Start Summer Vacation with a Bang!

As the school year wraps up and the days grow longer, families everywhere are looking forward to the joys of early summer. 

Before the fireworks and fanfare of Independence Day arrive, there's a special window in June that's perfect for making memories, starting new traditions, and spending quality time together without stretching your wallet.

At Hollow Woodworks, we believe the best summer days don't require expensive tickets or elaborate plans. 

All you need is a little creativity, a love for play, and timeless toys that inspire imagination. 

If you're looking for ways to make the most of early summer, here are a few fun, budget-friendly activities that are perfect for families and great ways to keep kids engaged at the start of summer vacation.

Backyard Toy Olympics

There's no need to leave home to enjoy a bit of healthy competition. Turn your backyard or local park into a mini Olympic arena using your children's favorite wooden toys and classic outdoor games.

• Set up a ring toss game with wooden hoops
• Host a balancing race using toys on heads or wooden spoons
• Create an obstacle course with stacking blocks or jump ropes
• Award handmade medals for fun categories like "Most Creative" or "Fastest Lap."

This friendly competition is a great way to promote teamwork and physical activity while having fun in the sun.

Picnic and Playtime at the Park

Few things say "summer" like a simple picnic in the shade!

Pack your favorite snacks, a blanket, and a basket of quiet playtime options like wooden puzzles, stacking toys, or animal figurines. Parks are great places for kids to engage in screen-free play while you enjoy a relaxing moment outdoors.

Make it extra engaging by creating a themed play kit, such as a "zoo adventure" with animal figurines or a "construction site" with wooden vehicles and blocks.

Even a few simple toys can lead to hours of imaginative storytelling and exploration around the park.

Toy Decorating Afternoon

On those days when the weather doesn't cooperate—or when you want to cool down inside—turn your home into a creative workshop.

Pick up some plain wooden toys, such as peg dolls, blocks, or cars, and let kids personalize them using non-toxic paint, markers, or stickers.

Not only is this a fun and hands-on activity, but it also gives kids a sense of pride in making something that's truly theirs. Plus, it's a great way to encourage artistic expression and build fine motor skills.

For less mess, set up the decorating station outside on a sunny day using a newspaper or a disposable tablecloth.

Playtime In The Pool

It's not quite summer without time in the water, and children can have a blast playing a variety of games in the pool, whether at home, the lake, or a public swimming facility.

Floating toys and aquatic games (such as "Marco-Polo”) add an element of excitement and creativity, allowing children to engage with their environment and each other.

Simple racing games can spark friendly competition and help improve swimming skills.

Just remember, adult supervision is essential to ensure safety and make sure everyone has a great time.

Storytime Toy Theater

Combine literacy and play by turning your child's favorite storybook into a live-action scene using wooden toys.

After reading a chapter or a few pages, encourage your child to act out the plot with dolls, figures, or blocks. You can even build simple sets using cardboard boxes, pillows, or items from the yard.

This type of activity promotes comprehension, creativity, and independent thinking, and it's a quiet yet engaging way to spend a summer afternoon.

Nature-Inspired Treasure Hunt

Summer is the perfect season for exploring the great outdoors.

Create a nature-themed treasure hunt in your backyard or on a local trail, using wooden toys as clues or treasure markers.

Write out simple maps or clue cards and have children search for hidden toys, collect natural items like pinecones or leaves, and exchange their finds for small surprises or storytime rewards. It's a fun way to encourage curiosity and get moving outdoors.

Celebrate Summer with Hollow Woodworks

Summer doesn't have to be filled with constant activities to be memorable. 

Some of the best moments happen during those quiet, in-between days when kids have time to explore, imagine, and create.

With the help of a few well-made toys and a little inspiration, those moments can become treasured memories.

At Hollow Woodworks, we're proud to be part of those special days. 

Check out our online store for safe, fun, and unique products for your children, and let us know if you have any ideas or questions! Merry Christmas in June!