Summertime is the perfect time for kids to have fun and make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it's swimming, camping, or exploring the great outdoors, there are many amazing kids' summer activities to choose from. If you're looking for a way to make the most of your family's summer break, you'll want to check out our Ultimate Summer Bucket List: Kids Edition for things to do with kids in the summer. We've compiled an extensive list of fun summer activities that your kids will love and be sure to keep them entertained all season long. So get ready to explore, play, and make awesome memories with your family this summer!
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Things to do with kids in the summer:
Have a Water Balloon Fight
One of the best things to do with kids during the summer is to have a water balloon fight. Not only is it a fun way to cool off on a hot day, but it also brings a lot of laughter and joy to everyone involved. To make it extra special, surprise your kids on the last day of school with a backyard water balloon battle.
To make the most of this activity, think of getting reusable water balloons that will last all summer long. These eco-friendly balloons are a great alternative to traditional water balloons that can only be used once. They're also less wasteful and more cost-effective in the long run.
To prepare for the water balloon fight, fill up a bucket with water balloons and let the kids go wild. Make sure everyone is wearing comfortable clothes that can get wet and have towels nearby to dry off afterwards. You can also set up a few targets or obstacles for the kids to aim at.
Having a water balloon fight is a classic summer activity that your kids will never forget. So, add it to your ultimate summer bucket list and enjoy the fun and excitement it brings.
Visit a Museum
Visiting a museum is a great way to learn about history, science, art, and culture while also spending quality time with your kids. Many museums offer free or discounted admission days, making it a budget-friendly activity. Check out your local museums and see when they offer free admission, or consider purchasing a membership that will give you unlimited access all year round.
When visiting museums with kids, consider visiting a children's museum. These types of museums are designed specifically with children in mind and offer interactive exhibits that allow kids to touch, play, and learn. Kids will have a blast while learning about different topics such as space, nature, and music.
Have a Pizza Making Party
Pizza is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, and it can be a fun activity to make it at home! Set up a pizza-making station with various toppings and let your kids choose their favorite ingredients to customize their own pizza. It's a great opportunity to bond over food and make memories in the kitchen.
To make it even more fun, try making dessert pizzas! Use sweet toppings like Nutella, marshmallows, and fruit to create a sweet treat that's sure to be a hit.
After you've made your pizzas, it's time to enjoy them! Set up a cozy spot in front of the TV and put on a family-friendly movie for a fun evening in. It's one of the many things to do with kids during the summer that is not only fun but also a great opportunity to teach them valuable kitchen skills. So roll up your sleeves, grab some toppings, and let the pizza-making party begin!
Bike Day
Looking for a fun way to stay active this summer? Gather up your bikes and hit the open road for a day of family biking! Whether you prefer paved paths or off-road trails, there are plenty of opportunities to explore on two wheels.
Pack a picnic lunch and head out to your favorite local biking spot, or make a day trip out of it and try out a new route. Take breaks along the way to stretch your legs and snap some photos of the beautiful scenery. Don't forget to wear helmets and pack plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course
Looking for some creative and fun things to do with your kids this summer? Consider creating a sidewalk chalk obstacle course right in your own driveway or sidewalk!
All you need is a pack of sidewalk chalk and a bit of imagination. Draw a series of lines and shapes on the pavement to create a course that your kids can jump, run, skip, and crawl through. You can include hopscotch squares, zigzag lines to run through, mazes, and even circles for your kids to twirl in.
To make the obstacle course even more challenging, add in some fun activities like a bean bag toss, hula hoop jumping, and balancing on one foot. Don't forget to time each other to see who can complete the course the fastest!
This activity is not only fun, but it also encourages gross motor development and hand-eye coordination in kids. So grab some sidewalk chalk and get creative with your very own obstacle course this summer! It's one of the many fun things to do with kids during summer that will create memories for years to come.
Host a Nerf Battle
One of the most exciting activities your kids can do this summer is to host a Nerf Battle. If you're wondering how to make it even more fun, invite your kids' best friends or cousins. This activity will keep your kids active, engaged, and entertained all afternoon. The best thing about hosting a Nerf Battle is that you can have it either in your backyard or your neighborhood park.
To organize a successful Nerf Battle, prepare a few Nerf guns and enough foam bullets for all your kids. Make sure that your kids wear eye protection goggles and dress appropriately for the activity.
Divide the kids into teams and set some rules and objectives. A popular option is to have a capture-the-flag type of game, where each team needs to retrieve the flag from the other side of the battlefield. Or you can opt for a more traditional free-for-all.
Star Gazing
One of the best things about summer is the clear night sky. There is no better way to spend a warm summer night than by laying down a blanket, grabbing some snacks, and looking up at the stars with your kids.
Star gazing is not only a fun activity but also educational. Kids can learn about the constellations, planets, and galaxies. You can even use a stargazing app to identify what you're seeing in the night sky.
To make star gazing even more exciting, try to find a place away from city lights and light pollution. You'll be amazed at how many more stars are visible in a dark area.
Have a Backyard Campout
There's nothing quite like the experience of camping, but sometimes getting out to a campground can be tough. If that's the case for you, then why not bring the campsite to your own backyard? Having a backyard campout is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors without having to go too far from home.
To set up your backyard campout, you'll need a tent, sleeping bags, and any other camping gear you'd like to use. Set up the tent in a nice, flat area of your yard, and be sure to have plenty of pillows and blankets inside for a cozy night's sleep.
For dinner, you can keep things simple with hot dogs and s'mores cooked over a campfire or on a portable grill. Be sure to have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand as well, and don't forget the marshmallows!
Having a backyard campout is a fun and easy way to enjoy the outdoors with your family without having to go too far from home. So, pitch your tent, grab your sleeping bags, and get ready for a night under the stars.
Plan a Picnic
Kids absolutely love picnics, and it's a great way to spend some quality time together as a family. Grab a blanket, some sandwiches, and snacks, and head to a local park or even your own backyard for a fun picnic. Don't forget to bring along some bubbles or a kite to play with afterward.
As for treats, some of our favorites are homemade fruit salads, cheese and crackers, and chocolate chip cookies. But you can customize your picnic to your family's preferences and even let your kids pick out what they want to bring along.
Picnics are a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful summer weather, all while spending time with the ones you love. So pack up your basket and make some memories!
Head to the Beach
One of the quintessential summer activities is going to the beach. The warm sand, crashing waves, and cool water provide endless hours of fun for kids of all ages. Pack a beach bag with sunscreen, snacks, towels, and plenty of water, and head to the nearest beach.
While at the beach, kids can build sandcastles, play frisbee or volleyball, fly kites, collect seashells, and take a dip in the water.
Make Icecream
What's summer without a little indulgence? Making ice cream is not only a fun activity to do with your kids, but it's also a delicious treat that you can all enjoy together. Making ice cream at home is a great way to teach your kids about science and how ingredients come together to create a tasty treat.
Plus, it's a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together. If you don't have an ice cream maker, don't worry! You can still make ice cream at home using a few simple techniques. One method involves placing the ice cream mixture in a plastic bag, then placing that bag inside a larger bag filled with ice and salt. Then, you just need to shake the bag for about 10-15 minutes until the ice cream is frozen.
Another method involves freezing the ice cream mixture in a baking dish, then using a fork to scrape the ice cream every hour or so until it's fully frozen.
No matter how you make it, homemade ice cream is a fun and tasty activity to do with your kids this summer. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy some delicious ice cream together!
Read Summer Books
One great way to spend a lazy summer afternoon with your kids is to dive into a good book! There are plenty of great books that are perfect for summer, whether you want to read a classic or something more modern. You could read together as a family or let your kids explore on their own.
Visit a Local Park
Parks are a great place to take the kids on a summer day. With all the fresh air and wide-open spaces, kids can run around, play, and have some much-needed fun after being cooped up indoors during the colder months. When choosing a park, consider one that has a playground or a splash pad to help cool off during hot afternoons.
A trip to the park can also be educational for the kids. Take a walk through the park and point out different plants, trees, and flowers, and explain their significance. Encourage your kids to identify different birds or insects they see around them, and learn more about them. Pack a picnic basket full of your family's favorite snacks, and enjoy lunch or a snack while taking in the beauty of nature.
If your kids are old enough, you can even challenge them to complete a scavenger hunt at the park, where they have to find and identify different objects in the park. You could also bring along some games to play on the lawn, such as frisbee, badminton, or soccer.
Visit the Zoo
Going to the zoo is a classic summer activity that is both fun and educational for kids. A trip to the zoo can be a great way to expose children to different types of animals and their habitats. In addition, it provides a chance to learn about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting endangered species.
Go Camping
One of the most exciting and memorable activities to add to your summer bucket list with your kids is camping. There's nothing like getting out of the city and spending some time in nature with your loved ones. Camping is a perfect opportunity for you and your family to disconnect from technology, explore the great outdoors, and spend quality time together.
Family Game Night
A game night is a fun and entertaining way to spend quality time with your kids during the summer. It's a perfect way to end a long day filled with activities. Game nights can be done inside or outside, depending on your preference and the weather.
Here are some great game night ideas to get you started:
Board games: Bring out your favorite board games and have a family game night. Classic games like Monopoly, Clue, and Life can be a lot of fun.
Card games: Teach your kids some classic card games like Go Fish, Uno, and Old Maid.
Video games: If your kids are older, they may enjoy playing video games. You can make it a family tournament and see who comes out on top.
Outdoor games: If you have a big backyard or a local park nearby, you can set up outdoor games like cornhole, ladder toss, and horseshoes.
Movie Night
What better way to enjoy a warm summer evening than with a movie night under the stars? Set up a cozy outdoor movie area in your backyard with blankets, pillows, and some popcorn for the ultimate family movie night.
If you don't have access to a projector, no worries! You can also set up an indoor movie night complete with cozy blankets and pillows. Have the kids help pick out the movie and make it a fun movie marathon with snacks and drinks.
Bonfire
As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, nothing quite says summer like gathering around a warm and cozy bonfire. A bonfire is a great way to spend time outdoors, relax, and enjoy the company of friends and family.
Whether you are roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, or just enjoying the warmth, a bonfire is sure to be a hit with your kids
Build a Fort
Building a fort is the perfect way to spark your child's creativity and imagination. Not only is it a fun summer activity, but it also encourages problem-solving skills and teamwork.
To start building a fort, gather materials such as blankets, pillows, chairs, and sheets. Find a space in your house or backyard where you can set up your fort. Let your kids take the lead and decide how they want to build their fort. Do they want it to be small and cozy or big and spacious?
Encourage your kids to get creative with their fort by adding decorations and personal touches. They can make a sign for their fort, hang up lights, or even create a secret password to enter their fort.
Once the fort is complete, let your kids spend time inside their creations. They can read books, play games, or have a picnic inside their fort.
Building a fort is a simple and enjoyable summer activity that will provide your kids with hours of fun. So, gather your materials, and get started on your unique fort today!
Search for Fireflies
One of the most enchanting activities to do with your kids during the summer is to go on a hunt for fireflies. Fireflies, or lightning bugs, are magical creatures that light up the night sky with their bright bioluminescent glow. This activity is perfect for warm summer evenings and can be enjoyed by kids of all ages!
Watch Fireworks
One of the best summer traditions is watching fireworks. With 4th of July just around the corner, it's the perfect time to plan an evening with your family to watch the colorful and stunning display. You can purchase your own fireworks and create your own little display, but be sure to follow safety guidelines. Or, you can opt for a more low-key experience and watch the fireworks on the TV from the comfort of your home. No matter what you choose, it's always a fun and memorable experience. So, grab some snacks and blankets, and get ready to enjoy the beautiful fireworks show.
Bubbles
Bubbles are a classic summer activity that every child loves. They are easy to make, and there are many ways to make it exciting for kids. You can buy a bubble machine to have a constant stream of bubbles or make your own giant bubbles. Making giant bubbles is a fun science experiment that children will enjoy.
Happy Summer Break!
(Click here to download)
Comments