Summer Educational Activities That Feel Like Play

Ah, summer! For us parents, it often conjures up dreams of sunshine, maybe a little relaxation (ha!), and definitely some memorable trips. All kinds of fun, right? But between the cannonballs and memory-making, there's also that little whisper in the back of our minds about "summer slide." Well, we have the perfect solution for that!

What Makes Boom Cards Work in Summer?

Kids enjoy Boom Cards because they feel like games. They can earn stars, unlock answers, and move at their own pace. At the same time, these cards reinforce reading, math, and language skills.

Parents and teachers like them for different reasons. Boom Cards are self-checking. That means students get instant feedback, and adults don't have to grade anything, yet the data is still there. Built-in reports enable you to identify which skills students need to develop and which ones they've already mastered.

This turns casual screen time into a smart learning routine.

Decks That Feel Like Summer, Not School

A good summer deck needs to match the season. It should be bright, light, and fun. It should also target key academic skills without overwhelming the learner.

For example, the Analogies Set 2 deck helps students strengthen reasoning and vocabulary. Each of the 24 Boom Cards presents a unique analogy with four multiple-choice answers. It's a smart way to build higher-order thinking while keeping things light. This deck works well for practice, assessment, or even test prep during summer review.

Another strong option for early readers is the Beach Vowel Sounds: Long or Short deck. Students listen to a spoken word, view a beach-themed image, and decide whether the vowel sound is long or short. With 30 self-checking cards and clear audio support, this deck builds phonemic awareness in a fun and focused way. It aligns with foundational reading standards, making it ideal for a light summer review.

Need a mix of skills in one place? The Summer Bundle includes interactive games that target both math and phonics. Students practice letter recognition, beginning sounds, syllables, number sense, shapes, and more. These colorful digital cards are ideal for both school and home use.

Summer Flexibility

They're incredibly flexible, allowing you to set up a simple schedule. Even 15 minutes a day can make a real difference.

You might play a Boom deck during breakfast or while waiting for swim lessons to start. There's always a chance for a Booming adventure while you're driving on vacation. The beauty is in the flexibility.

If you're running a summer program, consider rotating Boom Cards through stations. One group can be on devices, while others work on crafts or read with a volunteer. This keeps kids moving and avoids screen fatigue.

Don't forget about the data. Teachers and parents can log in to see which cards were completed and how well students did. That helps plan fall reviews or recommend additional support.

Help Students Stay Sharp All Summer

Summer educational activities don't have to resemble traditional schoolwork. With Boom Cards, kids keep learning while having fun. They stay engaged, build confidence, and return to school ready to go. As a homeschool mom, we school year-round, and Boom Cards are great for summer. They are less work for me and more fun for her!