Summer is a magical time for kids—a season that seems to stretch beyond the horizon, filled with endless possibilities. It’s the perfect time for them to explore, learn, and just have a ton of fun. But sometimes, coming up with new activities to keep them engaged and entertained all summer long can be a bit of a challenge. How do you make the most of these warm, carefree days?
From making the most out of the sunny weather to finding entertaining indoor activities for those occasional rainy days, here are 19 cool summer activities that promise to keep kids active, happy, and far from the dreaded cry of “I’m bored!”
1. Backyard Camping
Transform your backyard into a mini adventure land with a backyard camping trip. Pitch a tent, roll out the sleeping bags, and prepare a campfire (real or artificial, depending on what’s safe for your setting). Kids can enjoy the thrill of sleeping outdoors and stargazing without leaving the safety of home.
Introduce campfire classics like roasting marshmallows or telling ghost stories to enhance the experience. For added fun, organize a treasure hunt with hidden items around the backyard for kids to find using homemade maps or clues.
2. DIY Water Park
Why not beat the heat by setting up a DIY water park in your backyard? Use sprinklers, a slip ‘n slide, and inflatable pools. You can even make a simple water balloon launcher or have a water balloon toss game.
For little ones, create safe water play areas with small pools and supervised splash pads. Older kids might enjoy more challenging activities like a homemade obstacle course that incorporates water features. It’s refreshing fun and a great way to cool off on those blazing summer days.
3. Nature Scavenger Hunts
Organize a nature scavenger hunt to encourage kids to explore the great outdoors. Create a list of natural items to find or take pictures of during a walk in the neighborhood park, a nearby forest, or even during a beach day.
Tailor the list to fit the location: include things like a certain type of leaf, a rock shaped like a heart, or a seashell. This activity is not only fun but also educational as it helps children learn about their natural environment.
4. Crafty Creations
Set up a craft corner at home with all the necessary supplies for a summer full of creating. Provide materials for making friendship bracelets, painting stones, or building birdhouses. You can find many ideas online that can inspire kids to get crafty.
Crafts are a wonderful way for children to express themselves and develop fine motor skills. Plus, they can make special keepsakes to remember their summer by or gifts for friends and family.
5. Cooking Classes
Host mini cooking classes at home where kids can learn to make simple, kid-friendly recipes. Start with easy treats like smoothies, popsicles, or no-bake cookies. As they gain confidence, you can introduce more complex recipes.
Cooking is a valuable life skill and a fun way to incorporate math and science into daily activities. Plus, kids are more likely to try new foods when they’re involved in the cooking process.
6. Local Library Events
Check out your local library’s summer schedule as many offer free children’s programs, including reading clubs, arts and crafts sessions, and educational workshops. These activities are perfect for rainy days or when outdoor plans are not an option.
Libraries are a treasure trove of resources that can keep kids intellectually engaged all summer. They often bring in special guests for storytelling sessions or have interactive displays that align with different summer themes.
7. Family Bike Rides
Plan family bike rides around your neighborhood or local park trails. This is a wonderful way to stay active and explore new areas together. For younger children, consider safe routes with minimal traffic, or look for parks with designated biking trails.
Biking is great for physical health and teaches kids about endurance and perseverance. Make sure everyone wears helmets and understands basic safety rules to keep these excursions fun and injury-free.
8. Gardening Projects
Start a small garden with your kids. This can be a flower patch or a vegetable garden. Gardening teaches children about responsibility and the cycle of life, and there’s nothing quite like the excitement of seeing your plants grow and thrive.
Choose easy-to-grow plants that are likely to succeed and consider plants that attract butterflies or bees for added educational value. Kids can learn about ecosystems, biology, and the importance of bees in pollination through hands-on experience.
9. Homemade Ice Cream Making
Making homemade ice cream can be a delightful and tasty summer activity. You can use an ice cream maker if you have one, or try no-churn recipes that only require a few ingredients and a freezer.
Experiment with different flavors and mix-ins, like fresh fruits or chocolate chips. This activity allows kids to be creative and enjoy the results of their hard work—a delicious treat on a hot day!
10. Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival
Organize a sidewalk chalk art festival right in your driveway or on a safe sidewalk. Provide plenty of colorful chalk and let children’s imaginations run wild. They can create everything from giant doodles to elaborate scenes.
This is a fantastic way for kids to express their artistic side. Consider inviting neighborhood kids to join in and have a small exhibition of everyone’s artwork. It’s a great community-building activity that beautifies the neighborhood.
11. Visit a Local Farm
Plan a visit to a local farm where kids can learn about agriculture and animal care. Many farms offer tours and activities like milking cows, feeding animals, or picking fruits.
This trip is educational and fun, giving kids insights into where their food comes from and the importance of agriculture. Some farms also offer hayrides or corn mazes, which can be a thrilling experience for young visitors.
12. DIY Bird Feeders
Creating DIY bird feeders is an easy and enjoyable activity that can be done at home. Use materials like toilet paper rolls, peanut butter, and birdseed, or get creative with items like old teacups or pine cones.
Hang the feeders in your garden to attract local birds. This activity can teach kids about wildlife in their area and the importance of caring for other creatures.
13. Star Gazing
Take advantage of clear summer nights by organizing a star-gazing event. Use a telescope if you have one, or download one of the many smartphone apps that help identify constellations and planets.
Star gazing can spark an interest in astronomy and science in general. It’s a peaceful activity that can help kids appreciate the vastness and beauty of the universe.
14. Puppet Show Theater
Encourage kids to put on a puppet show. They can create their puppets using socks, paper bags, or even old dolls. Set up a small stage with a curtain, and let them perform a show for family or friends.
This activity promotes creativity and can help children develop their storytelling and public speaking skills. It’s also a great way for kids to collaborate on a project and perform in a supportive environment.
15. Beach Day Adventures
If you live near a coast, plan a beach day. Beyond just swimming and building sandcastles, you can organize a mini beach Olympics with activities like a tug-of-war, frisbee, or a sandcastle competition.
Beach days are not only enjoyable but also provide a perfect setting for physical activities. Make sure to monitor children closely near water and apply plenty of sunscreens to protect their skin.
16. Visit Theme Parks or Water Parks
Plan a day trip to a theme park or water park. While these outings can be a bit more costly, they’re memorable ways for kids to spend a summer day.
These parks offer a variety of attractions that cater to different age groups, making them ideal for families with children of various ages. Check for any available discounts or special offers to make the trip more affordable.
17. Join a Community Sports Team
Encourage kids to join a community sports team. Many local leagues start in the summer, offering sports like soccer, baseball, or swimming.
Joining a sports team teaches children about teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition. It’s also a great way for them to make new friends and develop a sense of community.
18. Volunteer Together
Consider volunteering at a local charity or community center. Many organizations have opportunities that are suitable for children, such as helping in community gardens, organizing donated books, or crafting cards for hospitals.
Volunteering is a rewarding way for kids to give back to the community. It teaches them the value of service and helps develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world around them.
19. Indoor Fort Building
For those days when it’s too hot to play outside, bring the adventure indoors with a fort-building activity. Use blankets, pillows, and furniture to create an elaborate indoor fort.
Kids can use their fort as a base for reading books, watching movies, or just enjoying some quiet playtime. This activity fosters imagination and can keep children entertained for hours.
Conclusion
Summer is a wonderful time for exploration and adventure. With these 19 activities, you can ensure that kids have a fulfilling and fun-filled summer. Whether they’re learning something new, improving their physical fitness, or just enjoying some creative play, there’s no shortage of ways to make this summer one to remember. So, embrace the warm weather, plan some exciting activities, and watch as the kids dive into their summer adventures with enthusiasm and joy.