The summer heat combined with no school means your kids are revved up and ready to do it all. However, keeping your children entertained every single day is no easy feat. From exploring nature to getting creative at home, there are plenty of free and fun activities that will keep your kids engaged, active, and entertained all season long.
If you’re ready to make some lasting memories, here are 12 free summer activities for kids that will help you make the most of the sunny days.
Starting a Family Garden
Gardening is an amazing way to help kids engage with nature while also teaching them responsibility. Whether you have a backyard or just a small space for pots, starting a family garden can be a fun and educational project. Kids can help plant seeds, water the plants, and watch them grow over the summer. They will not only feel proud of their work, but also gain an appreciation for where food comes from. Start small with easy-to-grow vegetables, like tomatoes or herbs, or plant flowers to brighten up your space.
Make Homemade Ice Cream
This is a summer activity everyone with a sweet tooth will enjoy. Beat the summer heat by making homemade ice cream with your kids. There are plenty of simple recipes that require only basic ingredients. You can create the most delicious frozen treat using only a bag of ice, some salt, and a few ingredients, like milk, sugar, and vanilla. Kids can help shake the bag and watch as the ingredients transform into a delicious, cold dessert. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding fruit, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins.
Nature Excursion
Whether you go for a hike, bike ride, visit a local park or simply walk around your neighborhood, being surrounded by nature provides endless opportunities for discovery. It also helps everyone get some exercise. You can teach kids to identify local plants and animals and enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural world. You can also bring along a magnifying glass or binoculars for closer examination of bugs, birds, or leaves. If the heat is unbearable, opt to venture out during that sweet spot for sunset.
Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a classic game that can easily be adapted to any location, whether you’re at home or out in the world. Make a list of items for your kids to find, like a pinecone, a yellow flower, a smooth rock or a bird’s feather. You can customize the list to fit your environment and make the hunt a little more challenging by giving clues or riddles to solve. It’s a fun way to keep kids active while also strengthening their problem-solving and observation skills.
Picnic
Any activity that involves food is a good activity. Picnics are a simple yet enjoyable way to enjoy a meal outdoors. Pack a lunch and some snacks before heading to your favorite local park, beach or even backyard. A blanket, some sandwiches, and a few games are all you need for a free and fun afternoon. Picnics can also be a great opportunity for kids to practice their independence. Let them help pack and choose the food, or assign them small tasks like setting up the blanket.
Free Museums
This one requires a bit of local research, but there are countless museums that offer free entry on certain days or times, making them an ideal summer activity for families on a budget. Whether it’s a natural history museum, a science center, or an art gallery, these places often have interactive exhibits that will captivate kids’ imaginations. You can note the museums that focus on hands-on learning, which will engage kids in both play and education.
Starting a Lemonade Stand
It’s a classic that’s never gone out of style. Ready to raise a miniature entrepreneur? Making a lemonade stand teaches kids about entrepreneurship, math, and customer service. Set up a small stand in your front yard or at a local park, and let your kids help make the lemonade and run the booth. They’ll love the sense of responsibility and accomplishment that comes from running their own little business. Even if they don’t make a ton of money, the experience will be valuable and memorable.
Beach Day
If you live near the coast or have access to a local beach, a beach day is a perfect summer activity. The beach offers endless opportunities for fun, whether it’s building sandcastles, wading in the water, collecting shells, or playing beach volleyball. Pack a beach towel, sunscreen, and a few snacks, and let the kids enjoy some fun in the sun. Even if you don’t live near the ocean, you can visit a nearby lake or river for a similar water-based adventure.
Sidewalk Chalk Games
Sidewalk chalk is a simple and inexpensive way to turn your driveway or sidewalk into an imaginative playground. The whole family can get creative by drawing pictures, creating hopscotch boards, or making obstacle courses. They can even play classic games like “tic-tac-toe” or “hangman” on the pavement.
Kite Flying
Kite flying is a timeless outdoor activity that’s perfect for a breezy summer day. All you need is a kite and an open space. Whether you head to a park, the beach, or a large field, kids will deeply appreciate watching their kites soar high in the sky.
Living Room Dance Party
When all else fails, all you need is a good playlist and some passion. Turn up the music and let your kids dance to their heart’s content, all from the comfort of your living room. It’s a great way to burn off energy while having fun together as a family. You can make it even more exciting by incorporating games like freeze dance or creating a mini talent show where everyone gets to showcase their best dance moves.
Camp in the Backyard
Camping doesn’t always have to mean a hectic trip to the wilderness. Set up a tent in your own backyard for a fun camping experience right at home. You can tell ghost stories around a fire pit, make s’mores, or just enjoy stargazing outside. With a little bit of effort, sleeping in your own backyard can be just as magical as a full-on camping trip.