Summer’s here, and keeping kids busy can feel like a full-time job! Luckily, there are plenty of fun ways to keep them curious and active around Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas — and right at home — without turning summer into a school repeat.
As a teacher, I know it's important to sneak in some learning over the summer months to help your kids avoid the dreaded "summer slide" — that phenomenon in which your kids lose some of their hard-earned knowledge during their long vacations from school.
7 Kid-Friendly Activities That Make Learning Part of the Fun
 DAPA Images via Canva |
1. Bake Something
Let your kid take the lead in the kitchen — reading a recipe, measuring ingredients, and mixing it all together is a sneaky way to work in reading, math, and science without them even noticing. Try something new or revisit a family favorite — and don’t forget to taste-test together!
👉 Need inspiration? Try one of these kid-friendly Macaroni KID recipes
 PIKSEL via Canva |
2. Build something
Break out the hammer and nails and build something fun. Have them measure with a tape measure and learn the adage “Measure twice, cut once!” Have them read the directions to you while you're helping them. You could end up with a beautiful new birdhouse . . . or, if you're feeling really ambitious, even a tree-house!
👉 How to build your own DIY Tent
 Monkey Business Images via Canva |
3. Visit a Library, Planetarium, Zoo, or Science Museum
Bring your children on an exciting adventure by visiting a library, planetarium, zoo, aquarium or science museum! As you explore together, initiate conversations with your child / children and encourage them to ponder and actively participate. Pose thought-provoking questions that stimulate their thinking and keep them engaged throughout the experience.
👉Start Exploring
Libraries: 📚 Libraries in Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas and nearby
Children's Museums:
- Cayton Children's Museum - Santa Monica
- Kidspace Children's Museum - Pasadena
- Southern California Children's Museum - Pasadena
- Discovery Cube Los Angeles - Sylmar
- Coming soon: kidSTREAM Children's Museum - Camarillo
Museums:
- Chumash Indian Museum is open Saturdays & Sundays - Thousand Oaks
- Stagecoach Inn Museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays - Newbury Park
- Museum of Ventura County - Ventura
- The Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum - Santa Paula
- Griffith Observatory - Los Angeles
- California Science Center - Los Angeles
- La Brea Tar Pits and Museum - Los Angeles
- Natural History Museum Los Angeles County - Los Angeles
- The Autry Museum of the American West - Los Angeles
Gardens:
- Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is open daily and Kids' Adventure Garden is open on Sundays - Thousand Oaks
- Gardens of the World is open Tuesday thru Saturday - Thousand Oaks
Zoos:
- America's Teaching Zoo - Moorpark College
- Santa Barbara Zoo
- Los Angeles Zoo
 Pixelshot |
4. Start a neighborhood book club
Reading just 20 minutes a day can make a big difference — it helps boost vocabulary, builds confidence, and keeps kids from slipping behind over the summer. Start a casual book club with a few neighborhood kids or friends — let them take turns picking the book, add some snacks or a themed craft, and make it something they look forward to!
📚 No nearby kids to read with? Visit your local library — many offer free summer reading programs, events, and fun prizes.
 supparsorn via Canva |
5. Write to a Pen Pal
Snail mail is making a comeback — and kids love getting something just for them in the mailbox! Have your kid write to a cousin, a long-distance friend, or even a classmate or old neighbor who moved away. It’s a great way to practice writing, storytelling, and yes — a little grammar — without feeling like homework.
📬 Prefer digital? Email works too! Bonus points if they add a photo, drawing, or fun fact of the week.
 FatCamera via Canva |
6. Go for a Hike
Give your kid a trail map and let them take the lead — it’s a great way to build confidence and navigation skills. While GPS apps can be handy, cell service isn’t always reliable on the trails, so learning to use a map and compass is a valuable skill to have.
Challenge them to create their own map of a favorite local trail or park — it’s a fun way to notice details and make the hike their own adventure.
Ready to explore?
Check out these nearby hiking spots with trail info and maps:
- Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District - Oak Park and Simi Valley
- City of Calabasas Parks and Trails
- Malibu City Parks
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
- Santa Monica Mountains Trails - Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
- Conejo Recreation and Park District - Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park
- Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency - Trails and Open Space in the Conejo Valley
- California Department of Parks and Recreation
 Karunyapas via Canva |
7. Go to Community Events!
Summer’s full of local events in Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas, and surrounding areas that bring families together for fun, adventure, and new experiences. Check the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas events calendar often to find festivals, fairs, outdoor movies, and more — there’s something for every family.
Want even more ideas? Check out our guide:
Summer is packed with teachable moments that make great memories — whether you’re reading, cooking, building, or just playing together. These simple activities not only bring you closer but also help keep your kid’s brain sharp all season long. Take time to talk, ask questions, get creative, try new things, and soak up the beautiful weather outside. Keep those brains active and curious — come fall, your kid’s teacher will definitely notice the difference.
Are you following Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas?
If not click below and let's get connected making it even easier to share with your friends.
Facebook - Instagram - Twitter
 |  |  |
Click here to subscribe - never miss a thing and receive valuable information like this every week!
If you love this Share with a Friend
This previously published article has been updated by Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas
