Summer break is here and the kids are ready to have some fun! Are you looking for ways to keep your little ones entertained, away from their screens and without breaking the bank? We’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest summer activities that will keep your kids engaged and happy. From outdoor activities like water balloon games, DIY sidewalk chalk, and backyard obstacle courses to indoor activities like creating a time capsule or hosting a DIY movie day, there’s something for everyone. We’ve also included physical activities like family yoga and exciting day trips to local museums, hiking trails, and amusement parks. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and start planning some unforgettable adventures with the entire family!
Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids
Summer is the best time for kids to engage in outdoor activities. Water-based activities like swimming, water balloon fights, and slip n’ slides are great ways to cool off in the heat. For nature lovers, nature walks in local parks or nature reserves can be a fun way to explore the outdoors. Sports and games like soccer or frisbee can be organized for some friendly competition. Artsy kids can get creative with some outdoor art projects like sidewalk chalk designs or painting rocks.
For those parents who want their kids to learn something new over the summer, gardening is a great activity that teaches kids about plants and their growth processes. You can start with small herb gardens or plant flowers together. These summer activities will not only keep your children engaged but also help them develop new skills and maintain a healthy lifestyle away from screens.
1. Water balloon games
Looking for some fun outdoor activities to keep your kids entertained this summer? Water balloon games are a fun idea! They’re easy to set up and provide hours of fun on a hot summer day. Popular water balloon games include toss and catch, relay races, and target practice.
Before getting started, be sure to set clear safety rules to avoid accidents. This could include things like not throwing balloons at people’s faces or not allowing running on slippery surfaces. It’s also important to stock up on plenty of balloons and have a garden hose or other water source nearby for refills.
Overall, water balloon games are an inexpensive and fun way to beat the heat and keep kids entertained during the summer months.
2. DIY sidewalk chalk
One fun and easy outdoor activity for kids is making DIY sidewalk chalk at home. To make the chalk, all you need is plaster of Paris, tempera paint, water, and mold containers. Mixing these ingredients together and pouring them into the mold containers is a great way to teach kids about measurements and ratios.
Once the chalk has dried, kids can enjoy creating colorful masterpieces on their sidewalks or driveways. This activity promotes creativity, outdoor play, and hands-on learning. Plus, it’s a great way to keep kids entertained during the summer months.
3. Nature scavenger hunt
One great outdoor activity for kids during the summer is a nature scavenger hunt. This fun and educational activity gets kids outside and exploring their surroundings while using all their senses. You can create your own scavenger hunt list or find pre-made lists online and adjust the difficulty level to suit different age groups.
Encourage kids to feel different textures, listen for bird sounds, and use their problem-solving skills to find items on the list. This activity promotes creativity and an appreciation for the natural world. Nature scavenger hunts are also a great way to teach kids about local flora and fauna, making it both a fun and educational experience.
4. Create a backyard obstacle course
Looking for a fun and active way to keep your kids entertained this summer? Creating a backyard obstacle course is a great option. All you need are some basic items like hula hoops, cones, and jump ropes to create different challenges that will test your child’s balance, coordination, and strength.
Encourage kids to race against each other or time themselves to see if they can improve their scores. However, it is important to supervise younger children and ensure that the obstacles are age-appropriate.
Overall, creating a backyard obstacle course is a great way to get kids moving and having fun outdoors during the summer months.
5. Plant a garden together
One great outdoor activity to do with kids during the summer is planting a garden together. This fun and educational activity can teach children about responsibility and the environment, while also providing an opportunity for healthy outdoor exercise and fresh air.
When planning your garden project, choose plants that are easy to grow and care for, such as herbs, vegetables, or flowers. Let the kids participate in planting, watering, and weeding to give them a sense of ownership over the project. Encourage their creativity by allowing them to decorate the garden with rocks, painted pots, or other decorations.
Planting a garden with your kids can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved, and it can provide a great way to spend quality time together while learning about nature and the world around us.
Indoor Activities for Kids
Summer days can be hot and sticky, making indoor family activities a great alternative to outdoor play. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep kids entertained indoors during the summer months. Arts and crafts such as painting, drawing, or DIY projects are perfect for encouraging creativity in children. Board games offer opportunities for competitive fun while also building problem-solving skills. Movie marathons with favorite snacks help engage kids for hours on end.
Science experiments using household items not only entertain but also teach scientific concepts in a practical way. Cooking and baking with your kids is an excellent way to spend quality time together while teaching them important life skills. Engaging in these indoor activities will ensure that your kids remain occupied throughout the summer months!
1. DIY board games
When it’s too hot to play outside, DIY board games are a great way to keep kids entertained indoors. Making board games from scratch can help develop creativity and problem-solving skills while keeping little ones engaged for hours. Kids can customize their games with themes, rules, and game pieces of their choice, making each game unique and exciting.
DIY board games can be played with family or friends, adding an element of social interaction to the activity. Best of all, this activity can be budget-friendly by using recycled or inexpensive materials. Overall, creating your own board games is a fun and productive way to beat the summer boredom blues.
2. Create a time capsule
Looking for indoor family activities to keep your kids entertained during the summer? One activity that is both fun and educational is creating a time capsule. Kids can collect items that are meaningful to them, such as photos, drawings, and small trinkets, and place them in a container. The time capsule can be buried in the backyard or stored in a safe place to be opened at a later date.
This activity encourages creativity, reflection, and helps kids develop an appreciation for history and the passing of time. Other indoor activities for kids include arts and crafts, board games, building forts or tents, and cooking or baking. These family activities not only help to bust boredom but also promote learning and creativity in children.
3. Learn to cook new recipes together
Indoor activities can be a great way to keep your kids entertained during the summer. One fun and educational activity that you can try with your children is cooking. Cooking together can teach them about healthy eating and food preparation while providing an opportunity for quality bonding time.
When choosing recipes, opt for simple ones that are easy for kids to follow along, such as homemade pizza or fruit salad. Encourage creativity by letting them choose their own ingredients and toppings. Use child-friendly utensils to teach basic kitchen skills like measuring, mixing, and cutting.
Not only will cooking together keep your kids entertained, but it will also promote healthy eating habits and valuable life skills that they can use in the future. Plus, it’s a great way to spend quality time together as a family.
4. At-home science experiments
When the weather is too hot to play outside, indoor summer activities become a great way to keep kids entertained during summer. At-home science experiments are an excellent option for both fun and learning. There are many simple experiments that can be done with household items, such as making a lava lamp or creating a DIY slime.
These experiments not only keep kids engaged but also teach them about basic scientific concepts like chemical reactions and states of matter. Additionally, they can help develop valuable skills such as observation, measurement, and problem-solving. It is essential to supervise children during these experiments and follow all safety precautions. With at-home science experiments, parents can create an exciting learning environment for their children right at home.
5. Host a DIY movie day
When the weather outside is too hot for outdoor summer activities for kids, hosting a DIY movie day can be a much fun and easy indoor activity for kids. Choose a theme, such as superhero movies or animated films, and let the kids pick their favorites to watch. Set up a cozy movie area in the living room with blankets, pillows, and snacks to make it feel like a real cinema experience.
Encourage the kids to make their own popcorn or create special movie-themed snacks like popcorn balls or candy kabobs. To make it even more interactive, have the kids act out scenes from their favorite movies during commercial breaks. Hosting a DIY movie day is a great way to beat boredom during the summer months and provides a fun activity that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.
Physical Activities for Kids
When it comes to summer activities for kids, physical games and family activities are the perfect way to keep them active, entertained, and engaged. Outdoor games like frisbee, soccer, and tag can be great fun for children of all ages. Water-based activities such as swimming, water balloon fights, or slip n’ slides are perfect for hot summer days.
Nature walks or hikes can introduce young children to the great outdoors and provide an opportunity for learning about nature. Creative activities for kids like building sandcastles at the beach or making crafts with natural materials can help ignite your child’s imagination.
Sports like tennis, golf, or basketball can help develop skills and provide healthy competition that will keep your child challenged and engaged throughout the summer months. Whatever activity you choose, make sure it’s safe and encourages your child to have fun.
1. Fun dance party
Physical activities are an important part of keeping kids active and healthy during the summer months. One fun way to get kids moving is by hosting a dance party. This can be done indoors or outdoors and is a great way to get the whole family involved. Other physical activities for kids can include outdoor games like tag, kickball or frisbee.
Water-based summer activities like swimming or water balloon fights can also be a great way to beat the heat while staying active. It’s important to encourage kids to engage in physical activities that they enjoy so that they are more likely to stick with them. Whether it’s dancing, playing games or splashing around in the pool, there are plenty of fun ways for kids to stay active and entertained during the summer months.
2. Family bike ride
Looking for a fun and active summer activity to do with your kids? Consider going on a family bike ride! It’s a great way to get some exercise and explore the outdoors together. Before you hit the road, make sure everyone has a properly fitted helmet and comfortable clothing.
Plan your route ahead of time and choose trails or paths that are safe and age-appropriate for your children. Don’t forget to bring snacks, water, and sunscreen to keep everyone energized and protected from the sun. To make the ride more exciting, encourage your kids to set goals such as reaching a certain destination or completing a certain distance. A family bike ride is an enjoyable way to spend time together while staying active during the summer months.
3. Create your own mini golf course
One fun and engaging physical activity for kids during the summer months is creating their own mini golf course. Kids can use materials such as cardboard boxes, plastic cups, and duct tape to design obstacles and holes for their course. This activity not only promotes creativity and problem-solving skills, but also improves hand-eye coordination and motor skills through playing mini golf. Creating a mini golf course is a great way for kids to stay active and beat boredom during the summer months while having fun.
4. Jump rope contest
Physical activities are a great way to keep kids engaged and active during the summer months. One fun and exciting activity that can help children improve their coordination, balance, and endurance is a jump rope contest. This activity can be played individually or in teams, with various styles and techniques to add challenge and variety.
Jump rope contest can be customized for different age groups and skill levels, making it a versatile activity for kids of all ages. It’s an affordable option that requires minimal equipment but provides maximum entertainment value. Whether your child is a beginner or an expert, a jump rope contest is sure to provide hours of fun while improving their physical abilities.
5. Family yoga
One great physical activity for kids during the summer is family yoga. This fun and healthy activity can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. Yoga can improve flexibility, balance, and strength while reducing stress and anxiety. Family yoga sessions often include playful poses, games, and breathing exercises that are suitable for children of all ages.
Not only is family yoga a great way to promote physical health, but it’s also an excellent way to spend quality time with your family. You can practice family yoga at home or attend classes offered by local studios or community centers. So why not give it a try this summer? Your whole family will benefit from improved well-being and the chance to bond over a fun and relaxing activity.
Creative Family Activities for Kids
Summer break can be a time of great creativity and discovery for kids. Whether indoors or outdoors, there are countless options to keep them engaged and entertained. Outdoor summer activities such as hiking, swimming, and playing in the park are both fun and healthy. Indoor family activities such as arts and crafts, board games, and reading help develop cognitive skills while also promoting imagination. DIY projects such as building a birdhouse or creating a garden not only provide opportunities to learn new things but also give the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. Cooking and baking projects can be a fun way to teach kids about nutrition while also providing a delicious treat! And finally, virtual experiences like online museum tours or virtual summer camps allow kids to explore new interests and expand their horizons without ever leaving home. With so many options available, it’s easy to keep kids occupied this summer!
1. Make a family scrapbook together
One creative thing to do for summer for kids is to make a family scrapbook together. This activity can be both fun and educational, as kids can learn about their family history while creating a beautiful keepsake. To get started, gather old photos, ticket stubs, and other memorabilia to include in the scrapbook.
Encourage kids to write captions or stories to accompany each item, making it a collaborative effort that fosters creativity and strengthens writing skills. Making a scrapbook together can also help build stronger family bonds by sharing memories and creating new ones. Overall, this cool summer activity is a great boredom buster that guarantees fun for the whole family!
2. Create a DIY birdhouse
Creating a DIY birdhouse is a fun and educational activity for kids that also benefits the environment. This creative activity allows kids to use recycled materials such as cardboard or wood to make their own birdhouse. While building the birdhouse, kids can learn about different bird species and their habitats.
Once completed, kids can observe birds nesting in their creation and learn more about them. Creating a DIY birdhouse also teaches children valuable skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and patience. Overall, this activity is a great way to keep kids entertained while also providing an opportunity for them to learn about nature and develop important life skills.
3. Paint rocks and make a rock garden
Looking for a creative and engaging activity for your kids this summer? Painting rocks and creating a rock garden can be a fun and rewarding experience for all ages. This activity allows children to express their creativity and develop their fine motor skills as they paint and decorate their rocks.
After painting, the rocks can be arranged in a unique garden that can be tended to throughout the summer. This activity also instills a sense of responsibility in children as they take care of their plants and rocks, teaching them valuable life skills.
Not only is painting rocks an enjoyable way to spend time with your children, it is also an affordable option that requires minimal materials. So grab some paint and brushes, head outside, and let the creativity flow!
4. Make homemade slime or playdough
One creative activity that kids are sure to love is making homemade slime or playdough. Not only is it a fun way to spend an afternoon, but it’s also easy to make with simple ingredients found in most households. Kids can customize the colors and textures of their slime or playdough to make it unique and engaging.
This activity helps develop fine motor skills and encourages imaginative play. It’s a great opportunity for parents to teach kids about measurements, following instructions, and even basic chemistry concepts. Making homemade slime or playdough is a boredom buster that is guaranteed to keep kids entertained for hours on end!
5. Build a blanket fort and have a family reading day
Looking for a creative and fun activity to beat the summer heat? Building a blanket fort is an excellent way to keep kids entertained indoors. Not only does it encourage imaginative play, but it also helps develop problem-solving skills as children figure out how to construct their fort.
To make the experience even more enjoyable, consider having a family reading day inside the fort. This promotes literacy and bonding time with loved ones. Other cool summer activities for kids include outdoor water games, nature scavenger hunts, or DIY crafts. By keeping children engaged in these activities, parents can help prevent boredom and reduce screen time. So gather some blankets and pillows and get ready for hours of indoor fun!
Exciting Day Trips for the Whole Family
Summer is a wonderful time for families to indulge in fun activities together. Day trips are a great way to create lifelong memories with your loved ones. You can visit a water park or splash pad to beat the heat while having a fun-filled day out. Take your kids on a nature walk or hike, exploring a local park and trails that offer endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.
Plan a picnic or outdoor barbecue with family and friends, relishing delicious foods under the sun. Visit an amusement park or carnival where the whole family can enjoy thrilling rides and games. Exploring local museums, zoos, or aquariums is an excellent way to make your kids’ summer vacation both educational and entertaining. These family activities are sure to keep your children engaged throughout the summer!
1. Visit a local museum or aquarium
Looking for an exciting day trip for the whole family this summer? Consider visiting a local museum or aquarium. These destinations offer interactive exhibits that can educate kids on a variety of topics, from science to history. Aquariums provide an opportunity for kids to learn about marine life and interact with aquatic animals.
Many museums and aquariums offer special programs and events specifically designed for kids during the summer months, making them a great way to keep kids entertained while beating the heat. Visiting these local attractions also supports small businesses and encourages continued education outside of the classroom. So, grab the sunscreen and head out on a fun-filled adventure!
2. Go on a hiking or Camping adventure
One exciting day trip for the whole family this summer is to go on a hiking or camping adventure. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors with your loved ones. When choosing a hiking trail, it’s important to consider your family’s skill level and choose a path that is appropriate for everyone. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep energy levels up.
Encourage children to connect with nature by pointing out interesting plants, animals, and geological features along the way. To make it even more fun, create a scavenger hunt or let each child take turns leading the group. Hiking can be a great way to bond with your family while exploring new places and getting fresh air. So, pack up your backpacks and hit the trails for an exciting summer adventure!
3. Take a trip to the beach
One of the most classic summer day trips for families is a visit to the beach. Not only does it provide a fun and refreshing break from the heat, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for kids to play and explore. Before heading out, make sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
To keep kids entertained, bring along sand toys, beach balls, and other games. It’s also a great idea to choose a beach with lifeguards on duty for added safety. Remember to clean up after yourselves and leave the beach as you found it so that others can enjoy it too. With these tips in mind, a trip to the beach can be a fun and memorable summer activity for the whole family.
4. Plan a day at an amusement park or water park
Looking for an exciting day trip that the whole family will love? Consider planning a visit to an amusement park or water park! These parks offer a wide variety of thrilling rides and attractions that are sure to keep everyone entertained.
From roller coasters to wave pools, there’s something for every age and thrill level. Before heading out, be sure to check the park hours, ticket prices, and height restrictions for rides. It’s also important to pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
To avoid overpriced food at the park, consider bringing snacks or planning to eat at one of the park’s restaurants. With a little bit of planning, a day at an amusement park or water park can be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
5. Go on a zoo or farm visit
Looking for an exciting day trip for the whole family this summer? Consider visiting a zoo or farm! Not only can kids learn about different animals and their habitats, but many zoos also offer interactive exhibits and family activities such as feeding demonstrations and animal encounters. Visiting a farm can also be an educational experience, providing opportunities for kids to learn about agriculture and where their food comes from. Some farms may even allow visitors to pick their own fruits and vegetables. So why not plan a trip to a local zoo or farm this summer? It’s sure to be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
What are the best things to do for summer in the USA?
There are many fun things do for summer in the USA. For kids, some of the best options include visiting national parks, going to amusement parks, and attending summer camps. Beach vacations and water sports are popular in coastal states like California and Florida.
In addition, outdoor concerts and festivals offer live music and cultural experiences, while local community events such as fairs, farmers markets, and outdoor movie screenings can provide fun summer entertainment for all ages.
Conclusion
Summer is the perfect time for kids to enjoy themselves and engage in various family activities. Regardless of whether they are indoors or outdoors, physical or creative, there are plenty of options available to keep them occupied. With so many fun summer activities to choose from, why not try some new ones? All these activities for kids are designed to keep them away from their devices. If none of this helps, you can always consider using a parental control tool, to make the children’s devices less attractive during summer.
