7 Parent-Approved Summer Activities to Boost Language Skills
By: Mary Claire Burge, CCC-SLP
Summer is a season of sunshine, freedom, and so many opportunities to support your child’s speech and language development—without it feeling like work.
Whether your child is working on expressive language (using words to express themselves) or receptive language (understanding and processing language), there are simple, engaging ways to practice both skills during everyday summer fun. Here are some easy, screen-free activities that help boost both expressive and receptive language:
- “Helping Chef” in the Kitchen
- Receptive: Give step-by-step directions (“get the spoon, then stir the batter”)
- Expressive: Ask your child to describe what they’re doing or name ingredients
BONUS: You’re also introducing sequencing and vocabulary like “first”, “next”, and “last”
- Backyard Treasure Hunt
- Hide objects and give clues using location words (“it’s under the chair”, “look beside the tree”)
- Ask questions after each find: “What did you find?” “What color is it?”
Builds listening comprehension, memory, and descriptive language
- Create a Summer Journal
- Expressive: Encourage your child to draw a picture each day and describe it to you
- Help them write (or dictate) a few simple sentences about what they did or saw
Encourages storytelling and sentence-building in a fun, personal way!
- Simon Says with a Twist
- Add two- or three-step directions: “Touch your nose, then clap your hands”
- Switch roles and let your child be the leader – great for expressive language and confidence
Perfect for following directions (receptive) and giving them (expressive)
- Nature Walk Chat
- Point out interesting things and label them: “Look, a butterfly!”
- Ask questions like “What do you see?” “What’s happening?” “Why do you think the bird is flying?”
Use walks as chances to model new vocabulary and encourage observation
- Story Retell Time
- Read a book together, then ask your child to tell it back in their own words
- Use prompts if needed: “What happened first?” “Who was the story about?”
Helps with sequencing, comprehension, and expressive language
- Toy Talk
- Use favorite toys (dolls, cars, animals) for pretend play
- Model simple sentences: “The dog is sleeping”, “let’s drive to the store”
- Encourage your child to narrate the play or answer questions about it
Play is one of the most natural ways to boost expressive language in young kids. Don’t worry about doing everything. Choose a couple activities that work for your child’s interests and your family’s routine. The goal is to keep language practice woven into everyday life—casual, consistent, and fun. By turning simple summer moments into learning opportunities, you’re helping them grow confident, clear, and connected—one sunny day at a time. If your child is struggling to follow simple directions, answer age-appropriate questions, or express themselves clearly, a speech-language pathologist can help with a personalized plan and support.
Worried About Your Child’s Speech or Language Development?
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