6 Tips to Keep Kids Active & Engaged This Summer

As Manitoba’s largest child care provider—and the host of many summer youth camps and programs, including welcoming over 2,500 Day Campers at all branches and 1,000 kids to Camp Stephens—the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg is here to help with expert advice and practical tips from our team.

The Challenge of Summer for Parents and Kids

Summer means a break from school routines, but it also brings challenges for parents. How do you balance work and keep your children entertained?

The ParticipACTION 2024 Children & Youth Report Card highlights that there's a great opportunity to increase physical activity, as currently only 39% of children and youth in Canada meet the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day.

Similarly, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CESP) notes that summer is the perfect time to reduce screen time, as more than 60% of children exceed the recommended two hours of recreational screen time per day during these months.

Luckily, YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg offers many programs to keep kids active and engaged—and we’ve included some top tips from our child experts below to help you get started!

#1 – Get outside! 

Exploring new places keeps kids interested and active. Visiting different playgrounds and parks is great for physical activity and making new friends.

Try activities like tennis or basketball at various courts around the city to keep it fun.

Summer is the perfect time to explore new neighbourhoods and make new friends by visiting as many parks as you can.  

Whether your family loves hiking, biking, or simply playing on playgrounds, Winnipeg offers a wealth of outdoor spaces to discover.

Winnipeg’s interactive parks and open space map is a great way to find new places to explore. 

#2 – Add Structure with Day Camps 

"Day Camps give kids the chance to try new activities, stay active, and make new friends," says Jenny Stuesser, General Manager, Community Programs.

Day Camps can be a game-changer for parents looking for structured, engaging activities for their children. These camps offer various activities, from sports to arts and crafts, ensuring that kids stay active and make new friends.

"We're excited to welcome over 2,500 Day Campers this summer," says Stuesser. "Reintroducing downtown camps shows our commitment to the community."

Nearly 400 kids are attending Day Camps this summer through our financial assistance program. Spaces may still be open—check availability online!

#3 – Enjoy a Picnic

Taking meals outside makes them more fun and encourages family bonding—picnics can turn a simple lunch into a fun adventure.

Try having a picnic in the park or your backyard. Eating outside can make meals more enjoyable and gives you a chance to spend quality time together.

#4 – Make a Splash—But Swim Safely 

"Swimming is a fantastic way for kids to stay active and have fun," says Andrea Usackis, Aquatics Specialist at the Y. "But even strong swimmers need supervision, and learning to swim is an essential skill for safety and confidence in the water."

Summer often means time spent around pools and beaches, making it important to ensure children are supervised at all times. Enrolling your children in swim lessons can build their confidence and safety skills in the water.

YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg offers numerous aquatics programs throughout the summer—including drop-in lessons—providing a safe and fun environment for children to learn and grow.

#5 – Plant a Garden

Gardening teaches kids about nature and responsibility. It's also rewarding to see what they grow. Whether it's flowers or food, the process of planting, nurturing, and harvesting teaches valuable life lessons.

Gardening, whether big or small, helps children learn about nature and responsibility. Plus, it’s exciting to harvest your own fruits, vegetables, or flowers.

#6 – Be Creative with Unstructured Time 

“Unstructured time can lead to boredom for kids, but it's also a chance for creativity,” says Ashleigh Maryk, Manager, School Age Child Care. “Try creating a 'boredom jar' with your kids. A boredom jar is a great tool for those ‘I’m bored!’ moments.”

Ashleigh suggests filling it with fun ideas like building a fort, creating art projects, or starting a mini science experiment. This can inspire them when they can't think of something to do.

Financial Assistance & Community Support 

At YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, we believe every child should have the chance to enjoy a fun and active summer. Our financial assistance program helps make this possible.

"Through our financial assistance program, we've supported nearly 400 kids to attend our Day Camps this summer," notes Kevin Hunter, Vice President of Philanthropy, Engagement and Impact. "This ensures that all children, regardless of financial background, can enjoy what the Y has to offer."

Learn more about our Member Access Program for fee assistance eligibility.