Keeping your kids entertained this summer doesn’t have to be costly or extravagant. We’ve compiled a list of 100 simple and engaging activities that will make summer fun and memorable.
Regardless of whether you work from home, stay at home, or have a job outside, having a handy list of summer activities is essential to keep your children busy and learning. Without a plan, kids might end up spending too much time on screens, which isn’t beneficial for their mental or physical health.
Here’s a curated list of 100 summer activities that are both enjoyable and educational. You’ll always have ideas at your fingertips, ensuring there’s something for every child, no matter their interests or preferences.
You can use these ideas to create a summer bucket list or just select a few favorites to try out. Either way, you’ll create wonderful memories together. The important thing is to slow down and savor the summer months with your family.
Nature Summer Activities for Kids
Summer offers long, sunny days perfect for exploring the great outdoors. Here are some fun and engaging activities to enjoy with kids. Remember to pack sunscreen and bug spray!
1. Go Bird Watching
Equip yourselves with a camera and a notebook to document bird sightings. Use an app or a guidebook to identify different species and learn about their habits.
2. Grow Fresh Herbs in Containers
Repurpose old coffee cans, milk jugs, mason jars, plastic cups, or any other containers you have at home to plant herbs. Place your herb garden on a patio or windowsill and enjoy watching them grow.
3. Look for Shapes in the Clouds
Spread a blanket on the grass, lie down, and gaze up at the sky. Take turns pointing out different shapes and figures you see in the clouds, sparking creativity and conversation.
4. Make a Bird Feeder
Create a bird feeder and hang it in your yard. Observe the different birds that come to visit and add new sightings to your bird-watching list.
5. Make Fairy Houses
Use natural materials like moss, bark, and leaves to build small fairy houses. This imaginative activity is perfect for creative play and storytelling.
6. Pick Your Own Plants
Visit a local farm that offers pick-your-own options for blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, vegetables, or flowers. Enjoy the experience of harvesting fresh produce together.
7. Plant a Butterfly or Hummingbird Garden
Design a garden that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds by planting flowers they love. Watch these beautiful creatures as they visit your garden throughout the summer.
Rainy Day Activities for Summer
When summer showers keep you indoors, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Here are some of our top kid-friendly activities for rainy summer days:
1. Movie Marathon: Grab your favorite movies or browse Netflix for a cozy movie day. Don’t forget the popcorn and lots of snuggles!
2. Build a Fort: Use pillows and blankets in the living room or cardboard boxes in the yard to create an epic hideaway for your kids.
3. Lego Castle Project: Set up a table for a family Lego-building project. Work together to construct a castle, and add to it throughout the summer.
4. Indoor Camping: Spread out sleeping bags on the floor for a fun family slumber party.
5. New Hairdos: Let the kids experiment with non-permanent hair colors, braids, or spiked, gelled looks.
6. Origami Fun: Get an origami book and colorful paper. Make fun animals and shapes to give as gifts to friends and family.
7. Breakfast in Bed: Take turns serving breakfast in bed to each other for a special treat.
8. Marble Races: Cut an old pool noodle in half to create marble race tracks. Race marbles down the tracks to see whose is the fastest.
9. Time Capsule: Have each family member write down something they are grateful for and include a special item in the time capsule. Decide on a date to open it, such as Thanksgiving or a future milestone like a graduation.
10. Paper Airplanes: Make paper airplanes and see whose flies the farthest. Create various contests for added fun.
11. Card Games: Play classic card games like Crazy Eights, Spoons, Go Fish, or even Poker. You can also enjoy a family board game.
12. Charades: Turn all the summer drama into a lively game of charades.
13. Rearrange Furniture: Give kids graph paper to draw out a plan for rearranging the furniture. Then, have fun moving things around together.
14. Home Project: Set a goal to complete a home project, such as cleaning the garage, organizing the basement, or redecorating a spare bedroom. Involve the kids in the process to teach them valuable skills.
Local Sites for Families to Visit
Summer is the perfect time to explore your local area with friends and family. Here are some fun and memorable activities to enjoy:
1. Diner Delights: Sit at the counter of a classic diner. Let the kids indulge in fried food and milkshakes for a nostalgic experience.
2. Free Concerts: Find a nearby free concert. Relax and enjoy the music while nurturing your kids’ love for live performances.
3. Demolition Derby: Attend a demolition derby for an action-packed experience with thrilling car crashes.
4. Flea Markets and Garage Sales: Explore local flea markets or garage sales. Challenge the kids to negotiate and see if they can score better deals than you.
5. Carnivals and Fairs: Visit a local carnival or county fair. Enjoy the rides and entertainment, and don’t forget to treat yourselves to sugary delights like cotton candy and elephant ears.
6. Picnics: Pack a picnic and enjoy it anywhere – at a free concert, playground, or state park. It’s a simple yet delightful way to spend a summer day.
7. Dramatic Performances: Watch a dramatic performance together, whether it’s a puppet show in the park or a touring Broadway show. Experience the magic of live theater as a family.
8. Matinee Movies: Go to a bargain matinee at a local movie theater. Enjoy an afternoon film without breaking the bank.
9. Garden Gnome Adventure: Bring a garden gnome along on your outings. Take pictures of the gnome at each destination and create a scrapbook of your summer adventures.
10. Road Trip: Take a road trip to a nearby city. Spend the night or make it a day trip to explore new sights and experiences.
11. Minor-League Baseball: Attend a minor-league baseball game. These parks are very family-friendly and often feature fun giveaways and chances to win prizes.
12. Historic Houses and Farms: Visit a historic house or farm. Learn about how life has changed and appreciate what people in the past lived without.
13. Farmers’ Markets: Explore a local farmers’ market. Enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables and savor a few locally-made treats.
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