30 Super Fun, Summer Fun Ideas!

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It’s summer! School is out, and the warmer temperatures have arrived. For many families, this means vacations, a change of routine, or maybe no routine at all. This giant list of summer fun ideas will get you and your family up and moving, adding excitement to your summer days. Let’s head outside and soak up the sunshine!

If you’re not taking a vacation, you’ll soon hear that familiar lament from the kids: “I’m bored!” They want something to do, and you don’t want them glued to screens all day.  But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!

Summer Fun Ideas: Outdoor Activities

Get out of the house and have fun with these outdoor activities! They’re a fun and easy way to get the kids moving their bodies.

1. Bubbles

Kids can’t resist the magic of bubbles! Not only are they super fun, but you can also make your own bubble solution at home. All you need is a simple recipe and some bubble wands.

For an extra special touch, try making your DIY bubble wands. They’re the perfect addition to a craft-filled day at home, and your kids will love watching their creations come to life as they blow bubbles in the backyard.

2. Sidewalk Chalk

Timeless and always entertaining, sidewalk chalk is a must-have for summer fun. Encourage your kids to unleash their creativity by drawing, writing, and playing games on the sidewalk. They can create hopscotch boards, design intricate chalk cities, or even make their outdoor art gallery.

 

3. Sidewalk Paint

If you want to take your outdoor art to the next level, sidewalk paint is a must-try this summer. Making your paint is a breeze, and you likely already have the ingredients in your kitchen.

Gather some paintbrushes and sponges, and let your kids’ creativity run wild! Store the leftover paint for the next sunny day, and watch as your sidewalk transforms into a colorful masterpiece.

 

4. Sandbox

Most kids can’t resist the sensory experience of playing in the sand. It’s the perfect material for open-ended play, allowing children to dig, scoop, and create for hours.

The sand play offers numerous benefits, promoting gross and fine motor skills while encouraging imaginative play. Kids can pretend they’re building roads, making sand pies, or constructing castles—all of which help develop language, social, and problem-solving skills. 

 

If you don’t have a sandbox, you can make one portable from a large plastic container in the store. Make sure it is shallow enough for little ones to reach into it. You can use an under-the-bed box. Add small pails, shovels, cars and trucks, spoons, and cups. Use your imagination.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable sandbox experience, keep the sand clean and covered when not used, and always supervise young children during playtime.

5. Water Table

If there is water involved, my boys are there! Water tables provide endless opportunities for interactive play and skill development. They allow children to explore tactile and visual experiences while fostering a connection to nature and the environment.

Consider your budget, space, and lifestyle when choosing a water table. Larger tables are great for multiple kids, while smaller options are ideal for apartments or limited outdoor spaces. Again, you can make one out of a large shallow container if you don’t have a water table. Add small pitchers, cups, bowls, etc.

 

6. Swimming Pool

Nothing beats a refreshing dip in the pool when the heat is on. Whether you have access to a community pool, a nearby lake, or even a small kiddie pool in your backyard, swimming is a great way to stay cool and have fun. But the fun doesn’t stop at swimming – there are plenty of engaging water games and activities to enjoy. 

7. Water Guns

Turn a hot summer day into an exciting family game with water guns! Set up targets in the backyard and practice your aim, or have a good old-fashioned water gun battle.

For an educational twist, try the alphabet target practice game. It’s a fun way to reinforce letter recognition while staying cool.

        

 

8. Water Sprinklers

Running through the sprinklers is a childhood summer staple. To make it even easier, check out this signature garden water sprinkler for your yard. This three-arm sprinkler easily connects to your hose and can be angled upwards and outwards by 15-45 degrees, making it perfect for lawns, gardens, or good old-fashioned fun.

9. Water Balloons

Fill up a bunch of water balloons, and let the games begin! Have a water balloon toss, set up a target practice station, or even use them for outdoor art. Try filling balloons with diluted paint and throwing them on a canvas for a unique and colorful masterpiece.

 

10. Outdoor Games

From classic games like croquet and badminton to fun twists on old favorites, there’s no shortage of outdoor games this summer. Host a family Olympics with relay races, egg and spoon races, and water balloon tosses.

Create an obstacle course in your backyard using hula hoops, jump ropes, and other household items. The possibilities are endless!

 

11. Bring the Indoors Outside

Who says you can’t enjoy your favorite indoor activities in the great outdoors? Set up an art station in the shade with easels, paints, and canvases. Bring out some board games or a deck of cards for a family game night under the stars.

Don’t forget to pack a picnic basket with snacks and refreshments to keep everyone fueled for fun.

 

For educational entertainment, dive into this MEGA Summer Preschool Activity Pack! This fantastic resource features 100 engaging activity pages to keep little learners cool and entertained for hours.

From letter and number matching games to creative coloring pages and exciting summer-themed activities, this all-in-one pack has everything you need to make learning fun and beat the summer boredom.

Summer Learning Printable Activities

Check out these fun summer worksheets for the kids! Excellent to combat the summer slide!

Summer Fun Ideas: Nature and Science

Encourage your kids to explore the world and learn more about the creatures and beauty surrounding us. Grab a magnifying glass, a bug catcher, and a book of insects, then head outside to see what you can find.

12. Get Close Up with Nature

Ask your children to name all the insects they can see, and take the opportunity to teach them about the different species and their roles in the ecosystem. You can also collect leaves, flowers, and other natural objects to create a nature-inspired art project back home.

13. Take a Nature Walk

Preschoolers love being outdoors and exploring nature, so why not take them on a nature walk? Before you go, print out some scavenger hunts to make the experience more engaging. Encourage your little ones to use their senses to observe their surroundings.

Listen for bird calls, smell the flowers, and feel the texture of tree bark. Remember to bring a camera to capture all the special moments and discoveries along the way!

14. Become a Bird Watcher

Attract various feathered friends to your yard by adding a bird feeder. Hummingbirds are particularly fun and interesting to watch, so consider getting a hummingbird feeder and some nectar to see how many of these tiny, colorful birds you can spot.

You can even make your own bird feeder using simple materials. This is an excellent opportunity to teach your kids about different bird species and their unique characteristics.

15. Plant a Butterfly Garden

Create a haven for beautiful butterflies by planting a garden with their favorite flowers. To make the experience even more exciting, consider growing your own butterflies with this kit. Watch as your children marvel at the transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, and then release them into your garden for a truly magical moment.

16. Backyard Science

You can do countless simple outdoor science experiments with your kids. One classic example is Elephant Toothpaste – stock up on hydrogen peroxide and yeast, and get ready for a fun, foamy chemical reaction that your kids will want to repeat again and again.

 

17. Make a Volcano

Use sand or dirt, baking soda, and vinegar to create your erupting volcano. Pour a couple of tablespoons of baking soda into the top of your volcano, add some vinegar, and watch as it erupts. Add some red food coloring to the vinegar before pouring it in for an extra cool effect.

You can also make an Erupting Apple Volcano by slicing out the center of an apple, adding baking soda, and then pouring in vinegar. Your kids will erupt with excitement!

18. Sun-Sensitive Paper

Introduce your kids to the wonders of sun-sensitive paper, which changes color when exposed to sunlight. Place objects like leaves, flowers, or stencils on the paper, then leave them in the sun for a few minutes. When you remove the objects, you’ll reveal beautiful, one-of-a-kind prints.

 

19. Become an Amateur Astronomer

If you have a telescope, take advantage of clear summer nights to explore the universe’s wonders with your kids. Show them the craters on the moon, the rings of Saturn, and the moons of Jupiter.

If you don’t have a telescope, you can still feel like an astronomer observing the night sky using binoculars or even just your naked eye. Teach your children about the different constellations and the stories behind them.

20. Do Some Star Gazing

Speaking of constellations, summer is the perfect time to go star gazing with your family. See how many constellations you can find using a star chart or a stargazing app on your phone.

Print out a star chart to help you identify the constellations visible in your part of the sky, and take turns pointing out the different patterns and shapes.

21. Moon Phases

Encourage your kids to observe the moon each night and learn about its different phases. Keep a moon journal to track the changes over a month and discuss why the moon appears to change shape.

Read through these Dreamy Over the Moon Quotes together for some extra inspiration.

22. Watch a Meteor Shower

Summer is a fantastic time to witness the beauty of a meteor shower. The Perseids Meteor Shower peaks around Aug. 12 and Aug. 13 and is a particularly spectacular event. Make it a family tradition to go out yearly and count how many meteors you can see streaking across the night sky. 

Summer Fun Ideas: Out and About

Check out all the fun options around your town!

23. Library

Take advantage of your local library’s summer reading program. Many libraries offer engaging activities, story times, and craft sessions for various age groups throughout the summer. These programs are often free and provide an excellent opportunity for your children to develop a love for reading, learn new skills, and make friends.

Check with your local library to see their scheduled events and plan accordingly.

24. State Parks

Visit a nearby state park to explore the great outdoors. Many state parks offer various activities, such as hiking trails, nature programs, lakes for swimming or fishing, and camping facilities.

Pack a picnic lunch, grab sunscreen, and spend the day discovering the beauty of nature with your family.

Some parks even offer guided tours or educational programs led by park rangers, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the local flora, fauna, and history.

25. Go to the Zoo

A trip to the zoo is always a hit with kids of all ages. Many zoos now offer interactive exhibits, feeding experiences, and educational programs that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the animals. Check if your local zoo has special events or discounted admission days throughout the summer.

Again, remember to bring your camera to capture the excitement and wonder on your children’s faces as they encounter their favorite animals.

26. Visit a Farmer’s Market or Local Fair

Summer is the perfect time to explore local farmer’s markets and fairs. These events offer a fantastic opportunity to support local farmers, artisans, and businesses while enjoying fresh produce, handmade crafts, and unique entertainment.

Many fairs also feature petting zoos, carnival rides, and live music, making them fun for the whole family. Encourage your children to try new foods, participate in interactive demonstrations, and learn about supporting local communities.

Summer Fun Ideas: Rainy Days

Inevitably, it will rain, so it’s essential to have some indoor activities planned to keep your kids entertained. If you’re lucky enough to have a screened-in patio, your children can still enjoy outdoor play while staying dry.

27. Make Some Play Dough

Playdough is a timeless favorite among kids, and for good reason. It’s soft and squishy and provides a fantastic sensory play experience for little hands. The best part? You can easily make your play dough at home!

If you’ve been wondering how to make play dough, give one of these play dough recipes a try. Not only will your kids love playing with the dough, but they’ll also enjoy helping you make it.

 

Once you have your homemade play dough, the possibilities for fun are endless. Check out this list of over 25 play dough activities for kids to get your little ones engaged in sensory play.

From creating cute animals to building imaginative scenes, these activities will keep your children entertained for hours.

28. Have a Picnic in Your Living Room

Just because it’s raining outside doesn’t mean you can’t have a picnic! Spread a blanket on your family room floor and enjoy a cozy indoor picnic.

Prepare simple sandwiches, cut up fresh fruits and veggies, and pack juice boxes. Your kids will love the change of scenery and the novelty of having a picnic indoors.

29. Movie Night

Transform your home into a cozy theater and host a family movie night. With the abundance of streaming platforms like Netflix, finding a movie that suits your family’s tastes is easier than ever. Create a comfortable viewing area with plenty of pillows and blankets, and have some popcorn!

To make the experience even more special, let your kids help choose the movie and prepare some movie-themed snacks. You can find some great movie suggestions here.

30. Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Set up an ice cream sundae bar to give your family a delicious and interactive dessert experience. Purchase a few different flavors of ice cream and a variety of toppings, such as sprinkles, sauces, whipped cream, and fresh fruit.

Let everyone create their unique sundaes. This fun activity encourages creativity and independence as your children make dessert decisions.

I hope this list gives you some summer fun ideas! The important thing is to get out there, try something new, and have fun together!

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