There's nothing that screams summer quite like watermelon. The delicious fruit is enjoyed plain, as a treat, or in this case, for activities all summer long. Make the most of fresh watermelon with summer projects that will keep children engaged in sensory play, fine motor development, and (most importantly) having fun! From yummy frozen treats to DIY play dough, here are four exciting watermelon activities that you and the children in your care will love.
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Enjoy watermelon in a different form by making an icy watermelon treat for all to enjoy. Scoop the watermelon into a food processor and add lime juice for a pop of flavor. Use the food processor to puree your watermelon with lime, and pour into a large dish. Place this dish in the freezer for six hours. Check on your treat every two hours, and scoop it together to hold form. After six hours, take out, serve, and enjoy!
Cool off after a hot summer day with frozen watermelon, a healthy alternative to popsicles. This activity is quick, easy, and delicious. Simply cut your watermelon into triangular pieces and insert a popsicle stick through the rind. Place on a tray and freeze for six hours. When finished, you will have a plate of yummy watermelon popsicles for children to delight in!
Watermelon Play Dough is the perfect summer DIY craft. Use a few household items to make dough that is squishy, entertaining, and colorful. Combine 1 cup flour, ⅓ cup salt, 2 tablespoons cream of tartar, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and 1 cup water. Mix this thoroughly and add flour as needed. Once you have a dough-like consistency, separate your mix into two separate bowls. One bowl should have a small amount of the dough mixture, and the other should have the rest. Take the smaller amount and add green food coloring to create the rind. Use the larger amount and pour in a packet of watermelon Kool-Aid® mix in order to make pink dough. Encourage children to form small slices of watermelon with their own homemade play dough!
Don't take your watermelon rind for granted! Use this tough outer shell as an opportunity for children to practice their fine motor skills over summer break. Grab a few golf tees and encourage children to insert the tees into the outside of the watermelon. This can be done with a toy hammer, or children can just use their hands.
These four watermelon activities are perfect for encouraging summer learning and enjoying a summer fruit staple. Be sure to browse our selection of summer learning materials, professional development and related resources to help reduce summer learning loss and take a juicy bite out of summer boredom.