When it comes to summer activities for kids, parents always want to know a few key things: what’s safe, age-appropriate, and entertaining. To help you plan the perfect summer for your kids, we’ve put together a list of our favorite activities. From solo play to group play and indoor to outdoor activities, there’s something on this list for everyone. And, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ve even included a few ideas for rainy-day fun. So, whether your kids are looking for an active adventure or a relaxing day at home, they’re sure to find something they love on our list of best summer activities for kids.
-Solo Play: Ideas for kids who want to play independently
1. Make a fort out of blankets and pillows
Your child can have fun making a fort out of blankets and pillows. This is a great activity for rainy days or hot days when your child needs to stay indoors. All you need are some blankets and pillows, and your child can make their own fun summer hideaway.
2. Have a picnic in the living room
A picnic in the living room is a fun way for kids to have a summertime adventure without leaving the house. You only need some food and beverages, and your youngster may have a good time pretending to picnic indoors.
3. Put on a puppet show
Puppet shows are a fantastic way for children to let their imaginations run wild. For the entire family, you need to put on a hilarious performance.
4. Make homemade pizzas
Pizza is a summertime favorite, and kids will love making their own pizzas at home. All you need is some pizza dough, sauce, and toppings. Your child can create their own pizza masterpiece by choosing their favorite toppings.
5. Go on a nature walk
To make the most of a nature walk, all you need is a sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors. With these two things, your child can explore any nearby park or backyard and have a blast doing it. So get out there and enjoy some quality time with your little one this summer!
6. Write a story or make a comic book
Writing stories or making comic books are great ways for kids to use their imaginations. All you need is some paper and a pencil, and your child can let their creativity run wild.
7. Start a lemonade stand or bake sale
Lemonade stands and bake sales are a fun way for kids to earn some money. It’s a great project to work on while the weather is still warm. With just a few supplies and some ingenuity, your youngster can sell lemonade or baked goods from the front yard.
8. Plant a garden or build a fort
Summer fun doesn’t have to stop just because the weather is cooling off. Instead, head outside and enjoy some sticks or seeds of your own while building a summer project with your child.
9. Create an obstacle course or scavenger hunt
An obstacle course or scavenger hunt is a great way for kids to have fun and get some exercise. You only need a few household items and your youngster may make their own exciting course in the backyard.
10. Paint a picture or make crafts.
Painting and crafting are great ways for kids to express their creativity. Your child can create a masterpiece with just some paper and paint.
11. Play tag or hopscotch
Classic games like catch, hopscotch and tag are always fun for kids. Your child can have fun in the backyard with just a ball or some chalk.
12. Read a book or listen to an audiobook
Reading and listening to audiobooks are great ways for kids to learn and have fun. Your kid can enjoy a summertime adventure from the comfort of home with just a book or audiobook.
13. Dance to music or put on a play.
Dancing and playing are great ways for kids to have fun and express themselves. With some music or costumes, your youngster can put on a fantastic show for the whole family.
-Group Play: Summer activities perfect for friends or family
Group play is a great way for kids to socialize and have fun with friends or family. If you’re looking for some fun ideas to do with your kids this summer, try one of these activities:
1. Play tag or hide-and-seek
Tag and hide-and-seek are classic games that are always fun for kids. You just need an area to play, and your youngster may have a lot of fun running around with their friends.
2. Have a water balloon fight or water gun battle
Water balloon fights and water gun fights are great summertime fun. Water balloons or water guns are all you need to have fun in the sun with your child.
3. Build a sandcastle or Play in the sprinklers
Both building sandcastles and playing in sprinklers are fun summer activities for kids. You’ll need sand or water, and your youngster will have a blast in the sun.
4. Ride bikes or go on a nature hike
Riding bikes and going on nature hikes are great summertime activities for kids. All you need is a bike or some comfortable walking shoes, and your child can explore the great outdoors.
5. Play kickball or frisbee
Playing kickball and frisbee are great summertime activities for kids. A ball or frisbee is all that is required, and your youngster can have a good time in the park or backyard.
6. Have a picnic or barbecue
Picnics and barbecues are great summertime activities for kids. Drinks and food are all that is required for your youngster to have a good time in the sun.
7. Make ice cream sundaes
Homemade ice cream is a fun and delicious summer activity that kids will love. All you need is some ice cream, milk, and your favorite toppings. Your child can make their own ice cream flavor by mixing and matching different toppings.
8. Make a sandcastle or mudpie.
Making sandcastles and mudpies are great activities for kids to do with their friends. Your little one may make their own enjoyable summertime masterpiece with just some sand or dirt.
9. Visit a museum or go to the zoo
Visiting a museum or going to the zoo are great summertime activities for kids. A museum or zoo pass would be a wonderful gift idea for any young birder. They might learn about the animal’s food and its environment.
10. Volunteer.
Volunteering is a great summertime activity for kids. Your youngster may make a difference in their neighborhood by volunteering, so encourage them to do so. They’ll be more interested in charity and issues affecting children if they’ve seen it demonstrated that you care about such things. Your kid can volunteer his or her time, talents, and skills to help others.
With so many fun options, your kids are sure to enjoy spending time with their friends and family this summer.
-Outdoor Fun: Get your kids moving with these active ideas
If you’re looking for some active fun this summer, try one of these outdoor activities:
1. Ride bikes or go for a walk
Riding bikes and going for walks are great ways to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Your youngster will be more interested in the world around him if he or she has a bike or some comfortable walking shoes, and he or she can explore the neighborhood or a nearby park.
2. Go to the beach or swimming pool
The beach and swimming pool are great places to enjoy the summer sun. A pair of sunglasses, a swimsuit, and some sunscreen are all that are required to enjoy yourself in the water with your youngster.
3. Go on a nature hike-play hide and seek or tag
Kids love hide and seek and tagging, which are excellent summertime pastimes. You’ll need an open area to play in, and your youngster will have a great time running around with their pals.
4. Jump on the trampoline
Jumping on the trampoline is a great way for kids to get some exercise. All you need is a trampoline, and your child can bounce their way to a fun summertime.
With so many outdoor activities to choose from, your kids are sure to stay active all summer long.
-Indoor Activities: Great options for days when it’s too hot or rainy to be outside
There are plenty of fun indoor activities that are perfect for days when it’s too hot or rainy to be outside. If you’re looking for some fun things to do with your kids this summer, try one of these ideas:
1. Have a dance party or make a music video
Dance parties and making music videos are great ways for kids to let loose and be creative. Need some music and a camera, and your youngster can have a great time making their own music video.
2. Build a blanket fort or pillow fort
Building a blanket fort or pillow fort is a great way for kids to use their imagination. A playmat, a recliner, and a selection of bedding and cushions are all you need to give your child their own space to play or read.
3. Do a puzzle or color
Puzzles and coloring are great summertime activities for kids. All that is necessary are some coloring materials and a puzzle to keep them occupied indoors on a chilly or wet day.
4. Indoor obstacle course
Set up a fun and challenging obstacle course using furniture and other household items. This is a great activity for kids of all ages and can be tweaked to make it more or less difficult depending on the age and ability of the participants.
5. Arts and crafts
Take some time to do some fun arts and crafts projects with your kids. There are tons of fun and easy crafts that can be done with common household items.
6. Indoor scavenger hunt
Hide a bunch of small objects around the house and have your kids search for them. This is a great way to get them up and moving, even on a rainy day.
7. Baking
Baking is a fun activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. You can make simple recipes like cookies or muffins, or get a little more creative with your baking projects.
8. Board games
There’s nothing like a classic board game to keep everyone entertained on a rainy day. Whether you choose Monopoly, Clue, or something else, board games are always a fun option.
9. Have a tea party
Having a tea party is a great way for kids to use their imaginations. All you need is some pretend food and drinks, and your child can have a blast hosting their own tea party.
With so many fun indoor activities to choose from, your kids are sure to stay entertained all summer long.
10. Read books or listen to stories
Reading books and listening to stories are excellent summertime activities for children. A book or an audio story is required, and your child may amuse himself while learning.
11. Watch a movie or TV show
Watching a movie or TV show is a great way for your little ones to relax and be entertained.
12. Play an instrument
Playing an instrument is a great summertime activity for kids. If your child is interested in learning to play an instrument, there are plenty of resources available to help them get started.
13. Make a collage or scrapbook
Making a collage or scrapbook is a great way for kids to be creative. Paper and supplies are all that is required, so your little ones may create their own artwork project.
14. Write a story or poem
Writing a story or poem is a great summertime activity for kids. You’ll need a piece of paper and a pencil to start, but your youngster may let their creativity fly.
15. Make fruity popsicles
Making fruity popsicles is a great summertime activity for kids. All you need is some fruit and some popsicle molds, and your child can have fun making their own healthy snacks.
16. Learn a new language
Learning a new language is a great way for kids to expand their horizons. There are many resources available online and in libraries to help kids learn a new language.
Final Thoughts
With so many fun summer activities for kids, there is sure to be something for everyone! From indoor scavenger hunts to baking, there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained all summer long. With a little creativity, your kids can have the best summer ever!