Summer Activities for Kids | Mom Life

We are one month into summer which means there is absolutely no time to waste! As a kid, my parents always made sure that my siblings and I do not sit around the whole summer vacation doing nothing at home. Our summer schedule included one or two out of town vacations, unlimited trips to the beach, and one summer workshop that we love. My brothers were always in Basketball classes up until they got themselves in their school varsity teams. My sister from what I can remember always spent her summers with my grandmother or playing badminton. I, on the other hand, had numerous summer activities from weekly playdates to ballet lessons and my soccer practices during Highschool. Yes, we were always busy and my mom was always on- the point being the all-around superstar at home. This is why I really want to follow her footsteps and guide my sons to a healthier and active lifestyle.

The generation today cannot be compared to what we used to have. Kids from a very young age have their own little iPads and Tablets and would prefer staying in rather than going outside to play. I don’t want to be a hypocrite, yes Aiden has his own tablet as a gift from my mother but he would never refuse to play outside. His screen time is very limited to an hour before he sleeps just so he calms himself down and get tired. I remember my husband telling me that in Canada it doesn’t matter how cold it is, they were not allowed inside the house during summer. Their mom would always have them play with their friends outside. Nowadays when you ask a kid to play outside they would give a look and respond “To do what?” it is RIDICULOUS. The worst part is, it’s not only the kid’s fault why they are so used to staying inside the house. The moms of our generation have been lazy in a way, they prefer having their kids inside so they can watch them easier. I get it, I totally do. It’s hard to keep an eye on our kids when they play outside. It’s easier to keep them inside and entertained, but a little time outdoors will never hurt anyone. It’s the simple sacrifices we make for our kids and I swear it will go a long way.

In Davao City, here are a lot of fun activities for kids to enjoy but the question is, which one is the best for our loved ones? I’ve compiled a few summer activities geared towards different interests for our kids.

1. CROCS  FC SUMMER SOCCER CLINIC

This is where I enrolled Aiden for his summer activity, obviously because I used to play soccer and I am an inspiring soccer mom. Lol. This is perfect for kids who have a lot of energy like my son Aiden. They accept kids starting 3 years old and above. Kids will be grouped according to age but don’t worry about your older kids who want to give this sport a shot because they will be guided properly by the coaches. I love this workshop simply because Aiden really looks forward to his soccer classes at the same time my little Travis can run around and play under the sun. If the sun is your concern don’t fret moms because there is shade for soccer moms and dads to chill while waiting for their kids to finish. Honestly, it’s also great for moms because we can breathe fresh air and be around nature rather than sitting at home watching TV. I always wear something sporty when I’m there so I can also do a little exercise while my kids are being entertained. The first batch of lessons just ended and they will resume on May 2.

Things to know:

Enrollment Fee: Php 3,500.00 good for 12 sessions

Days: Monday-Wednesday- Friday & Saturday 3:30 PM- 5:30 PM

Venue: Davao Crocodile Park Grounds

Requirements:

• Players registration form
• Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate
• Soccer Ball
• Shin Guards
• Soccer Shoes
• Soccer Outfit
• 2×2 photo of your child

Contact details: 0917-660-4294/ 0933-860-1711

2. SUMMER BAKING CLASSES

This type of summer activity is popular nowadays because it’s not just fun for kids but we also teach our children how to be independent and confident around the kitchen. Personally, this is very important because I’ve seen from a lot of kids that they cannot be independent enough to get themselves something to eat when their parents or yayas are not around. Baking lessons are focused on providing a safe and fun environment for little bakers to explore and discover their own creative points of view. You never know what your child can do if they don’t try new things right? They are open to kids from 5 years old and up where they have a hands-on baking session and decorating class. Let your child’s creativity go wild with their fun decorating activities! They will not only learn how to bake in the kitchen but will have a good place to meet new friends along the way. Each student will bring home their baked goods with a certificate of completion to their proud parents. Everything will be provided so the kids will just have to show up in their best baking gear!  Since the time will be from 9-3PM the sessions will also provide for the student’s lunch. 

Things to Know:

Enrollment Fee: Php 4,000.00 for 2 days

Date and Time: May 5&6 2018, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Venue: Coffee and Cakes Corner Jade Valley, Diversion RD Buhangin Davao City

Contact Information: 0945-342-7519/ 0933-961-2638

3. MCDONALD’S KIDDIE CREW

I think everyone has seen those little Kiddie Crews assist the staff of McDonald’s at least once in their lives. Those cute little kids in red uniforms taking orders and waiting by the Drive-thru exits for customers to claim their meals. I always get excited when Summer starts because the kids of McDonald’s Kiddie crew are always so cute! I’ve always wondered what those little kids do in the kitchen and if they really enjoy serving people in this popular fast food chain, and I finally discovered the answer. Last Saturday we were invited along with other members of Davao Bloggers Society to a one- day Kiddie Crew activity in McDonald’s Bajada. I brought with me both kids with me but only Aiden was old enough to join the activities.

 

 

 

 

This summer activity is a must for every child! They will really love being part of a group and being able to do things that adults do for a living. They are now on their 26th annual summer program and they have been improving year after year (I know this because I took my nephew to McDonald’s Kiddie Crew when he was younger). Their play-based activities will allow the children to learn values, discover new talents, socialize and build confidence. The Kiddie Crew Workshop has already started last April 2 but they have more workshop dates which will be listed down below. Their programs will last 2 hours a day for the 5 days workshop. They also have a 3-day workshop that runs for 3 hours a day.

Things to know:

Weekday Workshop (5- day workshop for 2 hours each) Php695.00

Week 5 APRIL 30- MAY 4

Week 6 MAY 7-11

Week 7  MAY 14-18

Week 8 MAY 21-25

Week 9 MAY 28- JUNE 1

Week 10 JUNE 4-8

Week 11 JUNE 11-15

Week 12 JUNE 18-22

Weekend Workshop (2-day Workshop for 3 hours each) Php595.00

Week 4 APRIL 28-29

Week 5 MAY 5-6

Week 6 MAY 12-13

Week 7 MAY 19-20

Week 8 MAY 26-27

Week 9 JUNE 2-3

Week 10 JUNE 9-10

Week 11 JUNE 16-17

4. BASKETBALL CLINIC

 

The most popular game in the Philippines has to be basketball. Everywhere you go there will be a group of boys playing this game may it be in a covered court with their branded shoes or the on the side of the street running around barefooted. This is a game that every Filipino boy needs to learn because one way or another they will bound to play this game. Growing up the sound of balls bouncing in our hallways and the smell of sweaty uniforms has been normal for our house. Both of my brothers loved playing basketball that they managed to be chosen for their school’s varsity team. Weekends in basketball courts cheering for my brothers (and shamefully became their muse in their small league) and getting angry at players even if I don’t know how to play the game has been part of my childhood. Not only is Basketball a great way to keep the kids active, they learn sportsmanship, teamwork and they can test their limits while having fun with new friends.

iT! Athletics was created by Coach Art Talley who came to the Philippines with the vision to teach the youth about Basketball with the intentions to sway them away from the evils of the world. Putting your kids into sports will truly help their character and confidence. iT! Athletics is one of the best and most affordable basketball workshops you can find in Davao City. Their schedules have been packed with new and old students which only means that the kids keep coming back for a reason. They enjoy the game!

Things to Know:

Monday to Friday Practices

2 P.M. to 4 P.M.

10 Sessions per batch

Fee: Php2,100.00

Php 1,500 for registration

Php 600 for Uniform

5. SWITO DIGITAL STORYTELLING PHILIPPINES

Some kids nowadays cannot be forced into playing sports, and yes some would think that this is a bad thing but honestly it’s all about how you approach them. It is OK, for kids not to like sports or crafts. They need to be supported with what they want to do rather than growing up with parents forcing them to do something they clearly do not have interest in. My nephew is the same way, he is not into sports and he prefers staying at home creating things. We tried enrolling him to taekwondo but that only lasted a few months because he switched to badminton. After a few weeks of badminton, he wanted to try basketball. It was frustrating for my sister because all these new activities came with a cost, from the lessons she had to pay for the uniforms and gear he needs. Currently, he has been drawing and creating art a little bit more. Instead of watching useless cartoons on YouTube we catch him watching sketching tutorials. Kids are not only unpredictable but they are also stubborn. They switch from one thing to another and its OK, they need to test their limits and discover new things. They have to given the chance to explore what the world can offer. Given my nephew’s line of interest, I searched online for digital art classes and came across Swito Digital Storytelling Philippines. From what I picked up, they teach children how to make their own digital comics or webcomics. The class is great for little artists who want to push themselves a little further by creating them into comics. This is a great way to shape their creativity as a child plus they get to meet kids with the same line of interest as them.

Andrea C. Taylor

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