With summer in full swing, lots of kids (and parents) are going online for ideas to keep busy. At Common Sense, we’re partial to activities that are a little, well, different. We’ve rounded up 30 unique things you and your kids can learn to do online (for free!) by a). watching a video, b). following instructions, or c). reading about a subject.
Note: Many videos include an advertisement at the beginning, and some websites might link off to other topics or websites that might not be appropriate for your kids. We suggest previewing or watching along with your kids.
- Create a constellation jar.
Appreciate the night sky — indoors. - Learn geography and your family’s history.
Printable jigsaw puzzle makes learning fun. - Make it rain.
Simple condensation project for budding scientists. - Construct cardboard-tube binoculars.
A must-have for young explorers. - Paint your toast.
Create edible art with food dye. - Write a “Who I Am” poem.
Creative and thoughtful self-reflection exercise. - Make homemade bubbles.
Blow your friends and family away. - Test for bacteria.
Easy science fun once you have a few supplies. - Modify water guns.
Tons of different ways to tinker with Super Soakers. - Make embossed pendants.
Cool craft for making badges, medals, or coins. - Get a jump on long division.
Easy to master once you follow these instructions. - Construct paper dolls.
You can make these adorable dolls all by yourself. - Teach your dog to roll over.
Good for hours of rewarding fun in the backyard. - Play the Star Wars theme on piano.
Beginning pianists will love adding this to their repertoires. - Concoct ice cream in a bag.
It’s hot out, but this is cool — and tasty. - Whistle with a blade of grass.
The best nature trick ever. - Build a house for fairies.
These can be simple or super complex for fantasy-loving kids. - Invest in stocks and shares.
Soon, kids might be teaching Mom and Dad a thing or two about money. - Set up your own Minecraft server. ?
Minecraft masters will want to try this advanced project. - Face-paint superheroes.
Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, the Hulk, and more. - Understand your prejudices.
We have a lot to learn about each other. - Deal with feeling angry.
A step-by-step guide to getting through strong emotions. - Program software.
Kids, this is your future. Learn it. - Make a balloon animal.
Start with a dog and graduate to giraffes, rhinos, and more. - Disappear a card or coin.
Future magicians have to start somewhere. - Construct a worm composter.
Eco-minded kids will dig into this project. - Grow a plant.
So simple and yet so amazing. - Play Ghost in the Graveyard.
Grab all your friends, go to the park, and have fun. - Sew a tablet case out of jeans.
Kindle? iPad? Whatever you have, it could use some denim. - Build a bird house.
Got a hammer and a few nails? Perfect summer project.
