r/PlayAndWonder

What should I be doing this summer to get ready for kindergarten?

I have a 5-year-old who is getting ready to start kindergarten in the 2026–2027 school year. She attended preschool during the 2025–2026 school year and learned many of the basics to prepare for kindergarten. Beyond practicing the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors, and similar skills, what other things should I be working on with her to help make sure she is truly ready for kindergarten and set up for success?

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u/30HummingbirdLane — 11 days ago

▲ 9 r/PlayAndWonder+1 crossposts

what is the bedtime story book that actually helps kids settle down?

bedtime has turned into the longest part of the day over here. some books somehow make my kid more awake because they want to point at every little thing or keep asking questions for another 20 mins. im looking for those quiet cozy books that kind of slow everything down instead of winding them up. doesnt have to be fancy just something your kid asks for over and over before sleep. what ended up becoming the bedtime favorite in your house?

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u/30HummingbirdLane — 10 days ago

▲ 52 r/PlayAndWonder+2 crossposts

Easy, Beautiful Waterfall Hike in South Carolina!

For today's kid-friendly trail of the week, we're headed to my childhood stomping grounds in Upstate South Carolina. The Station Cove Falls trail is one that you have to add to your itinerary should you find yourself near Greenville, South Carolina, or in town for a Clemson Tigers game.

The trailhead is located inside Oconee Station State Historic Site in Westminster, which is about an hour from Greenville and less than 30 minutes from Clemson.

The easy, 1 mile trail only has about 100 feet of elevation gain throughout, which makes it interesting without being overly difficult even for the youngest hikers in your group.

Bring a towel and water shoes for your kids to play in the shallow pool at the base of the falls, which is the perfect way to cool off when you're visiting in the summer.

It's gorgeous year round, too, with wildflowers in the spring, colorful foliage in the fall (usually the end of October/beginning of November), and icicles on the falls in winter.

u/campingkiddos — 12 days ago