Tips for a Productive Summer Holiday for Kids

Summer holidays, usually between July and September, bring a welcome break from school activities. For kids, it’s often a season of play, fun, and family bonding. But beyond relaxation, this long break is also the perfect chance for children to discover new interests and develop life skills that aren’t always taught in the classroom. These practical and creative abilities boost confidence, independence, and curiosity—preparing them for life both inside and outside school.

Skills can be technical, creative, social, or emotional, and when kids learn them early, they build a strong foundation that goes beyond academics. Instead of letting this holiday slip by, why not help your kids explore something meaningful?

Here are five exciting skills kids can learn this summer—with simple, relatable activities:

1. Arts and Crafts 

Arts and crafts give children the freedom to create something new from simple materials. From painting and drawing to making beaded jewelry or designing greeting cards, these activities sharpen creativity and problem-solving skills.

Try this at home:

Use old cartons to make toy houses or cars.

Collect buttons, beads, or Ankara fabric scraps to design simple jewelry.

Create greeting cards for family and friends with paper, crayons, and glue.

Most materials can be found at home, in local shops, or at nearby markets. It’s fun, affordable, and helps kids express their imagination.

2. Coding 

In today’s digital world, coding is like learning a new language—and kids love it when taught in a fun way. Coding teaches problem-solving, logic, and creativity, and can spark an interest in technology careers.

Try this at home:

Introduce kids to free platforms like Scratch or [Code.org], where they can create games and animations.

Use local tech hubs or holiday coding bootcamps in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt.

Encourage them to build something simple, like a quiz game or a story app.

With supervision, kids not only learn coding but also stay safe online while exploring the tech world.

3. Cooking 

The kitchen is a practical classroom every child can enjoy. Cooking builds responsibility, patience, and confidence—plus, it’s a life skill they’ll use forever.

Try this at home:

Teach them how to boil rice, cook noodles, or fry plantain (with supervision).

Make garri (eba) together, and show them how to stir properly.

Try simple snacks like puff-puff or pancakes on weekends.

By starting with easy meals, kids gradually learn to handle utensils safely and understand the effort behind every dish. Who knows? You may be raising a future chef!

4. Public Speaking 

Public speaking helps kids build courage, clarity, and confidence. Whether in class, church, or family gatherings, being able to express themselves boldly is a skill that will serve them for life.

Try this at home:

Organize a “mini-debate” at home—e.g., “Which is better: rice or yam?”

Encourage them to read Bible verses, poems, or short stories aloud during family time.

Let them make short presentations about something they love (football, cartoons, or their favorite subject).

These small steps reduce stage fright and prepare them for bigger platforms in school or community events.

5. Emotional Intelligence 

Emotional intelligence (EQ) helps children understand their feelings and those of others. It teaches them how to manage anger, show empathy, and maintain healthy relationships with friends and siblings.

Try this at home:

Role-play everyday situations, like sharing toys or resolving conflicts.

Teach them calming techniques, like counting to 10 when upset.

Have open conversations about emotions: ask, “How did you feel today?” or “What made you happy/sad?”

With parental guidance, kids learn to express emotions in healthy ways, resolve conflicts peacefully, and build stronger bonds with others.

Summer Holiday shouldn’t just about passing time—it’s about learning, bonding, and building skills that last a lifetime. Whether through arts and crafts, coding, cooking, public speaking, or developing emotional intelligence, Nigerian kids can use this holiday to grow in fun and meaningful ways.