Take your little one on a hike or walk and create a Nature Bracelet!

A nature bracelet is an easy craft that includes moving around. Take some masking tape and wrap it around your child’s wrist with the tape facing out. As you walk encourage your child to find leaves, flowers and other pieces of nature to place on their beautiful bracelet!

You've heard of a car wash, now you can try a toy wash! Have your child bring their toys outside and clean them with soap and water. This is a great way to stay cool in the warm months and it will help to teach your child how to take care of their personal objects.

Save paper by investing in chalk! Allow your child to create a beautiful piece of art and use the opportunity to teach them about weather and how the chalk will go away. If they get nervous or sad, just remind them that they can make a brand new drawing! Another option is to create obstacle courses with the chalk like hopscotch, jumping, walking like a crab and more! Get creative and your child will have a blast!

Children who spend time outside are often physically healthier, more engaged in learning, more positive in both behavior and mood and mentally healthier. Spending time playing outside is a positive way to get out energy for children of all ages. (American Academy of Pediatrics)

Simple rules to protect your family from sunburns:

Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. Find shade under a tree, an umbrella, or the stroller canopy.

Dress yourself and your children in cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body when possible. Think lightweight cotton pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats.

Select clothes made with a tight weave, which protect better than clothes with a looser weave.

Tip: If you're not sure how tight a fabric's weave is, hold it up to see how much light shines through. The less light, the better. Or you can look for protective clothing labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF).

Wear a hat with an all-around 3-inch brim to shield the face, ears, and back of the neck.

Limit your sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

Wear sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection. Look for youth-sized sunglasses with UV protection for your child.

Use sunscreen (see more below).

Make sure everyone in your family knows how to protect their skin and eyes. Remember to set a good example by practicing sun safety yourself.

American Academy of Pediatrics

Summer reading is necessary to keep your child growing throughout the months off from school.

Reading over the summer will prevent summer learning loss.

Children who read more books are able to increase their fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

Allow your child to choose books based on their interests, that will make reading more enjoyable.

Visit your local public library for access to resources, events and activities for your child throughout the summer.

California Library Association

Here are some summer reading lists for different age groups: