Best Summer Activities for Kids: Finding the Perfect Summer Activities for Your Kids

Summer break from school can quickly turn into the “I’m bored” and “there is nothing to do” comments from your kids. Not with this list, though! This list of the best summer activities for kids will provide everything that you need to keep your kids active and enjoying their break. They may even learn something from a few of these activities as well. Don’t worry, though; we won’t tell them if you won’t.

This list of the best summer activities for kids will provide 30 different summer-fun things for your kids to do. Whether it is indoor or outdoor, for a small group or large, or whatever, this list of the top summer activities for kids will have you covered. 

So take a look through our suggestions and start finding the summer activities that are best going to fit your kids and family. Be warned, though; with all of these fun activities, you may find a few neighborhood kids as regulars in your backyard this summer.

Also, make sure to visit our lists of the best lunch ideas for kids and the best snack ideas. These lists will make sure that your kids are fueled adequately for all of these great summer activities.

 

Top 30 Summer Activities for Kids:

 

 

1. Frisbee Games

Type of Activity: Sports Based

Items Needed: Frisbee, Hoolahoops, Disc Golf Course

About Summer Activity: Why not make use of those spare frisbees lying around the house and play some frisbee games? Fun games to play with a Frisbee include Tic Tac Toe (use a sheet or large branches), hit the bullseye, or disc golf (many parks have great courses). With a little bit of preparation, frisbee games could be a regular summer activity.

 

 

2. Obstacle Course

Type of Activity: Sports Based

Items Needed: Hoolahoops, Cones, Chairs, Pretty Much Anything Kids Can Go Over, Under, or Around

About Summer Activity: With not a whole lot of prep, you can provide hours of entertainment for your kids with an indoor or outdoor obstacle course. Martha Stewart offers a good obstacle course setup, but with a little creativity, you can make your own unique course. Using hula hoops, trampolines, cones, balls, and whatever else you think would be a fun obstacle. 

And the course can be adjusted and rearranged as many times as you would like, which will help to keep the course fun and unique each time. All of this allows for this to be one of the best summer activities for kids who like to be active. 

 

 

3. Summer Activity Bag 

Type of Activity: Based on the Child’s Hobbies

Items Needed: Whatever a Child Enjoy’s Playing With

About Summer Activity: A summer activity bag is a customizable go-to bag full of things to do. For example, a child interested in crafts could make a bag full of craft supplies, a child interested in science could make an experiment bag, etc. Once the bags are made, the statement “I’m bored” can be answered with “pull out your activity bag!” For even more activities that also engage in learning, consider ordering the supplies for a hands-on STEM kit. 

 

 

4. Sprinkler Party

Type of Activity: Water Based

Items Needed: Hose, Sprinkler, Slip and Slide, Kiddie Pool

About Summer Activity: On a hot day, a good old-fashioned sprinkler party can be loads of fun, especially if there is no pool nearby. For even more fun, add a slip and slide. And, if you play it right, you can spray your kids with a hose, and they won’t get upset at you for doing it, a win-win.

 

 

5. Camp in the Backyard

Type of Activity: Outdoor Based

Items Needed: A Large Tent, Sleeping Bags, Snacks, Books, S’ mores, a Fire Pit

About Summer Activity: While camping out in the wilderness may not be realistic, a backyard campsite can be tons of fun. For an authentic experience, try making s’ mores over a fire pit, doing some stargazing, and catching some fireflies. And remember, if the ground gets too hard in the middle of the night, your bed is only steps away.

 

 

6. Sidewalk Chalk Games

Type of Activity: Art and Crafts Based

Items Needed: Sidewalk Chalk and a Writing Surface

About Summer Activity: From four square to hopscotch, there are a number of sidewalk chalk games that your kids can enjoy during the summer. The games can even be educational, as the No Time for Flash Cards blog demonstrates. So grab a big box of sidewalk chalk and let your kids start coloring up the driveway and sidewalks around your house.

 

 

7. Rock Painting

Type of Activity: Art and Crafts Based

Items Needed: Smooth Rocks and Painting Supplies

About Summer Activity: If you have a child that loves to be artistic, rock painting is a creative way to paint and is one of the best summer activities for kids. It is as simple as finding some flat, smooth stones and providing paint supplies.

Before you know it, you will have a bunch of painted rocks featuring nature, animals, and whatever else can be imagined. If you need to, you can also buy smooth rocks to paint if you aren’t able to find any outside. Also, make sure to use acrylic paint as it is easier to apply and will require fewer coats.

 

 

8. Feed the Ducks

Type of Activity: Nature-Based

Items Needed: Cracked Corn, Oats, or Bird Seed, and a Lake Full of Ducks

About Summer Activity: If you have a local park that features a lake filled with ducks and geese, spend an afternoon feeding the ducks and playing in the park. Kids will have fun as the ducks swim around in the water or come right up and eat out their hands. Also, turn this activity into a learning opportunity and look up the names of the different ducks on the lake. When feeding the ducks, cracked corn, oats, and birdseed, all work well.

 

 

9. Berry Picking

Type of Activity: Nature-Based

Items Needed: A Local Farm That Allows You to Pick Your Own Berries

About Summer Activity: Depending on the time of the year and your location, there will be different berry picking options in your area. In the summer, most areas are going to have strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and more to pick. So take your kids to a berry patch and let them pick some of their favorite types of berries. They will get to see how a farm works, and in the end, you will be able to eat all the berries you pick.

 

 

10. Butterfly Garden

Type of Activity: Nature-Based

Items Needed: Plants that Draw in Butterflies, Places for Butterflies to Rest and Sun Themselves

About Summer Activity: A butterfly garden is going to be a project that kids will be able to keep coming back to throughout the summer. This means that it is really more than just one summer activity. And, while a little more work maybe than some of the activities on this list, all of the butterflies will make it well worth the extra effort. As a bonus, you will also be helping with pollination, making a difference for the planet.

 

 

11. Go to the Movies

Type of Activity: Entertainment Based

Items Needed: A Close by Movie Theater

About Summer Activity: As much as it is great to get outside and play in the summer, sometimes the best option is a kid-friendly movie. Also, many theaters offer special deals in the summer for kids as well. So find a couple of movies this summer that are worth seeing and then plan a day to the movies.

 

 

12. Make a Kaleidoscope

Type of Activity: Arts and Crafts Based

Items Needed: Empty Pringles Can, Aluminum Foil, Hammer and Nail, Clear Glue, Tissue Paper, Glitter, and Sequins

About Summer Activity: If you have kids that love making things and enjoy learning, making a kaleidoscope is going to be an excellent activity to do. This project doesn’t require many supplies, either. The main supply item is an empty Pringles can, so your kids will also be able to eat chips while they do this project. This is a cool science-based activity that will provide for both fun and learning.

 

 

13. Splatter Painting

Type of Activity: Art and Crafts Based

Items Needed: Paint and Paint Supplies, a Blank Canvas, and Cloths to Get Messy In

About Summer Activity: Splatter painting is one of the best summer activities for kids who like to be creative as well as those who like to make a mess. Best done outside and with old clothes, splatter painting can be fun, and also turn out some interesting art pieces as well.

Would-be artists can lay down painter’s tape on canvas in any design that they want, and from there, it is splatter paint city. After you are done painting and splattering, peel up the tape for some unique designs. And who knows, you may even end up hanging this piece of art somewhere in your house as a decoration.

 

 

14. Make Tie Dye Shirts

Type of Activity: Art and Crafts Based

Items Needed: Tie-Dye Kit and a Plain White Shirt

About Summer Activity: It may not be the 1970s anymore, but making Tie Dye shirts is still fun! They are also relatively easy to make as well; just make sure that you have some old clothes on while making. This is going to be an excellent activity for both kids who love to create as well as kids that love messier activities. Also, after the shirts have dried, you have a shirt that can be worn for the rest of the summer.

 

 

15. Make Your Own Playdough

Type of Activity: Arts and Crafts Based

Items Needed: Ingredients for Making Homemade Playdough

About Summer Activity: What is more fun than playing with playdough? How about playing with playdough that you also made?! This homemade playdough recipe is going to allow for super soft and squishy play dough that doesn’t stick and will last. Kids will have fun helping to make this playdough and then have hours of fun after playing with it whenever they want to.

 

 

16. Identify Clouds

Type of Activity: Outdoor Based

Items Needed: A Blanket and a List of Types of Clouds

About Summer Activity: It doesn’t get much better than laying out on a blanket in the grass on a warm sunny day. So if it is nice outside, grab a blanket and look at some clouds. Identifying clouds can be a teaching activity, but it can also be fun just to lay back and find clouds that resemble different shapes. So maybe mix in a little bit of both the next time you have a beautiful day with lots of clouds out.

 

 

17. Play a Sport

Type of Activity: Sports Based

Items Needed: Whatever Sports Ball or Gear for the Sport You Want to Play

About Summer Activity: You don’t have to have an organized league to play sports. Encourage your kids to play a sport in the backyard or take them to the park to play them. Whether it is throwing a football or kicking a soccer ball, there are a lot of options.

Try teaching your kids new sports as well. This will allow them to get a head start on sports. And who knows? Maybe you will inspire them to become a professional athlete. Try recruiting neighborhood kids or friends for even more sports-related fun. Consider getting a few items from our lists of the best football gifts, best baseball training, and best volleyballs to provide all the sports items your kids will need.

 

 

18. Fire Station Tour

Type of Activity: Tour Based

Items Needed: None

About Summer Activity: There is just something about police officers and firefighters that draws kids in. So if you have a child that loves all things firefighter-related, schedule a fire station tour. Along with this being a neat experience for your kids, this will also be an opportunity for a fun learning experience.

Kids will be able to meet their heroes, see everything up close, and also learn how everything works. If you are looking to get out of the house for the day, this is one of the best summer activities for kids as it will be fun and easy to set up.

 

 

19. Visit the Library

Type of Activity: Entertainment and Learning Based

Items Needed: Library Card

About Summer Activity: The library has way too many great free resources for you not to be regularly taking advantage of them. From books to movies to interactive activities, the library offers so much for kids. And best of all, the majority of what is provided is learning-based. So on the next rainy day or day where it is too hot outside, head over to your local library to take advantage of everything that they offer.

 

 

20. Backyard Olympics

Type of Activity: Sports Based

Items Needed: Equipment for Whatever Olympic Games You Can Think Up

About Summer Activity: Backyard Olympics may take a little bit more set up, but if done right, it will be an activity that is fondly looked back on. You can also base your games on sports that are in the Olympics, or get creative with the games.

Depending on the size of your yard and the number of participants, creating your own games will allow for more flexibility. Also, be sure to make some creative medals or awards for the winners to really add to the fun of backyard Olympics.

 

 

21. Make Your Own Pizza

Type of Activity: Cooking and Baking Based

Items Needed: Pizza Dough, Sauce, Cheese, and Your Favorite Ingredients

About Summer Activity: For a delicious lunchtime kids activity, try having your kids make their own pizzas. This will allow them some creativity in the kitchen, and will also allow them to end up with a delicious lunch. With this activity being as easy as it is, it makes it an excellent kid’s lunch that can be used time and again during the summer. For some variations as well, try providing different toppings each time.

 

 

22. Visit the Park

Type of Activity: Outdoor Based

Items Needed: Whatever Toys, Balls, or Games You Want to Bring With You

About Summer Activity: Whether you have a large yard or not, a quality park just offers so much more. Also, there are usually other kids for your children to play with as well. So for playgrounds, open fields, bike paths, and more, make sure that you visit your local parks. Also, since you most likely have multiple local parks in your area, you can try out different parks to keep the experience fun and new for your kids.

 

 

23. Picnic

Type of Activity: Outdoor Based

Items Needed: Lunch Foods or Snacks

About Summer Activity: A family picnic is an excellent way to get outside and enjoy beautiful weather. And, whether it is for snacks or a complete meal, a picnic is still a fun activity. Also, for even more of an activity for your kids, have them help you with preparing the food for the picnic. They can help create different snacks or foods that they want to bring with them. And for something to do while you are on your picnic, consider our lists of the best card games and best board games.

 

 

24. Vegetable Garden

Type of Activity: Nature-Based

Items Needed: A Cleared Space, Seeds, and a Daily Commitment to Watering and Tending to the Garden

About Summer Activity: Even though this is listed as just one of the summer activities on this list, it is really more than that, as it is an activity that will last the entire summer. And, while a vegetable garden is going to require more effort than most on this list, it is an excellent way for kids to learn as well. Kids will be able to see how the gardening process works from start to finish and be able to enjoy the end product.

Another great addition to your summer garden would be a beginner’s mushroom spray and grow kit. This type of gardening project is perfect for allowing kids to grow something other than the usual vegetables and herbs. Plus, they grow quickly, needing only two weeks, which will help sustain interest. Kids will be able to closely watch and observe the growing process daily.

 

 

25. Visit the Museum

Type of Activity: Educational Based

Items Needed: A Notebook and  Camera

About Summer Activity: Museums are a great way to sneak learning in during the summer without your kids being any the wiser. With so many cool exhibits offered at museums, kids will be enthralled as they explore.

So figure out the museums that are close to you and plan to visit them throughout the summer. Also, if you live close to Washinton DC or NYC, make sure you check out our lists of the best museums in DC and the best museums in NYC.

 

 

26. Make Ice Cream

Type of Activity: Cooking and Baking Based

Items Needed: Ingredients for Making Homemade Ice Cream

About Summer Activity: This sweet summer activity is perfect for a sunny day or a nice cool summer evening after dinner. It is also a crowd favorite because the result is a delicious bowl of ice cream!

Along with providing a great-tasting bowl of ice cream, though, kids will be able to learn how the whole process works as they can help make the ice cream. Don’t be intimidated either by the idea of having to make your own ice cream. It is easier than you think and will be a breeze to make following the instructions.

 

 

27. Summer Reading Tent 

Type of Activity: Outdoor and Educational Based

Items Needed: A Big Sheet or Blanket, Books, Games, and Whatever Else You Want in the Tent

About Summer Activity: To make summer reading more enticing, try making a summer reading tent. Kids will love reading and playing in their own little hideout. They will be having so much fun that they won’t even realize that they have been learning the whole summer. Also, check out our list of the best young adult books for some great reading recommendations.

 

 

28. Drive-In Movie Cars 

Type of Activity: DIY and Entertainment

Items Needed: Cardboard Boxes, Craft Supplies, A Movies, and Snacks

About Summer Activity: For a fun take on movie night, try a drive-in movie night. Each kid will have a homemade ‘drive-in’ boxcar and will be able to ‘buy’ movie tickets and snacks with paper money. Kids will have fun designing and decorating their cars too.

With the decorating and the movie night, it is really like two activities in one. Make sure to visit our list of the best movie websites to find a great streaming service for your movie night. 

 

 

29. Water Balloon Fight

Type of Activity: Water Based

Items Needed: Water Balloons, Sponges, Hoses, Buckets

About Summer Activity: What screams summer more than a water balloon fight? Also, a water balloon fight is a great summer activity for large groups of kids. So if you have a large number of kids to entertain, this is a great option.

And, if you don’t want to have to fill up a large number of balloons, try using sponges. Sponges can be used over and over, rather than a one-time use as a balloon. A full-scale water balloon fight with all of the neighborhood kids will quickly have you labeled the coolest parent on the block.

 

 

30. Volunteer

Type of Activity: Outdoor or Indoor Based

Items Needed: Depends on Volunteering Activity

About Summer Activity: Volunteering is not only an excellent activity, but it is also a great teaching moment as well. And, with a variety of volunteer options to choose from as well, you will be able to find something that fits your kids. You can choose to volunteer at nursing homes, animal adoption agencies, and more. There are plenty of places that kids can volunteer.

 

Best Summer Activities for Kids Conclusion

There is no need to stay cooped up inside all summer when there are so many great activities to choose from. This list of the best summer activities for kids offers 30 different options, but after reading this list, you have probably had a couple more ideas as well. So whether you use a summer activity off of this list or come up with an adaptation of one, get out and enjoy your summer.

If you do end up letting your kids use electronics this summer, make sure to visit our lists of the best apps for kids and the best educational apps for kids. Both of these lists will help to make sure that your kids are learning while they play.

Do you have a summer activity for kids that should be on this list? Please feel free to share it below in the comments.