Summer STEAM Ideas for Kids & Families

Remember those childhood summers spent outside? We’d hunt for bugs, cloud-watch, swim, dig in the dirt, and ride bikes until sunset. Well, summer in Michigan is upon us (thank goodness)! This year, let’s make it a goal to get outside and play even more often.

We know that children learn through play; it’s how they gain insight into the world around them. Outdoor play is also a fantastic way to expose kids to early STEAM concepts. Take "Math," for example: it’s more than just numbers—it’s logic, sorting, matching, observing time, and understanding space and size. Similarly, "Science" is about predicting outcomes, understanding cause and effect, and forming conclusions.

How does this relate to literacy? Without communication, we couldn’t put any of these skills into a usable form. We use language to share our thoughts and help ourselves (and others!) process important information. 

As we head outdoors this summer, let's incorporate these simple and fun STEAM-based activities. Beyond science and math, kids will be building other critical life skills: decision-making, cooperation, and self-confidence.

Plant a Container Garden

Even without a yard, almost anyone can start a small planter. Whether you grow tomatoes and cilantro or peas and carrots, take the time to really observe the plants. Study the leaves, watch the flowers transition into fruit, and talk about how they change. Taking photos is a great way to compare growth over time!

Explore Our Local Trails

Living in Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township means we are surrounded by beauty. Get up close with nature at one of our many parks or preserves. Listen for birds, watch for pollinators, and spot squirrels or bunnies. Discuss what you see: What sounds do the animals make? Where do they live? Are they awake during the day or the night?

Create Art in Nature

While it’s easy to snap a photo on a phone, try documenting nature with a pencil and paper instead. If you see a beautiful building or an interesting flower, challenge yourself and your kids to recreate it on the page. It’s a wonderful way to slow down and document the world from a new perspective.

For more ideas, check out our Parent/Teacher Collection in the Youth Department, where you’ll find books like: 1000 Hours Outside Activity Book, A Little Bit of Dirt, and Outdoor Science Lab for Kids

This post was written by Miss Kim, Youth Services Librarian Extraordinaire at RHPL.