Cincinnati Parent’s Guide to Summer Learning

The next school year will be here before we know it. Do you have a plan to keep your kids’ academic skills sharp over break so they can hit the ground running in the fall? Avoid that “summer slide” with Cincinnati Parent’s Guide to Summer Learning:

Read, read, read 

Stop into any Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County location to register for their Summer Adventure reading program. Pick up an Adventure Kit that includes a passport, free book, voucher for a free view level ticket to a Cincinnati Reds game and a coupon for Coney Island. The passport can be used to record reading and other learning activities all summer long. Throughout the summer, kids can check in weekly at the Library to earn prizes. The library’s reading program is open to everyone from tots to adults, so get everyone in your family on board! {Don’t live in Hamilton County? No problem! Check out our Cincinnati Summer Reading Roundup for a program near you!}

Make math matter 

Math skills, in particular, tend to fizzle if they aren’t practiced over break. Your child’s teacher may have provided math workbook recommendations or math websites to use over break. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County also offers Brain Camps during the summer, which are FREE, week-long camps at specific locations that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) and literacy activities. These camps are free and a fun way to easily integrate math into your child’s day.  

Sneak in some science   

This summer the Cincinnati Museum Center is hosting Summer Camps at Union Terminal, the Cincinnati Observatory, Villa Madonna Academy, Blue Ash Recreation Center, Thomas More College, Greenacres Foundation and Cincinnati Country Day School. Summer Camps run from May 29th through August 10th and boast a variety of themes: LEGO®: Engineering, Crazy Chemistry, Harry Potter, Rocket Science, Amusement Park Jr. and Star Wars Camp. 

Get outside 

There’s no better teacher than Mother Nature and at the Great Parks of Hamilton County and Cincinnati Parks, school’s “in session” all summer! Cincinnati Parks offers many different day camps with interesting themes that make nature fun and engaging for kids. The Great Parks of Hamilton County offer several options as well. The Highfield Discovery Garden has a different class each week with topics ranging from gardening to weather to carnivorous plants. Speaking of plants, Cincinnati Parks’ Krohn Conservatory is the place for young botanists – and the perfect spot to spend a rainy summer afternoon!  

Be active  

Ditch the screens this summer and get moving – because physical exercise keeps your brain active, too! The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati offers plenty of opportunities for families to get some exercise this summer, from summer camps to swim lessons to a variety of family classes. No time for a scheduled activity? No problem. Take the kids to the Loveland Bike Trail, go hiking at the Cincinnati Nature Center, try geocaching at one of the Great Parks of Hamilton County or simply let the kids run wild at one of Cincinnati’s wow-worthy playgrounds.   

Summer is a great time to leave the routine of the school day behind, but don’t let your kids take a complete mental vacation! By devoting some time over break to activities that promote learning, your kids will be in a good place when that first day of school rolls around again!  

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