Summer is here and we’re ready for pool days, backyard barbecues, and activities en familia. But just because it’s summer break doesn’t mean it’s time to stop learning. This season, lean into all the exciting STEAM activities to inspire kids’ imaginations.
Before you worry about setting up elaborate science experiments or buying detailed workbooks, remember that STEAM activities can include all sorts of things, from visiting museums, to walking around the neighborhood, to seeing movies like Disney and Pixar’s ELIO that celebrate an interest in STEAM subjects and encourage kids to pursue their passions. Parents know that almost every child has a fascination with a specific STEAM topic — from bugs, to bridges, to space (like Elio) — so it’s important to embrace their interests.
Here are some tips for keeping kids learning all summer long:
- Go to a children’s museum: Kids learn best when they’re playing and getting hands-on experience. At children’s museums, they can do all of that and more! Gather up the family and spend a morning exploring a museum — who knows, you might even learn something, too!
- Check out books from the library: Learning doesn’t have to cost money! Head to your local library to pick up some books. If you want, you can even make the library visit an entire activity; check their calendar for children’s events, hang out in their communal areas, and pick the brain of the librarian on duty.
- Watch ELIO in theaters: Disney and Pixar’s new movie introduces Elio, a young boy obsessed with space and aliens. When he’s beamed up to an interplanetary organization and accidentally becomes Earth’s representative, Elio has to learn to work with aliens and navigate an intergalactic crisis. Throughout the film, he learns to embrace his interests and find who he truly is. With themes of friendship and belonging, unconventional families, and self-discovery, this movie has a little something for everyone. For additional ELIO themed activities, check out this official ELIO Activity Pack available to download.
- Do simple science experiments in the backyard: You don’t have to leave your property to learn — head to your backyard (or courtyard, or any kid-friendly outdoor area) and do some science experiments. Need some suggestions? Show them what happens when they combine baking soda and vinegar, test out different soap recipes to find the best bubbles, create your own “galactic” slime, or build a simple solar oven and make s’mores. Just how we see Elio create his own capes, helmets, and detailed research charts about space, introducing your little ones to science through everyday items at home will make the subject more approachable when it comes time to learn about it at school.
- Visit a planetarium: If your little one loves space like Elio, they’ll love visiting a planetarium. They have fantastic immersive theater experiences — just make sure to find a showing that’s kid-friendly.
- Go on a nature walk around your neighborhood: Spend some time outside learning about the environment by going on a nature walk around your neighborhood. Look for leaves, plants, trees, bugs, animals, and more. If you want, you can even make it into a scavenger hunt. And who knows … you might encounter an unlikely friend or two just how Elio meets his BFF Glordon!
- Try a robotics project: What kid doesn’t want their very own robot? Help them achieve their dream by buying a simple robotics kit. They might need your assistance to get started, but they’ll feel so accomplished when they’ve created their very first robot.
- Take an art class: STEAM isn’t just about math and science, it also encompasses art! Sign your child up for an art class, or try an art experience as a family (like painting pottery, learning how to make mosaics, or creating a mural). Or channel the galactic vibes in ELIO by creating an out of this world tie dye T-shirt design from the comfort of your home!
Catch Disney Pixar’s ELIO, only in theaters June 20. Tickets are available now at Fandango.
