As a registered dietitian and busy mom to 2 energetic boys, keeping my kids entertained and well-fed during the summer is a full-time job! That’s why I love finding activities and snacks that keep them active, engaged, and of course, satisfied. Here are a few of our favorite summer activities along with snack ideas featuring Natural Delights Medjool Dates.
Creating a DIY backyard water park is a great way to keep the kids cool and entertained on those hot summer days. Simply connect your sprinklers and/or slip 'n slide to your hose and position them in the backyard. Add a few water toys and ensure the area is safe for running and playing. Let the kids have fun and enjoy running through the sprinklers, sliding down the slip 'n slide, and playing with the water toys.
Snack Idea: Caramel Coconut Energy Balls
After all of that splashing around, refuel the kiddos with these Caramel Coconut Energy Balls made with Natural Delights Medjool Dates. Dates are a natural sweetener packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making these energy balls delicious and nutritious.
An outdoor movie night is a fun way to spend a summer evening. Set up a projector and a screen (or a white sheet) in the backyard, lay out some blankets and pillows, and watch a movie under the stars. Be sure to choose a family-friendly movie that everyone will like, and once it gets dark, start the movie, and enjoy the night under the stars.
Snack Idea: Medjool Date Popcorn Balls
No movie night is complete without popcorn! These Medjool Date Ooey Gooey Popcorn Balls are a fun twist on the classic snack. The Medjool dates add a natural sweetness and stickiness, making these popcorn balls a healthier alternative to traditional caramel popcorn.
From water balloon tosses to water balloon fights, there are so many ways to have fun with water balloons. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to keep the kids active and laughing all afternoon. To execute, fill up a large number of water balloons and store them in buckets. Next, decide on games like water balloon toss, water balloon dodgeball, or a water balloon relay race. Mark the play area and be sure to explain the rules and safety precautions before starting. And last but not least, have fun!
Snack Idea: PB and Chocolate Smoothie
After all the running and splashing, a refreshing smoothie is the perfect treat! This PB and Chocolate Smoothie featuring Medjool dates is a favorite in our home. The dates add a boost of nutrients, while the peanut butter provides a satisfying source of protein and healthy fats.
A nature scavenger hunt is a great way to get the kids exploring and learning about the world around them. It’s also a great way to keep the kids moving and active during the summer. Make a list of items to find, such as different types of leaves, rocks, flowers, and insects. Give each child a copy of the scavenger hunt list and a bag or basket to collect their findings. Select a safe and interesting outdoor area like a park, garden, or nature trail and accompany the kids on their fun scavenger hunt adventures.
Snack Idea: Sweet and Spicy Trail Mix
A good scavenger hunt requires a good snack, and this Sweet and Spicy Trail Mix is the perfect choice. This trail mix is made with tasty ingredients such as Natural Delights Medjool Date Strips with Tajín, nuts, and a blend of spices, making it the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
These fun summer activities paired with nutritious snacks are a great way to keep the kids happy, healthy, and entertained all season long. Happy summer!
Andrea Mathis, MA, RDN, LD (also known as Andy) is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and owner of the nourishing food blogs Beautiful Eats & Things, and Little Eats & Things. She is also the author of The Complete Book of Smoothies: 115 Healthy Recipes to Nourish, Heal, and Energize and the owner of The Beautiful Eats & Things Shop. Her unconventional approach to providing wholesome recipes has been featured in national media outlets including Good Morning America, Women’s Health, Prevention, Huff Post, and Shape. When she’s not running after her two boys, Andy enjoys creating content to encourage body positivity.
Subscribe for fresh recipes, helpful tips, and exclusive offers!
