This feature was first published in July 2025 in My Mensa Weekly, our exclusive newsletter for Mensa members. Find out more about becoming a Mensa member here.
Words: Andrew Cattanach
It’s no secret that parenting is one of the most challenging jobs there is. Juggling a child’s needs, emotions and endless curiosity takes patience and creativity. For a start, there are all the questions – the endless cascade of whys and what ifs that can leave even the most prepared adult grasping for answers. Often, keeping them occupied is as much about preserving your own sanity as it is about keeping them engaged. An under-stimulated child, after all, can become a handful as the day wears on.
And the brighter the kid, the greater the challenge. Activities that hold other children’s attention for hours may barely register with yours. And let’s face it, hours upon hours of Minecraft isn’t the best solution, even if it’s the easiest.
With the summer holidays here, we’ve gathered six fun and stimulating activity ideas that are designed to engage curious young minds for hours, days – even weeks. Whatever you choose, don’t underestimate your little geniuses – aim high, and you might just see them soar.
Look to the stars – charting the cosmos
The night sky has fascinated humans for millennia. Long before telescopes were invented, early astronomers were mapping the heavens and trying to make sense of what they saw. Today, curious children can join that tradition – whether they have high-tech gear, a pair of binoculars or just a good set of eyes. The only real requirement is a sense of wonder.
From the back garden, kids can learn to identify constellations, observe the craters of the moon and even spot deep-sky objects like planetary nebulae, double stars and dark nebulae. Most importantly, encourage them to keep a journal of their observations – what they saw, when and any questions it sparked. And let it become a voyage of discovery, not just a checklist of objects.
There are plenty of great tools to help them get started – apps like SkyView, Stellarium or NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System can guide them through the cosmos.
Build the future – robotics and coding projects
What better way to nurture your child’s potential than by introducing them to coding and robotics? These fields are already shaping the world around us – and will only become more influential in the years to come. If your child shows an interest in how things work, or enjoys solving problems, this could be the perfect outlet, helping to nurture their interest in engineering and logic in a hands-on way.
From simple block-based coding platforms such as Scratch to build-it-yourself robots like LEGO Mindstorms or micro:bit kits (available from some libraries), there are plenty of age-appropriate ways to dive in. Best of all, these activities can feel more like play than study, giving children the satisfaction of seeing their ideas come to life.
The sketchbook project – drawing, observing, creating
A themed sketchbook is a brilliant way to channel both creativity and focus. Whether your child is documenting nature, illustrating a favourite story, or simply experimenting with colours and forms, the act of drawing encourages careful observation and self-expression.
Set a simple theme – like “things I see in the garden,” “imaginary creatures,” or “a drawing a day” – and let them fill the pages over time. Add optional prompts or questions to stretch their thinking: “What does sound look like?” or “Draw the same object at different times of day”. The goal isn’t perfection but play, practice and the joy of seeing ideas take shape on paper.
Unlock musical intelligence – learning the piano online
Learning an instrument can feel like a big commitment, but digital tools have made it easier than ever to get started. Platforms such as Simply Piano, Flowkey, Yousician and a wealth of YouTube tutorials allow children to learn at their own pace, with interactive lessons that reward progress and adapt to their level.
The piano is especially valuable for young learners – it builds hand-eye coordination, patience and concentration, while also laying the foundation for broader musical understanding. Best of all, it’s creative. Children can learn to play familiar tunes, experiment with chords or even begin to compose their own pieces.
Become a backyard naturalist – discovering local wildlife
Nature exploration doesn’t have to mean a countryside hike or trip to the woods. Sometimes the most fascinating discoveries are just beyond the back door. Encourage your child to choose a small patch of garden, a square of parkland, or even a balcony planter, and treat it like a micro-wilderness. What lives there? What grows, crawls, flies or buzzes?
Children can sketch or photograph what they find, keep a field journal and research species using ID guides or nature apps, such as Seek by iNaturalist or the RSPB’s bird guides. Over time, they’ll begin to notice patterns – how insects behave at different times of the day, which flowers attract which pollinators and what changes as the weather shifts.
Build a book – stories, worlds and wordplay
If your child has a wild imagination, a love of language or simply a lot to say, writing a book could be a summer project that sticks. Whether it’s a graphic novel, a short story collection, a sci-fi saga or a personal diary, putting thoughts onto the page helps children develop their voice, organise ideas and play with perspective.
As with the sketchbook, remind your child that it’s not about getting it right first time. Writing is a space to play – with ideas, characters and dialogue. What happens when two people start talking? How long before conflict arises? Use simple prompts to spark their imagination, like opening lines (“Jessica hears a scream from the back garden…”) or titles (“The Blood Red Jacket”). Most importantly, keep it fun. Writing should feel like an adventure, not a chore.
Keep the curiosity alive this summer
British Mensa works closely with Potential Plus UK, a charity supporting children with high learning potential. Head to their website for expert advice and ideas on how to keep gifted kids engaged.
Credits: Shutterstock
