These Fun Activities Will Keep Kids Entertained All Summer Long

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Looking for easy ways to keep the kids busy once school's out? Whether you're staying close to home or heading out for an adventure, the best summer activities for kids will help your family make the most of every sunny day (and even a few rainy ones, too!). From classic games to DIY summer crafts, there's something for every child to enjoy during the sunny season ahead.

As the temperatures rise, what better way to cool off than with a refreshing water balloon fight or a visit to a local splash pad or water park? For those seeking a more serene outdoor experience, a leisurely picnic in the park offers the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and connect with nature while enjoying your favorite summer treats. But the fun doesn't stop there—embark on a scavenger hunt through the great outdoors, or unleash their creativity with some sidewalk chalk art. And if you're looking for a little friendly family competition, visit a local mini-golf course or turn your backyard into an all-ages playground with fun outdoor games. The best part is, you don't have to choose just one of these activities—try them all to keep your little ones entertained all season long!

Make a Nature Journal

Encourage your child to collect leaves, draw bugs, and jot down their backyard discoveries. It's a fun way to turn outdoor time into a personal science project!

Maica

Try Backyard Birdwatching

Set up a feeder in your backyard and grab your binoculars. See how many feathered friends you can spot from your porch or window!

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Host a DIY Ice Cream Social

Scoop out all your favorite flavors and load up on toppings. Everyone gets to create their own dreamy dessert combo.

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Set Up a Slip 'N Slide

Roll out a plastic slide, add water and a little soap, and get ready to zoom. It's backyard fun that'll keep kids laughing (and slipping) for hours.

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Build a Fairy or Dinosaur Garden

Use mini plants, tiny figurines, and rocks to create a magical little world right in your own backyard. It's part garden, part imagination station.

RyanOverman

Make a Summer Bucket List

Can't decide where to start? Sit down as a family and write out all the things you want to do before summer ends. Then start checking them off!

Ed Bock

Learn a Simple Magic Trick

Help your kiddo learn a few easy tricks and practice their sleight of hand. Then they can wow their audience with a backyard magic show!

Jokic

Visit a Local Museum

They can't all be sunny days! A trip to a nearby museum is a fun (and air-conditioned) way to explore art, science, or history together.

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Create a Summer Kindness Jar

Fill a jar with ideas like "make someone laugh" or "share your snack." Pull one each morning for a feel-good activity.

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Catch Fireflies

Head outside at dusk with a jar and try to catch a few twinkling fireflies. Let the kids admire their magical glow up close, then gently release them. It's a simple summer memory they'll never forget.

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Plant a Butterfly Garden

Add plants like milkweed or lavender to your garden to attract butterflies. Then watch them flutter in and learn all about their life cycle.

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Put on a Talent Show

Let everyone show off a special skill—dancing, magic, singing, anything goes. Invite friends or family to cheer from the lawn.

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Create a Backyard Obstacle Course

Use hula hoops, jump ropes, and pool noodles to build a wacky obstacle course in your backyard. Then let little ones race through it as fast as they can.

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Start a Summer Reading Challenge

Make a book list, add a sticker chart, and set some fun goals. Don’t forget to reward your little reader(s) with a treat after they finish each book!

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Play Flashlight Tag

Wait until dusk, grab a flashlight, and head outside for a game of hide-and-seek in the dark. The person with the flashlight is “it” and tags others by shining the beam on them!

Christopher Robbins

Have a Water Balloon Fight

Ready, aim, splash! Dive into summer fun with a lively water balloon fight that'll leave everyone soaked and smiling.

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Have a Picnic in the Park

Sun's out, snacks out! Pack your favorite drinks and light bites and head outdoors for a delightful picnic in the park.

Martinns

Organize an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Plan an exciting outdoor scavenger hunt, using clues from nature. This is a great way to explore your neighborhood or local parks and outdoor spaces.

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Spend the Day at the Beach

Even if a beach vacation isn't in the cards for you this summer, you can still plan a day trip to a nearby beach. Spend time soaking up the sun, building sandcastles, and splashing in the waves.

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Visit a Local Zoo or Aquarium

Take a walk on the wild side this summer with a visit to the local zoo or aquarium. Your little ones will love seeing all of their favorite animals up close!

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Go Camping

Escape into the great outdoors with a family camping adventure in the woods, a national park, or even your own backyard! Have fun toasting s'mores, telling stories, and gazing at the stars.

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Fly a Kite

Flying a kite can be a real thrill for kiddos! Add an extra layer of fun and creativity by making your own kite at home.

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Set Up a Lemonade Stand

Turn lemons into lemonade (literally!) by setting up a charming lemonade stand. It's a great way for your little ones to spread joy in your neighborhood—and make a few bucks for even more summer fun!

THEPALMER

Go Hiking

Discover the wonders of nature by embarking on a scenic hike on a local trail. Along the way, you can spot native wildlife, listen to beautiful birdsong, and take in panoramic views. Don't forget to take pictures of your adventure!

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Play Mini Golf

This idea is a hole-in-one for everyone! Enjoy a day of friendly family competition with a round of mini-golf at a nearby course.

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Make Summer Treats

Beat the heat by whipping up yummy summer desserts, like homemade popsicles or ice cream bars. We have so many refreshing, easy-to-make ideas!

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Have a Backyard Movie Night

Enjoy your favorite family films under the stars by planning a backyard movie night. Transform your backyard into a magical outdoor theater, complete with string lights, popcorn, blankets and pillows.

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Visit a Farmer's Market

Explore the flavors of the season by visiting a bustling farmer's market near you. All that fresh produce will make for a delicious family meal!

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Plant a Garden

Get your hands dirty by planting a garden in your backyard. This activity is the gift that keeps on giving, whether you grow flowers, fruits, vegetables, or herbs to pick and enjoy later.

Eric Audras

Build a Tree House

Create memories that will last a lifetime by building a treehouse or fort in your own backyard. Think of all the fun summer adventures they'll have there with siblings and friends!

JulPo

Go Stargazing

A world of wonder awaits your in your very own backyard. Teach them all about space, stars, and constellations as you gaze up at the night sky with a telescope.

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Make Summer Crafts

These summer crafts are fun for the whole family! There are so many outdoor-friendly projects to choose from, from DIY birdhouses to sand art terrariums to seashell necklaces and beyond.

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Go on a Boat Ride

There's nothing like being on the open water! Set sail on a maritime adventure by charting a boat or going canoeing or kayaking at a local lake.

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Have a Family Barbecue

Fire up the grill and gather friends and family for a barbecue feast in your backyard. Get ready for lots of good food, fun, and laughter!

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Make Tie-Dye Shirts

Turn plain shirts into colorful masterpieces with a fun tie-dye activity. This is a great idea to try with a group of family or friends.

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Play Outdoor Games

Turn your backyard into an all-ages playground with outdoor games like ring toss, bowling, or jumbo versions of Jenga and Yahtzee. You can even DIY your own games for double the fun!

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Go for a Bike Ride

Pedal your way through summertime with a family bike ride. Whether you're exploring your neighborhood or a local park, it's the perfect way to enjoy the nice weather.

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Create Sidewalk Chalk Art

Help your kids unleash their creativity by coloring the sidewalks with vibrant chalk art. They can even design their own hopscotch course, adding an extra splash of color and fun to their outdoor adventures, while also practicing balance and coordination.

Stephen Simpson

Go Berry Picking

Get a taste of farm life by going on a berry-picking adventure. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are all in season! And after your harvest, gather the family to bake a delicious summer berry pie.