy. Having a plan in place early helps reduce both you and your child’s stress. If grandparents or other trusted guardians are available, their involvement can provide care and comfort. Many families also benefit from enrolling their child in a quality summer program. Most importantly, stay connected with your child throughout the summer. Even with a busy schedule, small but meaningful family moments support consistent communication with your children to ensure they feel supported and secure.
Q: Is summer learning loss a real thing?
Summer is a variable time for students due to the different learning patterns from the school year. Educational experts advocate for additional summer opportunities to reduce the slowdown or stagnation in students’ learning rates. Structured summer programs, such as Tessa International School’s Summer Camp, can provide a balanced mix of learning and fun, ensuring that children stay intellectually engaged while also enjoying their break.
Read more about how parents can turn summer learning loss into opportunities for children.
Q: How is Tessa International School’s Summer Camp different from other summer programs?
Tessa’s Summer Camp offers age-appropriate, bilingual programs in Spanish, French, and Mandarin. Campers enjoy a balanced mix of outdoor fun with dedicated sports instructors and indoor learning activities. Each week features a new career-themed focus, allowing children to explore real-world topics through hands-on projects. Tessa Summer Camp is a unique blend of language immersion, discovery, and summer excitement.
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