From outdoor entertainment to experiments in the kitchen to new games to try, this list of cool summer activities for kids has enough unique ideas for families to ensure that the fun keeps going—All. Summer. Long.
125 Summer Activities for Families
- Play in the sprinkler. Whether it’s running through a regular lawn sprinkler or a splash play pad, cooling off in the summer heat can be fun for both kids and parents. Make it a game by playing keep away from the water.
- Host a backyard Olympics. Make it fun by creating different events like kickball, relay races, or a push-up competition. Top it off by handing out medals at the closing ceremony.
- Make chalk art. The best summer activities for families are the ones that can be done outdoors. Create a mural on the sidewalk or draw the world’s longest hopscotch and see who can complete it the fastest.
- Learn to crotchet. Learning a new skill such as crocheting can boost confidence and create a sense of accomplishment towards a finished project. Head to your nearest craft store or order a crotchet kit online and discover your family’s new favorite hobby!
- DIY at home popsicles. The best part about making your own popsicles is that you can use what’s in your fridge. Let the kids pick the flavor, whether it be orange, apple, or even pickle juice. Use these fun molds to create fun treats to cool down in the summer heat.
- Create your own scavenger hunt. Leave clues both inside and outside the house to send the kids on an exciting, at-home adventure. Give them hints when they get stumped to keep them engaged.
- Make a music video. Dress up in fun outfits and make instruments out of at-home objects like pots, pans, rice in a cup, or wooden spoons. Set up your phone, hit record, and rock out!
- Set up a lemonade stand. Make it interesting by stirring up your own lemonade and making signs to display in the yard. Let your kids pick a local charity and donate the profits.
- Play waterslide kickball. Connect four slip and slides or tarps to step up your backyard kickball game.There’s sure to be laughter as you and the kids attempt to slip and slide from base to base in order to score points.
- Make ice cream in a bag. All you will need for this tasty treat is two resealable plastic bags, half and half, sugar, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and ice. In the smaller bag, combine half and half, sugar and vanilla. Place the smaller bag into the larger bag and fill the larger with ice and salt. Shake vigorously for 15 minutes and enjoy!
- Rent an RV and take a family road trip. Ready to make some amazing family road trip memories this summer? An RV is the way to do it. You can rent one on Outdoorsy (think of it as an Airbnb but for RV rentals) in just about any size or style you can imagine. The best part: Many RV hosts will throw in all the camping gear your family could ever need and, for an additional fee, will even dispose of the waste after you drop it off at the end of your trip making it easy for first-timers.
- Go stargazing. Let the kids stay up a little later and lay out under the night sky. Bring a constellation map and have them point out different star patterns like the little dipper, big dipper, or have them create their own. Bonus points if you catch a shooting star and make a wish.
- Go bird watching. Make it interesting by visiting a local state park or even a bird sanctuary. Bring a pair of binoculars and a bird field guide to keep track of all the interesting species you see. For the more artistic kids, have them sketch their favorite bird spotted and hang it on the fridge to showcase their talent.
- Catch fireflies. One of the more magical parts of summer evenings is the little blinking lights that flutter around the backyard. Gently catch fireflies and watch them glow in your hands. Add to the fun by having the kids name their fireflies before releasing them.
- Raise and release butterflies. Purchase a butterfly growing kit and watch as those little caterpillars create their cocoon and turn into magnificent butterflies. This is a great at-home science project for the kids to learn about metamorphosis (and the art of waiting for something beautiful).
- Paint flower pots and plant herbs in them. Break out the art kit and terra cotta pots for this fun activity for the whole family. After painting the pots, plant different herbs like mint, rosemary, oregano, and cilantro in them. Watch those herbs grow and use them in a meal to teach the kids about at-home gardening.
- Make s’mores. The best part about this tasty treat is that they can be made indoors or outside. Broil graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate in the oven or roast the marshmallows over a fire outside to create the classic gooey dessert sandwich.
- Make easy at-home slime. This slime is borax-free; all you need are a few ingredients that can be found at your local dollar store. Mix glue, baking soda, and saline solution in a bowl until a ball is formed. Make sure to lay out a placemat or oilcloth to protect surfaces during play.
- Tell ghost stories. Gather around the fire pit and share your spookiest (and silliest) ghost stories. Use a flashlight pointed underneath your chin to create an extra ghoulish effect.
- Go on a family hike. Whether it’s a local trail or a day drive to a state park, this idea is a great opportunity to for an all-day family adventure. Be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. Let the kids make sandwiches beforehand to enjoy during a scenic stop on the hike.
- Have a picnic. Keep it simple by packing a blanket and some snacks, or go all out with sweet and savory treats, juice, a speaker for some music, and a frisbee or football. This is one of the more flexible summer activities for families because it can be done at a local park or at home in the backyard.
- Try outdoor finger painting. Take arts and crafts to the backyard and don’t be afraid to get messy! Mix shaving cream and finger paint for a fun sensory experience. While the world may be your canvas, we recommend using a glass patio door or the sidewalk for this outdoor art project.
- Join a book club. Make summer enrichment fun by enrolling in your city library’s reading club. This is a great activity for those rainy indoor days.
- Create a marble racetrack using household items. Have a few extra pool noodles lying around? Cut them in half, grab some marbles, and watch them roll down the tube to the finish line.
- Play Jenga with a twist. This thrilling game can be made even more exciting for the family; all you need is a Jenga game set and a Sharpie. On each wooden piece, write a funny dare or action like “make up a dance move” or “lick your elbow”. As each piece is removed from the Jenga tower, the person must perform the action written and place the piece back on the tower without it toppling over.
- Start a journal. The enrichment benefits here are endless, not to mention journal writing can be an everyday summer activity. Let your kids pick out a journal to call their own and have them write about anything they want. Be it poems, stories, or a summary of their day, give them time to sit down and express their feelings through the art of writing.
- Have an outdoor movie night. Hang up an old sheet and use a projector to enjoy a family movie in the backyard. No movie night is complete without snacks!
- Make shaved ice. Skip the line and make your own tasty treats at home! The best way to enjoy at-home snow cones is by using a shaved ice machine. Add different flavored syrups or top it off with some caramel or marshmallow crème.
- Learn origami. This ancient skill is fun to learn for the entire family. Use an origami kit or create your own from printer paper and an online guide.
- Put on a puppet show. Finally, a use for those old socks that are missing their match. Add googly eyes, yarn hair, and a sharpie smile to create characters for an at-home puppet show. Let the kids put on the show while you interact as the audience.
- Bake cookies for a neighbor. Maybe you’ve moved to a new neighborhood, you have new neighbors arriving, or you just want to share a sweet treat. Have the kids help deliver the baked goods and make sure to include a note with a list of ingredients.
- Make a birdhouse. No need to put it together from scratch- use a birdhouse kit to create a habit that will hang beautifully on a green branch or garden post.
- Write cards for nursing home residents. Get your kids involved in a nursing home service project by drawing and decorating meaningful cards to send to the residents.
- Put together a yard sale. The best way to involve your family in getting rid of unnecessary clutter. Teach the kids by letting them assist in cleaning out closets, pricing each item, and counting change.
- Or go to someone else’s yard sale instead. Don’t feel like putting on your own? No problem. Make it an all-day event by visiting multiple yard sales. You and the family are sure to find some low-priced treasures.
- Build a fort. This is one of many rainy-day summer activities for families. Gather all the pillows and blankets around the house to craft a living room kingdom. For added entertainment, build near the television or grab a laptop to watch a movie in the fort!
- Visit your local library. Engage your children in a multisensory experience; from the feeling of holding a book in their hands to the smell of the pages and exciting sounds of hushed readers.
- Let the kids plan and cook dinner. Use this easy recipes book to encourage your family to enhance their chef skills. Step in as sous chef when needed but enjoy having some extra dinner help (even if it is a little messier than usual).
- Play flashlight tag. This game can be played both indoors and outdoors. Hide behind a tree or door and try not to be caught by the light.
- Visit a local museum. Educate and enrich the kids by taking them to an informal learning environment.To find a museum near you, try Museums For All.
- Go fishing. Fishing is a loved activity by people of all ages. Brush up on your skills and teach the kids how to cast and reel in for a day full of fun at the best fishing spot near you. Just be sure to check your local state laws, as you may need a fishing license.
- Create a family time capsule.Contrary to popular belief, time capsules don’t have to be buried. As a family, fill a box or container with items that capture your present lives to share with your future selves. Things like magazine and newspaper clippings, family photos, and letters are all great contents to include in your capsule. Set a date and promise each other not to open it until then.
- Build a fairy garden. Join the growing trend and add some magic to your yard- the kids will love it. Have them help you set up tiny vignettes by using small sticks, rocks, and other elements found at home. If you’re not up for DIY, you can purchase kits online.
- Flip a coin road trip. The object of this simple idea is to get out and explore! All you need to do is gather the family, load up in the car, and take out a coin. Before you set off, decide how many turns you will take. Then, at each red light or stop sign, flip the coin. If it lands on heads, you turn right; if it lands on tails, turn left. When you run out of your pre-determined number of turns, get out and explore where you’ve arrived!
- Make rock pets. This idea is great because the possibilities are only limited by imagination. Rock pets are also great because you and the kids don’t have to ever worry about feeding them or paying a heft vet fee.
- Make a homemade movie. Have the kids write and direct their own screenplay. Depending on the number of family members, you’ll need to play multiple roles which make things even more exciting. Use your phone and an editing app to put together the film and be sure to host a “private viewing” for friends and family.
- Play capture the flag. Gather your neighbors and friends for this friendly competition. Divide into two teams; the object of the game is to steal the other team’s flag and take it back to your base without being tagged in enemy territory.
- Look for shapes in the clouds. This is a relaxing yet fun outdoor activity for family members of all ages. Make it more exciting by choosing a location other than your backyard.
- Have breakfast in bed. Let the kids stay in their pajamas a little longer and enjoy an easy homemade breakfast in bed rather than at the table. Just be sure to use a tray to prevent spillage.
- Try new hairdos. Mix up your kid’s look by using hair chalk or non-permanent dye. It’s best to use dye or sprays outdoors but be sure to crack open windows if you’re opting for indoor coloring. If hair chalk or dye isn’t your thing, clip-in hair extensions provide a fun, mess-free option.
- Learn how to jump rope. Brush up on those double dutch skills and get the family exercising with just a jump rope. Have a contest with multiple ropes and be sure to play some fun music to make things more exciting.
- Make paper airplanes. This idea is a great opportunity to teach your kids how to build their own paper airplanes, rather than you being asked to make them over and over again. With a multitude of online tutorials at your disposal, you should be hosting backyard paper airplane races in no time.
- Play charades. A tried and true game like no other. Use pre-written cards, an app, or make up your own scenarios. Just remember- no talking!
- Take a road trip to a nearby city. Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway to explore outside your town. Do some small planning beforehand on what parks and restaurants you’ll visit to minimize idle time.
- The Flat Stanley Project. First and foremost, be sure to read the book, Flat Stanley, with your kids. Then, create your own Flat Stanley to take on all your summer adventures! Take pictures of Flat Stanley in different locations, then send him off to a friend or relative and have them do the same. After Stanley’s return, map his travels and enjoy looking back on the memories made. Best Waterparks Across the US
- Go to a farmer’s market. Stock up on your summer produce and support your local farmers with this outdoor weekend activity. Let your picky eater try new foods and bring home ingredients for farm-to-table meal.
- Complete a puzzle book. This challenging but fun activity strengthens your kid’s cognitive ability in between school years. Books range from beginner to expert, so the whole family can participate.
- Meet friends at the local playground. Call up your friends and let the kids hang out at a local playground. They’ll have fun on the swings and slides while you catch up with your friends.
- Interview an older relative. Write a list of questions to ask a family member about their lives and what they’ve experienced. Not only will your kids learn about your family history, but you’ll also give those older relatives an opportunity to share their past. You might even learn something new about your family, too.
- Play with temporary tattoos. Relax, they’re temporary! This is a great idea for kids who are bold, expressive, and not afraid to show it. Grab a fun pack of FDA-approved fake tattoos that you can wear too (should the kiddos insist you join in on the fun).
- Fly a kite. Make your own or purchase a kite and take it to your nearest park or open field. Be sure to pick a windy day by checking the local weather.
- Press flowers. Another nature-inspired idea can be completed with just a few steps. Place a dry flower face down in between two pages of a book. Close the book and set something heavy on top to press the flower. Soon you will have a perfectly preserved flower.
- Make jewelry with beads. Let the creativity flow by stringing different colored beads to create bracelets, necklaces, or even bookmarks. Have the kids keep a few and give some away to family or friends.
- Make leaf rubbing art. Search for fallen leaves in the backyard to make colorful crayon rubbings of different kinds. Place the leaf underneath a piece of paper and gently rub the side of a crayon over the leaf. Voila! A nature-inspired picture ready for display.
- Write and illustrate a book. Capture your child’s creativity by letting them write and illustrate their own book. Laminate and bind the finished product and have your child proudly read it to the rest of the family.
- Host a trivia night. Trivia night is more popular than ever and it’s easier than you’d think to put your own together. Decide whether to focus on a theme or to keep it general, and make sure to have a host who can read off the questions and follow up with the answers.
- Learn to crotchet. Learning a new skill such as crocheting can boost confidence and create a sense of accomplishment towards a finished project. Head to your nearest craft store or order a crotchet kit online and discover your family’s new favorite hobby!
- Make your own pizzas.This fun, inexpensive dinner will leave your kids full and proud of their cooking abilities. Add creative toppings like pickles or pineapple, or opt for ingredient-conscious alternatives like organic cheese.
- Play balloon games. Make this activity as simple or intricate as you’d like, but all you really need is a balloon or two. Try keeping the balloon off the ground for as long as possible or set up a game of volleyball. 67+ Best Family Beach Vacations
- Skip stones at the pond. Skipping stones or rocks is a great outdoor STEM activity for the entire family. This skill takes practice and patience, but once mastered makes for a great afternoon spent by the water.
- Listen to an audiobook outside. Audiobook usage has skyrocketed and can be listened to on almost any device. Find a cozy spot outside and settle in for an easy and convenient alternative to reading.
- Have a hula hoop contest.Remember when you were a child and your school had hula hoops? Bring back this friendly competition by seeing who can keep their hula hoop up and rotating the longest.
- Make tie-dye shirts. Nothing evokes summer quite like tie-dying shirts with the family. Use a tie-dye kit or make your own mixture using powdered dyes, warm water, and salt.
- Organize a video chat event with a long-distance family. We’re all familiar with distancing by now, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t still missing far-away family. What better way to feel connected by planning an online evening via video chat with all your relatives. If you have a large family at home, use a wide-angle webcam to include everyone.
- Have a backward day. To put it plain and simple, this day is all about doing everything backward. You and the kids wear your clothes backward, walk backward, have dessert for breakfast, say “goodbye” instead of “hello”, and so on.
- Have a bubblegum blowing contest. The kids will love this one because it’s purely centered around one thing: everyone’s favorite chewy candy! Whoever successfully blows the largest bubble wins the “gum-petition”.
- Create your own backyard obstacle course. Bring all your American Ninja Warrior dreams to life in the comfort of your yard. Grab a few household items or head to the dollar store to create different events that involve jumping, hopping, crawling, balancing, and more.
- Create a family summer mural. For this art piece, you’ll need a large canvas and some markers. Involve each family member by having them draw a picture that represents their favorite summer memory. Display your mural and reflect on your adventures shared thus far.
- Have a car wash. Keep your kids moving and away from their screens by making this “chore” fun. Play some music, make shapes on the vehicle with soap, and let the kids control the hose (be prepared to get wet).
- Read a book of riddles. From classical logic puzzles to mathematical brain teasers, there’s nothing like solving a tough riddle. Grab a puzzle book and start reading or be creative and make your own!
- Host a talent show.Showcase your family’s skills and talents with an at-home talent show. Create a makeshift stage and be sure to give everyone time to practice their act.
- Go to a free concert. Summer days are full of community events- and most of them are free! Check your city’s website for local concerts and enjoy an evening of free tunes.
- Ride bikes. Or grab anything you own with wheels—whether that’s a bike, roller skates, a scooter, you name it! Just get the whole family out and about on a neighborhood adventure together.
- Play at home mini golf. Have a few clubs and golf balls lying around? Use cups laid on their sides or old boxes to create an indoor or outdoor mini-golf course.
- See a drive-in movie. You might not believe these are still a thing, but if you look hard enough you’re sure to find one near your area.Drive-in movies create memories your kids will never forget.
- Make your own toy sailboat. This is a great science experiment for the whole family, as you will need to search your house for materials that float. Try objects like wine corks, wax paper, or packing foam to see whose boat floats best.
- Visit a pet store. Even if you aren’t in a place to adopt, taking the kids to the pet store is a great way to discover species you wouldn’t find in your backyard. Visit the reptile and birds section and let your kids read aloud the names of different animals they see.
- Make popsicle stick bookmarks. You can never have too many bookmarks, right? Decorate popsicle sticks to look like your favorite book characters for a fun way to keep your place.
- Try and at home kid’s investigation. Let your kiddos feel like a spy for the day with a children’s science spy kit. Allow them to hone in on critical thinking and problem-solving skills through pretend fingerprint identification and crime scene processing.
- Walk the dog. Whether it’s your own or the neighbors, this is a simple activity to get the family outside and exploring the neighborhood. If you can, take the walk to a local greenway or park for some new scenery.
- Put on a poetry open mic night. No mic? No problem. The importance of this summer activity is to exercise creativity and expression of emotion. Celebrate each poem reading by snapping afterward, rather than clapping.
- Build a Lego city. The amount of Lego kits available these days is astounding. Spend the afternoon putting together a kit or creating a city of your own using an assortment of pieces.
- Go camping. No summer is complete without a camping experience! So download the Kampgrounds of American (KOA) app and find the best camping spots near you. We like KOAs because they are known for having fun, family-friendly environments, clean facilities and, at some locations, plenty of extra amenities—like a swimming pool or ice cream sundae events on the weekends.
- Make friendship bracelets. Bring this summer camp favorite activity to your living room! Friendship bracelet kits provide a creative, organized way for your young ones to commemorate their favorite friendships.
- Draw a family tree. This idea might involve some research, but that’s part of the fun!Give your children a connection to their heritage and pique their interest so that they’ll be eager to learn more and preserve their family history.
- Play I Spy. The best part about this game is that it can be played ANYWHERE. On top of that, it’s easy to teach the young ones how to play this sight-finding game.
- Feed ducks or fish at the pond. If you look hard enough at your local pond, you’re sure to find some animals in the water or sunbathing on the shore. Be sure to bring coins in case your city has provided a food dispenser.
- Have breakfast for dinner. If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, why not eat it twice? Serve up some pancakes with syrup or crunchy bacon for this fun dinner switch-up.
- Go berry picking. Berries are usually in season from spring through summer, and several farms offer pick-your-own berry fun. Most provide baskets, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own just in case.
- Donate clothes to the thrift store. Have the kids clean out their closets while you do the same. After donating your clothes, take a look around the thrift store. You might find something worth taking home.
- Put together a puzzle. This is an activity that can take one day or multiple, depending on the puzzle size. Start with this simple puzzle pack or opt for a more intricate one with smaller pieces.
- Go bowling. This budget-friendly activity will get your family out of the house for a little competitive exercise. Great for a rainy day, bowling creates a great environment full of laughter and bonding.
- Throw an indoor dance party. Have the family throw on a funky outfit, break out that disco ball, and jam to the best songs throughout the ages in your living room. Teach the kids some classic dance moves and make up some new ones.
- Play bocci ball.Bocci ball kits are a must-have at any home, so go ahead and grab one to complete your summer shenanigans. With four balls per team, the object of the game is to toss them closer to the Pallino or Jack than your opponent.
- Try a DIY science experience. You don’t need an upcoming science fair as an excuse to create a mini volcano or build a marshmallow catapult. Get creative and try to use as many household items as possible, with proper research beforehand.
- Play frisbee golf. Unbeknownst to many, most cities have free disc golf courses for public use. If you don’t have one in your area, use baskets or boxes around the yard to create your own course.
- Make a bug hotel. Create a space for your beneficial backyard insects to put all six feet up and recharge. You can use items found outside including twigs, dry leaves, rotting wood, and bark to build your insect home.
- Look for animal tracks. Animal tracks are a great way to learn about the creatures in your area. Print out a field guide and be on the lookout for broken twigs and leaves, as well as claw marks and scratches.
- Make a bird feeder. Gather up a few pinecones and attach a string to each one. Then, use a butter knife to spread peanut butter or cooking lard all over them. Sprinkle birdseed on each pinecone, hang outside, and you’ll have all the birds snacking from your feeders in no time.
- Splash around in rain puddles. A simple, messy, and giggle-ensured activity to make the most out of those rainy summer days. Put on a good pair of rainboots and make it a competition by seeing who can create the biggest splash.
- Go for a swim. Lacking a backyard or neighborhood pool? No problem. Head on over to your city’s public pool for an affordable day of water activities or find a swimming lake near you.
- Volunteer at a local humane society. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer at your city’s animal shelter. Once you locate a shelter in your area, find out if they offer any family volunteering events or dog walking days.
- Blow bubbles. Whether you’re using a bubble blowing machine or your own bubble blowing mixture, you’re sure to provide endless entertainment with this idea. See who can blow the largest bubble or whose bubble can go the longest without popping.
- Climb trees together. Climbing trees is physically and emotionally great for kids. Pick a tree with stable limbs and enjoy the view from above.
- See a matinee movie. Going to the movies is great, especially at matinee prices. Look for a snack and drink combo deals at the theater for a budget-friendly experience.
- Make daisy chains. Daisy chains have remained an elementary school favorite for generations. Keep the trend alive by teaching your kiddos how to connect flowers from outside to create bracelets, necklaces, crowns, and more.
- Have a silly string fight. Cleanup isn’t the easiest with this idea, so it’s best to host a silly string fight outdoors. The non-toxic, non-flammable substance dissolves with water.
- Go on a guided tour. Be a tourist in your own city! Learn about the history of your town and provide a growth-producing experience for the whole family.
- Eat all meals outside for one day. This idea speaks for itself. Skip the dining room table and enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the warm sun. Set up an umbrella with some optional shade.
- Go to the arcade. In most cases, there’s no charge to enter an arcade, and games can be played with just a few bucks. Pre-plan by choosing a budget and the amount of time you will spend to keep this activity low-cost.
- Plan a sleepover. Spend the night parties create long-lasting memories for kids. Have them invite over a friend or two and host a movie marathon complete with snacks.
- Watch the sunset. Select a west-facing location and determine at what time the sun will set. End your day reminiscing on the day’s events while watching nature prepare for nighttime.
- Host a water balloon fight. Plan the best water balloon fight every by inviting the neighbors and opting for easy preparation with rapid fill water balloons. If you aren’t keen on the idea of one-time use water balloons, try these splash bombs instead.
- Put on a neighborhood book swap. Another simple idea involves inviting your neighbors to get together and trade books. Go home with a new set of books without purchasing a whole new home library.
- Sing karaoke. Ditch the karaoke machine and simply search the internet for the instrumental versions of your favorite songs. Feel like a superstar and rock out with this Bluetooth microphone.
- Learn magic tricks. YouTube tutorials will be your guide for this activity. Your kids will love the opportunity to learn a cool trick that can be used to wow all their friends.
- Color using online coloring pages. A multitude of free coloring pages exists online for both kids and adults. Take the entire family on a colorful adventure and even create new art for your home. Check out…Family QuotesFun WebsitesFamily Feud Questions and Answers
