Hot Topics     Early Education     K-12    

Fun, free activities for kids this summer



If you're tired of "I'm bored", check these out

free activities for kids this summer

EiE®, the award-winning curricula division of the Museum of Science, Boston

Explore engineering as a family! You’ll be challenged to design solutions to everyday problems. What will you design? A zip line? A speaker? A slow-drip watering system? These activities are a great way for your family to develop skills like critical thinking, communication, creativity, and persistence. They’re also a lot of fun! They develop research-based, classroom-tested programs that empower children to become lifelong STEM learners and passionate problem solvers. Since 2003, EiE® has designed their PreK-8 curricula to encourage all children, including those from underrepresented groups, to see themselves as engineers. Flexible print, online and blended hands-on programs bring engineering, science and computer science together to prepare today’s students for a fast-paced, global, technology-savvy future.

Free activities to do with your child this summer that are fun and help your child grow. These themed activities were designed with you and your child in mind! Ages Birth through 5. All resources and courses on Cox Campus are completely free and available to educators, families, and community leaders around the world.

DIY ideas by age. There are tons of things to do on this site with your kids. Sign up for their newsletter for even more fun. The top categories are Quick and Easy Experiments, Engineering and Building, Quick and Easy Crafts, Recycled Creations, Kitchen Science, and Space Exploration.


Free summer mini-courses that will spark curiosity and cultivate a sense of wonder. Master teachers bring great literature, science and history to life—all through the lens of a biblical worldview. Don’t be surprised if these courses leave your child wanting to explore a given subject even further.

Play educational games, watch videos, and create art with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, and more of your favorite Sesame Street muppets! Videos, playful learning activities, and ways to help families stay physically and mentally healthy. 

Educational games and videos from Curious George, Wild Kratts and other PBS KIDS shows! Sign up for their newsletter for even more fun.

Coolmath Games is a brain-training site, for everyone, where logic & thinking & math meets fun & games. Strategy, skill, number, and logic games. There are also drawing, multi-player, word, geography games and more.

National Geographic Kids
Big-headed mole rats specialize in digging tunnels. Learn more amazing facts about these amazing creatures with National Geographic Kids. Play games, watch videos, learn about animals and more.

Play free kids games, watch videos, and explore activities, quirky quizzes and fun facts. So many things explained you won't know where to start.

Children's website that teaches basic English reading and writing skills. The main demographic is preschoolers, and kindergarteners. It teaches children how to read by using games and phonics.

For even more fun and games check out Fun and Free Educational Websites for Kids from Very Well Family



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Celebrate cozy season with a creamy, comforting meal

    Super soup that is easy to make

    A snug sweater, a crackling fire and a meal that warms you from the inside out are perfect ways to spend a cool autumn evening with the people you love. read more »
  • Simple, flavorful fall dessert

    A yummy recipe your family will love

    If your family’s taste buds have grown tired of apple-inspired fall desserts, simply look toward another quintessential autumn flavor: pumpkin. Quick and easy to prepare using a spice cake mix that provides all the flavor without the stress, this cake can be dressed to impress at a fall gathering or served after weeknight dinner. read more »
  • A go-to sweet potato side

    Treat yourself and your family to this simple dish

    Sweet potatoes seem to scream “fall,” especially this roasted version that pairs well with a wide variety of family favorites like fried chicken. It can be your go-to recipe when comfort cravings call for a savory (not sweet) side. read more »
  • Keep cold and flu season at bay

    4 top tips from experts

    It doesn’t take much for cold and flu symptoms to take over. Even a mild case of the sniffles can make navigating everyday life's demands difficult. It’s virtually impossible to avoid germs altogether, but you can ensure you’re ready to fight off an infection, whether a minor cold or a full-blown case of the flu. read more »
  • What you don't know can hurt

    3 facts about updated COVID-19 vaccines

    Four and a half years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are once again enjoying time with friends and family and doing their favorite things. However, the virus that causes COVID-19 keeps changing, so it’s still important to stay up to date on your vaccinations. read more »
  • Fall Respiratory Virus Vaccines

    What pregnant people need to know

    Fall brings cooler days and more time indoors. This makes it easier for viruses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to spread. These illnesses can be especially risky for pregnant people and newborns. read more »
  • DEC’s 3rd annual Fall Foliage Photo Contests

    Show off your photography skills

    DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced the return of DEC’s 3rd annual Fall Foliage Photo Contests. The two photo contests are a popular way for New Yorkers and visitors to show off the incredible array of fall foliage throughout New York State during October. read more »
  • The truth about women and heart disease

    7 steps you can take

    Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Although it is largely preventable, each year more than 300,000 women, or 1 in every 5, die from heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. read more »
  • Tips to be prepared for cooler weather

    The cold makes it easier for viruses to spread

    Although cold weather isn’t directly to blame when you get sick, it creates an environment that makes it easier for germs and illnesses to thrive. Understanding how cooler temperatures affect your chances of getting sick may be your best approach for preventive care. read more »
  • Get Outside, Get Offline

    Participate in Fish and Wildlife Day events September 28

    The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (State Parks) encourage New Yorkers to give back to the State lands and sites they treasure and get outdoors by participating in stewardship events for Fish and Wildlife Day on Saturday, Sept. 28. read more »