Summer is the perfect time for kids to take a break from school, soak up the sun, and engage in fun and exciting activities. However, as much as kids look forward to having free time, parents often find themselves scrambling to come up with new ideas to keep their children entertained. This summer, whether you’re looking for activities that encourage creativity, outdoor fun, or learning opportunities, there are plenty of options to ensure that your kids stay happy and busy all season long. Here at The Kids Point, we’ve compiled a list of the best summer activities to help make this summer unforgettable for both kids and parents alike.
Outdoor Adventures for Active Kids
There’s no better time than summer to get kids moving and outdoors. From backyard games to nature walks, outdoor activities provide endless opportunities for fun and exercise.
Backyard Obstacle Course
Create an obstacle course in your backyard using household items like chairs, ropes, and cones. Encourage your kids to race against the clock or have friendly competitions to see who can finish the course in the fastest time. This activity is not only great for physical activity but also helps kids improve their agility and problem-solving skills.
Water Balloon Fights
When temperatures rise, cool off with a water balloon fight! It’s an excellent way for kids to stay active and have fun in the summer heat. Set up a designated “battle zone,” fill up balloons, and let the kids team up to see who can splash the most! You can also get creative and make a water balloon pinata, where kids take turns hitting a hanging balloon with a bat.
Biking Adventures
Biking is another fantastic way to explore the outdoors while getting some exercise. Whether you live in a neighborhood with a bike path or have a nearby park, biking is a great way to enjoy nature and the outdoors. To make it even more exciting, organize a scavenger hunt along the biking trail, where kids can look for specific items like a certain type of tree, a bird, or a colorful flower.
Camping (In the Backyard or Outdoors)
Camping doesn’t always need to be a big excursion. Backyard camping can be just as exciting, especially when you involve the whole family. Pitch a tent, make s’mores, tell stories around a campfire (or a fire pit), and watch the stars. For a more traditional camping experience, explore local parks or campgrounds and enjoy nature hikes, fishing, and roasting marshmallows over an open flame.
Creative and Crafty Fun
For children who enjoy using their imagination and hands-on activities, summer is the perfect time to indulge their creativity. Crafting and creative play can keep kids engaged for hours and give them a sense of accomplishment as they create something unique.
DIY Craft Projects
Set up a DIY crafting station with supplies like paper, glue, markers, scissors, and fabric. Kids can create their own scrapbooks, paint pots, or even design personalized t-shirts. Crafting allows kids to express themselves while also developing fine motor skills. Plus, they can share their creations with family members or give them as gifts to friends.
Outdoor Art with Sidewalk Chalk
Let your kids create masterpieces on the sidewalk using chalk. From intricate designs to hopscotch games, sidewalk chalk is versatile and fun. Encourage your children to get creative by drawing large-scale murals or playing games like “Chalk the Path,” where kids create a maze that others have to follow.
Building and Designing with LEGO
LEGO sets are a classic favorite for kids of all ages. From building cars and castles to creating entire towns, LEGOs inspire kids to think critically while being creative. If you don’t have a LEGO set at home, consider making a DIY version using cardboard and other craft supplies. Challenge your kids to build something from their imagination and then display their creations for everyone to admire.
Cooking and Baking Together
Get your kids involved in the kitchen by letting them help bake cookies, make pizza, or decorate cupcakes. Baking is a wonderful way to teach kids about measurements and the science behind cooking. You can also create a themed cooking challenge where kids choose their favorite dish or meal to prepare with your help.
Learning and Educational Activities
Summer is the ideal time to keep kids learning while they’re having fun. With the right activities, kids can continue to engage with important concepts and skills while still enjoying the break from school.
Summer Reading Program
Encourage a love of reading by signing your kids up for a local summer reading program. Many libraries offer incentives such as free books or prizes when children complete reading challenges. Make it a family activity by reading together at bedtime or taking a trip to the library to pick out new books. You can also organize your own reading challenge at home, with a reward system for completing books.
Visit a Museum or Science Center
Take your kids to a local museum, science center, or art gallery. Many museums offer summer camps or hands-on activities where kids can learn about history, nature, or science in a fun, interactive environment. For example, many science centers have exhibits that allow children to engage with physics, robotics, and space exploration in an exciting way. Many museums also offer workshops or art classes during the summer, providing both education and fun.
Explore Nature
If you’re lucky enough to live near a park or nature reserve, consider taking your kids on a guided nature walk. Many parks offer educational programs where children can learn about the local wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. If you don’t have access to a guided tour, simply pack a nature scavenger hunt kit and explore on your own.
Gardening
Gardening is an excellent way for kids to learn about biology, responsibility, and sustainability. Start a small garden at home with your children, where they can plant seeds and watch them grow. This hands-on experience is not only fun but also teaches valuable lessons about the environment and how plants grow.
Indoor Entertainment for Rainy Days
Not every day in summer is sunny, so it’s important to have a list of fun indoor activities for when it rains or when the heat becomes too much. Indoor activities can keep kids entertained without needing to leave the house.
Create a Family Movie Marathon
Set up an indoor movie marathon with popcorn, blankets, and all their favorite films. Choose a theme—such as superhero movies, animated classics, or fantasy films—and watch a few back-to-back. For added fun, create a movie ticket booth and let the kids “buy” tickets with play money.
Board Games and Puzzles
Pull out classic board games like Monopoly, Clue, or Scrabble for hours of fun indoors. Board games are great for family bonding and help kids with critical thinking, strategy, and social skills. Alternatively, set up a puzzle station and see who can complete a challenging puzzle the fastest.
Science Experiments at Home
Simple science experiments can be done right in your kitchen using common household items. Projects like creating a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or making slime are fun ways for kids to learn about chemistry and physics while keeping busy. There are plenty of online resources and experiment kits to inspire a day full of scientific discovery.
DIY Indoor Obstacle Course
Set up an indoor obstacle course using pillows, chairs, and any other soft furniture. Challenge kids to navigate through the course without touching certain objects, or time them to see how quickly they can complete the challenge.
Social and Group Activities
Summer is a great time to help your kids connect with others, whether through playdates or social outings. These group activities encourage teamwork, sharing, and social skills, while also providing lots of fun.
Host a Playdate or Sleepover
Invite friends over for a playdate filled with games, crafts, and outdoor fun. If you’re feeling adventurous, organize a sleepover where kids can enjoy late-night snacks, tell stories, and watch movies together. Sleepovers are a great way to build friendships and create lasting memories.
Sports and Team Games
Organize a mini soccer game, basketball match, or kickball tournament in the backyard or local park. These sports help kids stay active and improve their teamwork and coordination skills. If you don’t have a team, simply set up smaller challenges where kids can compete individually.
Volunteer Together
Engage your kids in meaningful activities by volunteering as a family. Many organizations need help during the summer, whether it’s at a food bank, animal shelter, or community garden. Volunteering is a great way to teach kids the importance of giving back to their community while making a positive impact.
Summer doesn’t have to be a season of boredom and endless screen time. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can keep your kids entertained and happy all summer long. Whether it’s outdoor adventures, indoor crafts, or learning opportunities, the options are endless. At The Kids Point, we hope this list of activities helps make your summer memorable and enjoyable for your kids—and for you too! Happy summer!