The school year is wrapping up, and for many parents in the Philippines, the hunt is on for the best ways to keep children engaged. If you’re searching for the top 10 things to do in summer for kids, you’ve likely found plenty of generic suggestions, but at Little Owls, we believe summer is the ultimate window for a summer leap. That long break shouldn’t be a “brain drain.” If done right, summer is the perfect time to build academic confidence and front-load the skills your child will need for the next grade level. We’ve collated a list of our favorite fun, local, and future-ready activities to help you turn this vacation into a season of growth.
1. Build a “Global Edge” in Mandarin
Summer provides the mental breathing room kids need to master a complex language without the weight of school-year exams. Our Mandarin Summer Program is a 20-session intensive that helps students stop memorizing and start thinking in Chinese. It’s the perfect way to give them a confident head start and a global edge for the new school year.
2. Start an Urban Farming Journey
Get your hands dirty for a good cause! Join a “Family Morning” at Urban Farmers PH in BGC to learn about living soil and sustainable planting. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the environment and support local mission schools while learning exactly where our food comes from. There’s no better way to recharge than by getting back to basics!
3. Discover Where Science Meets Art
Visit The Mind Museum in BGC to explore five galleries of wonder—from Atoms to the Universe. It’s a world-class experience where kids can interact with exhibits that make science feel like magic.
Pro Tip: Check out their virtual exhibits if you can’t make it to BGC; it’s a great way to stay curious from anywhere!
4. The “Young Author” Challenge
Encourage your child to write and illustrate their own 10-page book! For a “Little Owls” twist, have them include sentences in Mandarin to practice their new vocabulary. Our teachers will even proofread their Mandarin stories to help them polish their masterpieces before they “publish” them for the family.
5. Family Camping Near Manila
Escape the city heat at kid-friendly spots like Mount Purro Nature Reserve (Antipolo), 3 Springs Mountain Park (Rizal), or Pili Paninap Farms (Tanay). For organized activities, Quest Adventure Camp is a great option. These locations feature clean facilities and scenic spots, ideal for a safe family weekend getaway.
6. Culinary Quests
For a professional experience, check out The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center. They offer summer workshops like “Tummy Time Travellers” (ages 6–12) and “Flavor Quest” for teens. The “Duo Delicious” Experience: Join their “Duo Delicious: Family Cooking and Baking” class for a heartwarming session of bonding, creativity, and comfort food.
7. AI Literacy & Creative Project
The creative world is changing, and AI literacy is now a vital skill. Instead of just passive screen time, introduce your child to LittleLit.ai, a safe, educator-designed platform that teaches kids how to use AI for creative writing, art, and STEM projects. It’s a productive way to turn tech-curiosity into high-value skills like prompt engineering and digital storytelling—preparing them for a burgeoning industry where AI is the new pencils and paper.
8. Time Travel in Intramuros
Become a tourist for a day in the Walled City. Walk through Fort Santiago or take a Bambike tour to see history come to life. If you aren’t in Manila, you can take a virtual 360-degree tour online to front-load upcoming history lessons for June.
9. The 20-Book Summer Marathon
Beat the summer slide by setting a goal to read 20 books by the end of May. For a cozy reading atmosphere, visit The Book Nook at The Podium in Ortigas. It’s a beautiful, quiet space where kids can discover new stories and stay inspired to fill up their reading tree leaves.
10. “Act of Kindness” Bingo
Make the summer meaningful with a bingo card of kind acts: “Help with the dishes,” “Donate old toys,” or “Write a letter to Lolo and Lola.” It teaches empathy and reminds kids that they can make a positive impact on their community every single day.
Make it a Summer to Remember
Summer is more than just a break from school; it’s a chance for your child to discover new interests and get a head start. Whether you’re exploring the history of Intramuros or planting seeds in BGC, the goal is to keep that spark of curiosity alive. At Little Owls, we’re here to make sure your child returns to school in June feeling ready and ahead of the curve. Let’s turn “I’m bored” into “I’ve got this!”
Join the Little Owls Family
We’d love to help your child find their summer leap. Come see how we work:
- Book a Trial Class: Experience our interactive teaching style firsthand. It’s a great, no-pressure way to see if we’re the right fit for your child. The trial class only costs P599 for a 45 to 60 min session.
- Mandarin Summer Program: Secure a spot in our 8-Week Chinese Summer Sprint. We keep our groups small (max 6 students) so every child gets the attention they need to master the basics and build real confidence.
