The Ultimate Kid's Summer Wishlist: Endless Play and Family Fun
Summer is here, and kids have big plans: five pool parties, three road trips, and five beach outings. A survey of 2,000 parents and their children (aged 5–14) reveals that kids envision a summer packed with fun and adventure.
A Busy Summer Ahead
Commissioned by The Genius of Play and conducted by OnePoll, the survey shows kids want over eight hours of playtime daily. Additionally, 23% of kids hope for more than 10 safe playdates with friends. They also dream of three amusement park visits and five new toys. Despite the pandemic potentially delaying some activities, 90% of kids remain optimistic about having a great summer.
Parents Making It Special
Parents are committed to creating memorable moments, with 91% doing their best to make summer special. The top choice for kids? Simply having time to play, which 59% look forward to the most. If left to them, kids would spend over eight hours a day playing, totaling 624 hours or 26 days over the summer break.
Playtime Benefits
Play is crucial for development. Parents highlighted several benefits:
- Growth: 71% believe play helps children grow.
- Physical Activity: 65% say play encourages activity.
- Independence: 65% think play fosters independence.
- Social Skills: 63% believe play maintains social skills.
- Outdoor Time: 60% see play as a way to get kids outside.
Play for Everyone
Summer isn’t just for kids; parents fondly remember their childhood play and are eager to join in. 90% look forward to playing with their children, and 89% appreciate play's importance for themselves. Many picked up new hobbies over the past year, with 70% engaging in activities just for fun.
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Photo: Getty