Check out this ultimate list of summer activities for kids, including summer crafts, nature activities, scavenger hunt ideas, family bucket list ideas, and more!
Looking for easy, fun, and affordable summer activities for kids?
Look no further than this ultimate list of 90+ summer-themed crafts, games, sensory play ideas, STEM challenges, and more!
Find indoor and outdoor activities for every age and stage, including ideas for summer camp at home.
The Best Summer Activities for Kids
Summer Camp Activities for Kids
Here are some of our favorite fun and easy kid’s summer camp activities for children to enjoy at home, including, games, STEM challenges, sensory play ideas, and free printables.
- Tie Dye Shirts
- Shadow Names
- Friendship Compliment Sun
- Summer Kindness Bucket List
- 8 Strand Kumihimo Bracelet Tutorial
Get the full list of 25 ideas in this post for the best summer camp activities for kids!
Nature Activities for Kids
Get your little ones outside and off their screens with these super cool nature activities for kids. From gardening projects to nature-inspired crafts, there’s something for everyone on this list!
Head to the full post for 20 additional ideas: Nature Activities for Kids.
Summer Crafts for Kids
Kids will love these simple summer-themed crafts that are perfect for indoor and outdoor fun and a great way to get their creative juices flowing.
- Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars
- Ice Painting
- Ice Cream Hand Print Craft
- Mermaid Bookmarks
- DIY Suncatcher
Get the full list of 42 ideas in this post for the best summer crafts for kids!
Family Summer Bucket List
Check out these fun summer bucket list ideas for families to enjoy at and away from home. Perfect for nurturing bonds!
Things to make:
- Make s’mores
- Try a new recipe
- Tie-dye shirts
- Make homemade ice cream
- Make an indoor fort
- Make popsicles
Water activities:
- Do a slip and slide
- Run through the sprinklers
- Go to the lake
- Go to the water park
- Visit a splash pad
Trips:
- Visit a museum
- Go bowling
- Go fishing
- Visit a farmer’s market
- Go to the zoo
- Go to a bounce house
- Visit the library
- Go to the carnival
- Go to an amusement park
Family fun:
- Go on a bike ride
- Eat snow cones
- Have a BBQ with friends
- Watch a parade
- Play yard games
- Blow bubbles
- Listen to an outdoor concert
Find 30 additional fun ideas in this family summer bucket list post!
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas
Kids will love these 4 simple and entertaining outdoor scavenger hunt ideas.
Head to the full post for a few bonus ideas to make hunting even more fun (click the link above)!
Even More Fun Ideas
- Water Balloon Toss: Cool off with a fun water balloon toss. This classic game is perfect for a hot summer day and can be enjoyed in the backyard with friends and family.
- DIY Obstacle Course: Set up a DIY obstacle course using household items like hula hoops, cones,
- Camping in the Backyard: Pitch a tent in the backyard and have a mini camping adventure. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and stargaze for a fun and memorable night.
- Bike Rides and Scootering: Go for family bike rides or scooter sessions in a local park or around the neighborhood. It’s great exercise and a wonderful way to explore new places.
- Picnic in the Park: Pack a picnic and head to a nearby park. Bring along favorite snacks, a blanket, and some outdoor games like frisbee or soccer.
- Outdoor Reading Nook: Set up a cozy outdoor reading nook with blankets, pillows, and a selection of books. It’s a great way to encourage reading while enjoying the outdoors.
- Sports Games: Organize mini sports games like soccer, baseball, or basketball. It’s a fun way to get active and enjoy some friendly competition.
- Fishing Trip: Take a trip to a local lake or pond for a fishing adventure. It’s a peaceful activity that teaches patience and an appreciation for nature.
The Perfect Summer Schedule for Kids
With all of these incredible kid’s summer activities, you may be wondering how to keep your days organized and establish a balanced routine.
We’ve got you covered for that, too!
Here’s a simple and free printable summer schedule which includes ideas for implementing chores, and managing screen time.
The template is editable and customizable to your family’s needs.
Want More?
Here are some ideas for even more summer fun:
- Schedule a summer family photoshoot.
- Invest in open-ended creative toys for rainy days.
- Summer Sensory Activities for Kids
Your Turn
What did you think of these summer activities for kids? Are there any you think we should add? Let us know in the comments!