What Should My Child Do This Summer? Meaningful Fun by Age Group

When the final bell rings and backpacks hit the floor, summer officially begins. But for many parents in The Woodlands, the question quickly follows: How can I help my child stay engaged without burning out—or tuning out—during the break?

The best summers mix fun and learning, without pressure. Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, here’s how to make summer a time of growth, discovery, and even rest.

Elementary School: Fuel Curiosity Through Everyday Adventures

At this stage, kids are naturally wired to wonder. You don’t need rigid schedules to keep their minds working—just the right kinds of experiences.

• Explore nature in your own backyard or on local trails. Let them collect leaves, track bugs, or journal what they observe.

• Cook together. Reading recipes, measuring ingredients, and understanding steps builds math and literacy skills.

• STEM kits and art boxes (like KiwiCo or Little Passports) give them the freedom to build and imagine at their own pace.

  
  

Great summer reads:Zoey and Sassafras series, Magic Tree House, or Ways to Make Sunshine

Learning tools to try:Khan Academy Kids, PBS Summer Learning Hub, or Bedtime Math

Middle School: Nurture Responsibility + Real-World Thinking

Middle schoolers need independence—but still benefit from structure. Summer is a great time to strengthen responsibility, explore passions, and take ownership of learning.

• Encourage passion projects. Whether it’s coding, painting, or building a business plan, let them run with it.

• Introduce basic money skills. Apps like Greenlight or games from BizKids make financial literacy feel relevant.

• Volunteer locally at a library, community garden, or animal shelter to build confidence and empathy.

Books they’ll enjoy:The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, New Kid, I Will Always Write Back

Good online options:

Outschool for creative classes, Duolingo to pick up a language, Code.org for tech lovers

High School: Build Skills That Matter Later

For high schoolers, summer is more than a break—it’s a window for growth. This is the time to think about next steps: jobs, college, and careers.

• Shadow a professional. Let them see what a “day in the life” looks like—accountant, vet, architect, or engineer.

• Pursue an online certificate. Courses on Coursera or Next Gen Personal Finance teach useful skills early.

• Start a portfolio. Whether it’s writing, design, or a passion project, it helps them stand out later.

Books to explore:Outliers, Atomic Habits, The Alchemist

Online ideas:College Board’s BigFuture for planning, Next Gen for money, Coursera for certification

What my child should do this summer? Final thoughts.

Summer doesn’t need to feel academic to have value. The goal isn’t to replicate school—it’s to create space for confidence, curiosity, and growth in a low-pressure way.

At Discovery School of Innovation, a private school in The Woodlands, we believe the best learning happens when students are encouraged to explore—not just perform. That includes summer.

If you’re thinking ahead to next school year and want a place that nurtures independence, deeper learning, and future-ready thinking, we’d love to talk. Reach out to schedule a visit or learn more about our programs for curious learners.