S is For Summer: Making Summer Learning, Summer Fun!

Let’s be honest — when we think of summer, “learning” usually isn’t the first word that comes to mind.

You might remember being told to read long chapter books while your friends played outside, and the idea of mixing learning with summer fun still feels like a stretch.

But here’s the good news: For toddlers and preschoolers like your little one, summer is actually the perfect time to explore, play, and build early learning skills — all while having tons of fun!

Here are 3 ways to turn summertime fun into summertime learning:

Take It Outside!

Why stay cooped up indoors when the sun is shining? Try moving some of your usual activities outside.

Bring story time to the backyard, set up a little painting station on the patio, or let your child write letters and numbers with sidewalk chalk.

Just being outdoors can spark new creativity and excitement — even for familiar activities.

You might be surprised how quickly a wiggly toddler will settle down with a book when they’re lying on a blanket under a tree!

Create Magic Indoors!

Not every day is sunny — and that’s OK!

Bring the adventure indoors by building a simple pillow fort or a pop-up tent.

Use it as a cozy spot for quiet coloring time, puzzles, or even flashlight bedtime stories.

Reading in a fort with a flashlight? That’s not just learning — that’s magic.

Turn Everyday Learning into a Game

Want to sneak in some letter or color practice?

Make it a scavenger hunt!

Have your child find objects that start with a certain letter, or items in a specific color.

You can play this indoors or outside — in the kitchen, at the park, or even during a walk.

These mini challenges help build important early skills, and your toddler won’t even realize they’re “learning.”

The goal isn’t to create a strict schedule or force lessons — it’s to find joyful ways to help your toddler or preschooler grow.

Whether it’s reading under the stars, painting in the sunshine, or hunting for the letter “A” in the garden, you’re giving your child the gift of discovery.

So let the summer fun begin — and let the learning sneak in right alongside it.