{"id":588,"date":"2025-05-14T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/s37407.p1377.sites.pressdns.com\/resources\/101-fun-things-to-do-with-kids-this-summer\/"},"modified":"2025-05-14T17:25:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T17:25:08","slug":"101-fun-things-to-do-with-kids-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/101-fun-things-to-do-with-kids-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"102 fun summer activities for kids"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Keeping kids entertained and engaged throughout the summer takes a bit of creativity. Don&rsquo;t worry though, we have you covered! Check out these 101 fun summer activities for kids that are guaranteed to stave off boredom and keep them excited about what&rsquo;s going to happen every day. When the first day of school rolls around and their teacher asks, &ldquo;What did you do this summer?,&rdquo; they&rsquo;ll have a lot to say! <\/p><p>Whether you&rsquo;re entertaining very active toddler or a low-key tween, this mondo list of fun ideas for summer will come in handy for all ages and types of kids. Got a sitter or nanny helping you out this year? Make sure to share these fun summer activities and ideas with them too.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-custom-dynamic-list key-takeaways-block\"><h3>Key takeaways<\/h3><div class=\"key-takeaways-container\"><ul><li>Having a list of kids summer ideas and activities is key for staving off boredom. <\/li><li>Make sure you have age-appropriate activities for everyone. <\/li><li>Choose from sporty to educational activities with our comprehensive list. <\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-games-and-summer-activities-for-kids\" data-toc-id=\"de3c59ed\"><strong>Games and summer activities for kids<\/strong><\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Use laundry baskets and a cardboard box to make a <a href=\"https:\/\/frugalfun4boys.com\/laundry-basket-skee-ball-with-ball-pit-balls\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DIY skee ball game<\/a>.<\/li><li>Host a game of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.overstuffedlife.com\/water-balloon-baseball\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">water balloon baseball<\/a>. <\/li><li>Have a tricycle race at the park.<\/li><li>Enjoy summer evenings with these games you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/8-fun-games-to-play-in-the-dark\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">play in the dark<\/a>.<\/li><li>Make a <a href=\"https:\/\/teachbesideme.com\/twirligig-rainbow-paper-spinner-toy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">twirligig paper spinner toy<\/a>, and enjoy playing with it afterwards.<\/li><li>Make a giant hopscotch or Twister game on the lawn (with spray paint) or driveway (with chalk).<\/li><li>Try these easy games you can play just <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/easy-games-for-kids-you-can-play-with-just\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">using your hands<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Have a game night with charades, Pictionary and bingo.<\/li><li>Have a water balloon toss &mdash; or fight!&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-crafty-things-to-do-with-kids-in-summer\" data-toc-id=\"e3628e23\"><strong>Crafty things to do with kids in summer<\/strong><\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"10\"><li>Fill one of these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barebooks.com\/books\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">blank books<\/a> with stories and illustrations.<\/li><li>Create <a href=\"https:\/\/diycandy.com\/diy-spin-art-with-a-salad-spinner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">salad spinner art<\/a> by placing circles of paper inside a cheap salad spinner, squirt water-based acrylic or tempera paints on top, cover and spin away.<\/li><li>Make a sidewalk chalk mural.<\/li><li>Have an outdoor painting party using huge canvases or cardboard.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.easypeasyandfun.com\/painting-with-ice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Paint with ice<\/a> by freezing ice cube trays with washable tempera paint.<\/li><li>Decorate something you love with these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.craftymorning.com\/dish-brush-dandelions-craft-kids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dish brush dandelions<\/a>.<\/li><li>Paint the sidewalk or patio with plain old water and sponge brushes. When the creation dries, begin again.<\/li><li>Paint canvas sneakers with fabric paint pens or acrylic paint.<\/li><li>Try <a href=\"https:\/\/kidsactivitiesblog.com\/137133\/how-to-make-shadow-art-with-kids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">shadow drawing<\/a>.<\/li><li>Never enough crafts? See how many of these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/summer-crafts-for-kids\">summer crafts<\/a> you can complete.<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fun-summer-activities-for-kids-outdoor-only\" data-toc-id=\"04b4b734\"><strong>Fun summer activities<\/strong> for kids (outdoor only!)<\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"20\"><li>Have a luau with great food and creative dancing.<\/li><li>Have a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/50-great-camp-songs-for-kids\"> sing-a-long<\/a> around a campfire.<\/li><li>Run through the sprinklers.<\/li><li>Throw a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/summer-movies-for-kids\/\">backyard movie night<\/a>.<\/li><li>Gather around the fire pit and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/22-campfire-stories-to-spook-and-delight\">tell scary stories<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Craft <a href=\"https:\/\/momspotted.com\/2015\/05\/have-a-summer-water-war-with-these-diy-sponge-bombs-fun-crafts-with-mom.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DIY sponge bombs<\/a> and then let the water play begin.<\/li><li>Go camping in the backyard and invite over the neighborhood kids for a sleepover.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Set up a tent to use as a summer playhouse.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Plant a butterfly garden with flowers.<\/li><li>Make your own hard-to-pop bubbles with 1 cup of distilled water, 2 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap and 1 tablespoon of glycerin.<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-art-based-summer-activities-for-kids\" data-toc-id=\"2a8e70cc\"><strong>Art-based summer activities for kids<\/strong><\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"30\"><li>Make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestideasforkids.com\/puffy-sidewalk-paint\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">puffy sidewalk chalk<\/a> and get creative.<\/li><li>String beads into jewelry.<\/li><li>Make a <a href=\"https:\/\/craftprojectideas.com\/bird-house-made-of-wood-craft-sticks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bird house<\/a> out of popsicle sticks.<\/li><li>Make a magical <a href=\"https:\/\/ohhappyday.com\/2016\/06\/diy-stained-glass-unicorn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DIY &ldquo;stained glass&rdquo; unicorn.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li>Use an online tutorial and learn to sew, crochet or knit.<\/li><li>Make <a href=\"https:\/\/muybuenocookbook.com\/mexican-paper-flowers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mexican paper flowers <\/a>using different colored tissue paper.<\/li><li>Make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/recycled-crafts-for-kids\">crafts with recyclable items<\/a> like stickers using old photos, magazines and reposition-able glue.<\/li><li>Take on some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/92-awesome-tie-dye-ideas-to-fill-your-summer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tie-dye projects<\/a> &mdash;&nbsp;from shirts and socks to pillowcases.<\/li><li>Practice your origami skills and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KidsPlanet.K4\/videos\/paper-craft-ideas-for-kids\/1663711037912377\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">make construction paper crafts<\/a> to hang from the ceiling.<\/li><li>Collect rocks and paint them to use as paperweights or pet rocks.<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sporty-summer-activities-for-kids\" data-toc-id=\"2cde2ce0\"><strong>Sporty summer activities for kids<\/strong><\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"40\"><li>Break out your baseball glove and start a game, sandlot style.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Set up a net and play badminton and volleyball. <\/li><li>Learn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/15-frisbee-games-for-kids\">how to play Frisbee<\/a> in 15 different ways.<\/li><li>Learn fun <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/11-catchy-jump-rope-rhymes\/\">jump rope songs and rhymes<\/a> while improving your skills.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Set up a mini-golf course in your driveway by laying different size containers on their sides.<\/li><li>Stage your own Summer Olympics with races, hurdles and relays.<\/li><li>Line up a game of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mybaba.com\/play-noodle-hockey\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pool noodle hockey<\/a> (no pool required).<\/li><li>Cool off and enjoy some friendly competition when you kick off the summer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.123homeschool4me.com\/ice-boat-races_97\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ice boat races<\/a>. <\/li><li>Go ice blocking (sledding) on grass with a towel-covered block of ice.<\/li><li>Try one of these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/11-backyard-games-for-kids\">backyard games for kids<\/a>.<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-summer-activities-that-get-kids-out-of-the-house\" data-toc-id=\"467cc9b1\"><strong>Summer activities that get kids out of the house<\/strong><\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"50\"><li>Clean up trash at a park in your neighborhood.<\/li><li>Pick a nearby town to visit for the day.<\/li><li>Go horseback riding.<\/li><li>Mark off all the local parks on a map &mdash; then visit them, take pictures and vote for your favorite.<\/li><li>Take in a fireworks exhibit.<\/li><li>Collaborate with other kids in the neighborhood to do a &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/kidsactivitiesblog.com\/136302\/how-to-host-a-chalk-your-walk-event-in-your-neighborhood\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chalk walk<\/a>&rdquo; &mdash; have all the neighbors vote on the best sidewalk chalk obstacle courses or other creative chalk masterpieces.  <\/li><li>Let kids paint each other with washable tempera paint and then wash it off in a sprinkler run.<\/li><li>Set up a bike wash and raise money for a local charity.<\/li><li>Plan a picnic at the park and invite friends and neighbors. <\/li><li>Decorate bikes and have a neighborhood <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/12-fun-fourth-of-july-activities-for-kids\">Fourth of July<\/a> parade.<\/li><li>Make paper boats and race them in a kiddie pool using straws to propel them.<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nature-based-children-s-summer-activities\" data-toc-id=\"7b6399e0\"><strong>Nature<\/strong>-based children&rsquo;s summer activities<\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"61\"><li>Encourage wonder and time outdoors playing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/parents\/crafts-and-experiments\/nature-observation-bingo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">nature observation bingo<\/a>.<\/li><li>Take a walk in nature and see how many types of birds you can spot.<\/li><li>Go canoeing at a local lake.<\/li><li>Head to a local creek or pond and look at the ducks.<\/li><li>Go biking on a trail.<\/li><li>Catch fireflies in a jar (and let them go at the end of the night).<\/li><li>Learn about stargazing and identify as many constellations as possible.<\/li><li>Go for a walk and make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/nature-crafts-for-kids\/\">nature crafts<\/a> from objects you find along the way.<\/li><li>Collect wildflowers and create leis.<\/li><li>Go fossil hunting near a lake.<\/li><li>Wade through a stream and search for minnows or tadpoles.<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-easy-summer-food-activities-for-kids\" data-toc-id=\"0e40b31b\"><strong>Easy summer food activities for kids<\/strong><\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"72\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/healthy-homemade-ice-cream-your-kids-will-lov\">Make ice cream<\/a>. <\/li><li>Set up an ice cream sundae buffet for dinner.<\/li><li>Use a fidget pop-it to make a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/summer-snacks-for-kids\/\">frozen summer treat<\/a>.<\/li><li>Create unusual s&rsquo;mores by experimenting with ingredients like cookies, bananas, mini candy bars, flavored marshmallows and white chocolate.<\/li><li>Make homemade pizza.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/6-healthy-smoothie-recipes-for-kids\">Blend your own smoothie<\/a> &mdash; they&rsquo;re good for you!<\/li><li>Make <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/cookie-ice-cream-sandwiches\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ice cream sandwiches<\/a>.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/fresh-berry-recipes-kids-love\">Pick fresh berries<\/a>.<\/li><li>Assemble a family cookbook with all your favorite recipes.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/how-to-make-fresh-fruit-popsicles\/\">Make popsicles<\/a> in small paper cups using fresh fruit.<\/li><li>Investigate an ethnic grocery store and make lunch using interesting spices and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/5-kid-friendly-international-foods\">kid-friendly international recipes<\/a>.<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fun-summer-activities-at-home\" data-toc-id=\"70b4afcf\"><strong>Fun summer activities at home<\/strong><\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"83\"><li>Make a fort out of cardboard boxes.<\/li><li>Stage an A-to-Z scavenger hunt, where you have to find something that starts with every letter. Or try one of these other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/8-scavenger-hunt-ideas-for-kids\">scavenger hunt ideas<\/a>.<\/li><li>Practice making interesting shadow puppets and then put on a show with your characters.<\/li><li>Get surprised and inspired with a <a href=\"https:\/\/treehousekidandcraft.com\/products\/box-of-happy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Box of Happy<\/a>, customized by age and interests.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Get a map of the United States and mark off all the exciting places you want to visit &mdash; create the ultimate road trip.<\/li><li>Learn some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/easy-magic-tricks-for-kids\">easy magic tricks<\/a> and put on a magic show.<\/li><li>Let kids brainstorm creative things to do with a boring brown paper bag &mdash; you&rsquo;ll be surprised at how many things you can come up with.<\/li><li>Learn some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/101-funny-jokes-for-kids\">good jokes<\/a> and put on your own stand-up show.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Have a fancy<a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/top-10-tea-party-games\/\"> tea party<\/a>. Dress up and wear hats.<\/li><li>Draw pictures and write letters to local seniors living in skilled nursing facilities.<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-educational-summer-activities-for-kids\" data-toc-id=\"36b0920e\"><strong>Educational summer activities for kids<\/strong><\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"93\"><li>Learn about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IKxSp2WKK_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">voting process<\/a> and why it&rsquo;s important to take part.&nbsp;<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/questions-to-ask-parents-grandparents-and-older-adults\">Interview a grandparent<\/a> or an older relative about what life was like when they were young.<\/li><li>Volunteer at an animal adoption organization.<\/li><li>Save this list of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/lists\/coretta-scott-king-book-award-winners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Coretta Scott King book award winners<\/a> and try to read as many as you can throughout the summer.<\/li><li>Learn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/16-kids-typing-games\">how to type<\/a>.<\/li><li>Make a photo journal or a family yearbook.<\/li><li>Try one of these fascinating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/at-home-science-experiments-for-kid\/\">science projects<\/a>.<\/li><li>Create three-dimensional buildings or structures using toothpicks and mini marshmallows.<\/li><li>Check out a local museum you&rsquo;ve never visited.<\/li><li>Read some <a href=\"https:\/\/teacheroffduty.com\/20-slam-poems-you-can-use-in-your-classroom-tomorrow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">slam poetry<\/a> and then write some of your own. Speak your truth!<\/li><\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>No bored kids will be left behind this summer when you make your way through this big list of fun kids summer activities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":975,"featured_media":100473,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"enable_toc":true,"care_reviewed_by":0,"care_post_updated_flag":false,"care_updated_date":"2025-05-14T04:00:00.000Z","last_update":"2025-05-14","view_count":755438,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1114],"member-type":[4],"vertical":[6,17,12],"platform":[2],"class_list":["post-588","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-summer","member-type-all","vertical-children","vertical-child-care-advice","vertical-holidays-seasons","platform-resources"],"acf":[],"created":"2013-05-03","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/588","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/975"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=588"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/588\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":217880,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/588\/revisions\/217880"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100473"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=588"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=588"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=588"},{"taxonomy":"member-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/member-type?post=588"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=588"},{"taxonomy":"platform","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/platform?post=588"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}