So your child isn’t going to camp this summer. Now what?
Are you trying to find summer activities for kids? If you’re a parent of a tween (aged 10-14) you might be wondering how to keep your child busy, active, and off their screens this summer — especially if you’re balancing work and other responsibilities. The good news? There are lots of meaningful and affordable summer activities for kids in Vaughan and the GTA that don’t involve expensive programs or full-time camp commitments.
This article is all about giving you real, practical ideas to keep your kids busy — and maybe even happy — during summer vacation.
1. Build a Weekly Routine That Gives Them Some Control
Children in this age group are in that in-between phase — not quite little kids, but not fully independent teens. Giving them some structure while also letting them feel some autonomy can go a long way. Sit down together and map out a weekly routine that includes:
- Chores (yes, really — this is a great age to get more involved at home)
- Creative time (drawing, building, coding, etc.)
- Outdoor time (maybe a walk to Dollarama)
- Free time (do they really need to be programmed every second of every day?)
- One bigger outing or activity each week
Try printing out a weekly calendar and putting it on the fridge so expectations are clear — for both of you.
2. Explore Local Free or Low-Cost Programs
There are many drop-in or one-off events offered around the city. Here are just a few:
- The City of Vaughan offers free and low-cost community events and rec programs all summer long. Visit the Vaughan Recreation Page
- Check your local public library – they often have free programs for kids in this age group like robotics, arts, or creative writing.
- Head over to Binder Twine Park or Kortright Centre for a nature walk or free scavenger hunt day.
These local outings can be built right into your child’s weekly summer plan — and they often give parents a break, too.
3. Give Kids a Summer Project to Own
Projects give kids a sense of purpose and achievement — and help fill a lot of time.
Some ideas:
- Create and run their own lemonade stand
- Write and illustrate a comic book
- Start a small garden or balcony planter
- Learn a new skill (basic cooking, a musical instrument, photography)
The idea is to pick something that takes more than a day to finish, so they have a reason to come back to it. Let them take the lead, but check in regularly to keep things moving.
4. Focus on Social Time (in Real Life)
Let’s be honest — many kids today socialize through screens. But in-person social time is critical for healthy emotional development, especially in this age group.
Help them plan some regular, screen-free social time with friends or cousins. Some ideas:
- Weekly bike rides to the park
- Invite friends over for a DIY pizza night
- Plan mini sports tournaments with neighbours
- Encourage volunteering with friends at local organizations (even walking dogs or helping a neighbour can count)
Not only does this build their confidence, but it also reduces the risk of isolation and anxiety — something we see often in our clinic with kids this age.
For more tips on child and teen mental health, check out our article: The Mind-Body Connection is Amazing!
5. Know That Boredom Isn’t a Bad Thing
This may surprise you, but boredom can actually be healthy. When children don’t have every minute scheduled for them, they’re more likely to develop creativity, resilience, and independent problem-solving skills.
That said, if you notice your child withdrawing, isolating, or becoming unusually down, it might be time to speak with a professional. At Health & Happiness: Counselling and Wellness, we offer support for kids ages 7+ to help them build confidence and cope with the emotional ups and downs of growing up — even in the summer. You can call email admin@hhcw.ca for more information.
Final Thoughts
Summer doesn’t have to be expensive, packed, or perfectly planned to be good for your child. With the right balance of structure, independence, and meaningful activities, your child can still have a great summer — even without camp.
And hey — if all else fails, a backyard water balloon fight still works wonders.
Want to talk to someone about your child’s emotional wellbeing this summer?
Reach out to us at www.hhcw.ca or email me directly at kevin@hhcw.ca.
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