Summer Activities

The summer winds are a welcome relief during the hot days where temperatures have hit 30 degrees Celsius. The way these winds are more than just a relief during these hot summer days, the holidays are a much-needed break after a very taxing year.

For any person to operate at optimum levels, a fresh mind and body is essential. As parents, carers, or siblings we know we can be better for our children when we’re rested and in a good state of mind. Our children deserve a good recharge over the holiday, before the start of the new term when expectations of learning and working hard will return.

Considering the limited travel options available to us as well as financial constraints, here are a few ideas to make this a summer to remember for our young ones (and us!). With a focus on ensuring we perform our Salah on time, recite Quran daily, it is also important to work with our children and their interests. Remember whilst they are young, their hobbies and interests can be developed and honed, we are able to work with them to ensure they are in line with the Quran and Sunnah.

• A staycation holiday is the most immediate choice, exploring the country we live in, allowing ourselves and our children to appreciate the landscapes on our doorstep will be eye-opening, fostering a sense of appreciation in our hearts.
• Bike rides, an important skill and an a very effective form of exercise. Children love the feeling of getting around in an independent way.
• Picnic in a local park.
• Visit a local market, to find some very natural fruit and veg items. Have a cook off or simply cook a meal together.
• Visit a car boot sale/ flea market to sniff out some hidden gems where people are selling their old items. A challenge to see who can spend £5 and get the best value for money. Parent v Child!
• Science experiments are a good way for parents to try some of those cool tricks their science teachers would do. Children love to feel involved in doing such cool things!
• Chalk drawings in the garden and on the pavement outside is one way to get the outside of the house decorated as you’ve always wanted it!
• Fly a kite with your young ones and watch them marvel at how the kite bobs and weaves with the wind.
• Water play is another exciting one. From water guns to water balloons to a simple bucket with water to splash in, children love the freedom to spray and make a mess with water.
• Family story time- Visit the local library or share a book in a dedicated reading corner with all members of the household.
• Play family board games, The Nasihah Adventure or other similar games.
• Visit local farms, zoo or museums
• House chores – Encourage young ones to assist around the house, cleaning their room to washing the car.
• Exercise and Workout together with older kids- walks, running etc
• Scavenger hunts / orienteering
• Build a fort or a tent with your children
• Arts and Crafts – Have a paint off, simply enjoy some quality colouring time with young ones.
• BBQ with the family and share some food with neighbours and friends
• Gardening – also help a neighbour do some lawn mowing etc
• Swimming – The local swimming pool may have sessions appropriate for our young ones.
• Cooking/ Baking – Encourage young ones to help an adult cook a meal each day. Consider having a bake-off between parent and child or between siblings.
• Fruit Picking – Find a local farm where you can pick your own fruit, an amazing learning experience.
• Walk/ Hike – Local walking trails always throw up nice surprises. Make the walk different, by cleaning up any rubbish/ trash found on the walk.
• Watch a sunrise or sunset – A peaceful time appreciating the greatness of the sun’s creator!

There are many more fun activities to do with our young ones, the best suggestion to offer is ask them what they would like to do. Listen to them, be there for them, and remember we can be soft and loving with our young ones as the Prophet ﷺ loved his grandsons and children very much. Share your own ideas via Instagram @an.nasihah.official

Usamah ibn Zayd reported:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would put me on one of his thighs and he would put Hasan ibn Ali on his other thigh. Then, the Prophet ﷺ would hug us and he would say, ‘O Allah, be merciful to them as I am merciful to them.’” (Sahih Bukhari)

We pray to Allah to bless us, make us the best of carers for our children, make us the best of role models for our young ones and accept our efforts.