Hey ya’ll! School is just about out and the kiddos will be spending more time at home, so I thought I’d share some fun summer activities that the family can enjoy together! However, finding the perfect outing or activity that the entire family can agree on can be hard. (Trust me I know, I have 3 very opinionated children.) So, hopefully this list will help eliminate the “discussions” and leave you more time for fun!
FREE Printable summer planner
I created this summer planner bundle to help keep all of your kid’s summer activities organized and in one place!
This FREE 16 Page Bundle Includes:
*Daily Planner
*Weekly Planner
*Chore Chart
*Bucket List
*May-August Fillable Calendar
Outdoor summer activities
1: Water games
Who doesn’t love water games when it’s 90 degrees even in the shade?! There are actually many options when it comes to water games.
- Squirt Gun Freeze Tag
- Slip N Slide Race
- Water Balloon Toss (just like “egg toss” but with balloons instead of eggs!”
- “Hillbilly Sprinkler” (turn the water hose nozzle to a gentle spray and point towards the sky)
- DIY Duck Race (use water blasters or squirt guns to race rubber or plastic ducks down a slide)
- Fill The Bucket Race (fill a bucket with water then place an empty bucket a few yards away. Do this for each team. Then player will will put a sponge in the bucket of water until soaked, then run to the empty bucket and squeeze out the water. The player will then run back to their team and pass the sponge to the next player. The team to transfer the most water wins!)
My kiddos also love to just splash in a 5 gallon bucket filled with water! (They are easily entertained.) Or you can take it up a notch and create a water table, which is also a great way for toddlers to safely play in water.
Another kid favorite is a fishing game! Simply fill a shallow tote with water and toss in a few plastic balls, sponges, or anything that will float. Then hand your kids a butterfly net, or even a plastic shovel and let them “fish”!
2: Themed cookout
Summer activities do not have to be all fun in the sun games. You can turn dinner into an event!
A Luau is probably the most popular cookout theme. However, you could switch it up and create your own themes. Or to make things a little more interesting, let the kids choose!
Here are a few ideas:
- Luau. (Hawaiian theme.)
- Patriotic. (July 4th celebration)
- Super Hero. (Fill plates with foods that help you grow super strong!)
- Farm To Table. (Meats, cheeses, and veggies from local farms.)
- By the Sea. (Switch up the red meats with seafood.)
- Traditional. (Hamburgers, BBQ, and Baked Beans.)
3: Outdoor movie night
This summer activity pairs well with the cookout themes! It’s a great way to keep the fun going, even underneath the stars!
I personally do not have a set up for outdoor movies but it is definitely on my wish list! If you love the fresh air and watching movies, then this a great way to have family time without exhausting yourself.
P.S.- Don’t forget the popcorn or s’mores!
4: Create a “summer activities fair” at home
If you aren’t a big fan of the crowds but love the games and food at a local fair, then creating your own fair at home is the perfect solution! Invite your family and friends to join in these fun summer activities right in your own backyard!
There are two ways that you can create your own fair games. You can either rent them from a game rental. Or, if you are a DIYer then you can build them yourself and reuse them as often as you want!
Ideas for your backyard fair:
Traditional-
- Skee-ball.
- Ring toss.
- Balloons and Darts.
- Shooting game. (You can use Nerf guns or Squirt guns to knock down cans or small jugs!)
- Pingpong ball and fish bowl.
Untraditional-
- Tug of War.
- Cup stacking race.
- Sack race or 3 legged race.
- Miniture golf.
- Horse shoes game.
- Corn hole.
Away from home summer activities
5: Ice cream road trip
Gather the family for a road trip to your favorite ice cream shop, or even try some place new! There are many hidden gems filled with homemade ice cream all around us. A creamery is fun to visit because they often have it set up to where you can see how your ice cream or cheeses are made. Which makes the road trip fun and educational.
This is probably one of my favorite summer activities! I have always had a weakness for this sweet treat, which makes a road trip with 3 kids worth it!
6: Summer activities to stay active
Summer activities can also be a great way to teach your kids the importance of exercise and staying fit! There are many ways to keep the body moving without being in the gym.
- Hike. (Find a state park nearby for great hiking trails for all ages.)
- Bike ride.
- Roller blading and roller skating.
- Zoo. (This is a great way to get your steps in for the day! As well as learn something new.)
- Public outdoor art walk.
- Sports. (Kickball, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, Football, Tennis, Soccer, etc.)
Rainy day summer activities
7: Summer reading program
A summer reading program is not only a great way to help your kids prepare for the next grade at school, but it also keeps them entertained. Another perk is that summer reading programs, whether through your school or local library, are generally free!
8: Weekly craft project
If you have an art loving kiddo in your house, then finding something creative for them to focus on is a must! If not, before you know it they will have all of your printer paper cut up into tiny hearts (hehe).
Some of my favorite crafts for kids include anything with paper plates! You can buy a large pack for a just few dollars. Then, grab some markers and googly eyes and let them use their imagination! But if you have time, creating a weekly craft schedule would be even better.
- Paper plate monsters.
- Toilet paper roll butterflies.
- Finger puppets.
- Paper plate masks.
- Slime.
- Fluffy playdough.
- Super Hero cuffs/bracelets.
- Princess and Prince crowns.
- Handprint Flowers.
- Finger paint abstract art.
9: Tea party or picnic
Indoor picnics and tea parties are so fun, even for adults! Everyone loves to snack, right? My daughter got a tea set for her birthday a couple of years ago and was so anxious to use it. So, I surprised her and her brother when they got home from school one day with a table spread with tea cups, saucers, tiny sandwiches, and peanut butter on graham crackers! I think my husband and I enjoyed it just as much as the kids did.
10: Build a fort
Who has a large amount of cardboard boxes these days from all of our online shopping? Well, good news- they make great forts! And with just a handful of supplies (scissors, duct tape, and crayons/markers) you can create a fort to be envied. So, let the kids get creative and see where their imagination takes them…it may take them to the moon!
I hope ya’ll enjoyed this list of summer activities! Let me know in the comments below if you tried any of them. I always love to hear from ya!
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For more family fun check out How To Spend Quality Time With Your Kids!