Summer Fun & Brave Moves: Using the Season to Gently Stretch Kids Out of Their Comfort Zones
Summer Fun & Brave Moves: Using the Season to Gently Stretch Kids Out of Their Comfort Zones
Summer is here—sunshine, sprinklers, popsicles, and… anxiety work?
Yep. Believe it or not, summer is the perfect time to help kids gently step out of their comfort zones—and they might not even notice they’re doing it, because it’s wrapped in fun.
Whether your child struggles with anxiety, social worry, sensory sensitivities, or specific fears, the relaxed vibe of summer gives us space to stretch—without the same pressures that school brings. And if you’re in Akron, Ohio, you already know there’s no shortage of family-friendly adventures to test a little bravery.
Why Summer Is a Great Time to Practice Being Brave
When kids are anxious, their natural instinct is to stick to what feels safe. But if we stay too safe, our world shrinks. The goal isn’t to push kids off the deep end—it’s to help them wade in, one toe at a time.
Summer gives us the time and flexibility to do just that. No bell schedules, fewer social pressures, and a little more freedom to say, “Let’s try something new today.”
Easy Summer Adventures That Build Bravery
Here are a few simple ways to use summer activities as mini exposure moments:
🎡 Try a Local Fair or Festival
Crowds, noise, smells, and new experiences? Yes, it can be a sensory overload—but also a great chance to practice managing those big feelings in a supportive way. Start with 20 minutes and build up!
🍦 Order Their Own Ice Cream
For kids who are shy or socially anxious, giving them a “mission” like ordering their own cone or paying the cashier at the corner shop builds confidence and real-life skills.
🌊 Splash Pad & Pool Fun
Some kids avoid water, noise, or the unpredictability of other kids. Challenge them to dip a toe, wear that itchy swimsuit, or stay five more minutes than last time.
🌳 Hike a New Trail (and Take the Lead!)
Letting your child lead the way on a hike—even a short one—helps build independence and a sense of accomplishment. Nervous about bugs or mud? Great! That’s bravery-building territory. Our two massive park systems offer tons of choices on length, difficulty level and location. Summit Metro Parks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
⛺ Have a Backyard Campout
Even if it’s just for an hour, sleeping outside (or pretending to) can feel like a big brave move. Don’t worry if they end up back inside—just trying is a win.
What’s Happening Behind the Scenes?
These experiences aren’t just “fun” (though they are!)—they’re little exposures, helping anxious brains learn: “Hey, that felt scary—but I handled it!”
When we help kids face fears in low-pressure, positive ways, they build resilience, flexibility, and real-life coping tools they’ll carry into the school year.
Tips for Grown-Ups Supporting Summer Bravery
Keep it low stakes. Present it as an adventure, not a test.
Use curious language. “I wonder what it would be like to try that?”
Celebrate effort, not just success. Trying counts!
Model flexibility. “Oops, that was loud! Let’s take a breath together.”
Let them have a say. Give choices: “Which brave thing should we try today?”
Brave Doesn’t Mean Big—It Means Willing
Being brave isn’t about doing huge things. It’s about being willing to feel a little uncomfortable in service of something meaningful—like fun, connection, or growth.
And summer is full of opportunities to do just that.