Summer Play, CBS Style: 4 Easy At-Home Activities We Love

When CBS visited our Lakeview location, they captured more than just our coworking and childcare model—they captured the joy, curiosity, and hands-on creativity that defines how we play at Le Village.

During the segment, we featured four simple, sensory-rich summer activities that you can easily recreate at home during summer play. No elaborate Pinterest setups here—just low-lift, open-ended ideas designed to support development while keeping the summer magic alive.

Summer Play Featured on CBS:

1. Octopus Balloon

(aka Keepy Uppy, Le Village-style - Big Body)

There’s no child on Earth who doesn’t light up when you hand them a balloon. But give that balloon a twist—add streamers to make it an “octopus,” or turn it into a game where the goal is to keep it off the ground—and suddenly it becomes something more. It’s play, yes—but it’s also strategy, movement, and full-body joy.

Why we love it: Gross motor coordination, problem solving, and shared giggles. A hit with toddlers and preschoolers.

2. Save the Fish

(Chalk & Spray Bottle Game - Little Hands)

Draw fish on the sidewalk with chalk. Hand your child a spray bottle and say: “Save the fish by spraying them back into the water!” If you’ve got really little ones—ditch the spray bottle and make it a “relay race” and let them practice walking holding cups and water!

This game is a classic at Le Village—and a staple in our own backyard. When my daughter Vivie was younger, we used it to build hand strength. Later, it became a letter game. Now? We use it to practice skip counting—spraying 3s, 5s, and 10s in order.

Why we love it: It’s developmentally layered, endlessly adaptable, and just plain fun. Add a sunhat and a lemonade and you’ve got the perfect summer afternoon.

3. Watercolor Seashells

(Painting with a splash! - Art)

Cut paper plates into shell shapes and let your kids create a magical shell. If you have a toddler, swap the tiny paintbrush for a big chunky one, and trade the cup of water for a spray bottle and spray the watercolors instead. That one simple shift helps little artists stay in control without the mess of a water spill.

Why we love it: It’s calming, low-mess, and builds confidence in their artistic choices. Plus, those shell shapes look adorable taped to a window when they’re dry and most of us have these supplies laying around!

4. Shell Impressions

(Tiny Scientists at Work - Sensory)

We bought a bag of shells online, pressed them into play dough, and let the kids go wild.

Why we love it: It’s a sensory-rich activity rooted in science and observation. Kids explore patterns, pressure, and natural textures—like a mini fossil dig without the fuss.

Whether you try one or all four, remember: the goal isn’t Pinterest perfection. It’s connection. It’s creativity. And it’s building your child’s confidence through joyful, simple play.

Want more like this? Check out our blog or follow along on Instagram @levillagecowork for more at-home activities and parenting insights. And check out our full CBS feature here!

—Daniella