101 Summer Fun Activities for Kids (That They'll Actually Love)

When school’s out, the challenge is on: how do you keep kids entertained, learning, and off their screens—without burning out yourself or your wallet? The good news? Summer doesn’t need to be a constant juggling act or cost a fortune. No matter what age your kids are — this guide is packed with fresh and proven summer fun activities for kids that they (and parents) will love.

I’ve organized the ideas by type—Outdoor Fun, Indoor Ideas, Educational Play, Arts & Crafts, Water Games, and Screen-Free Challenges—so you can jump right in to what you need.

Some of these activities are self explanatory, for others I have included a printable or download with instructions. 

Let’s dive in.

Backyard obstacle course

OUTDOOR FUN: Classic + Creative Backyard Adventures

1.  Backyard Obstacle Course – Use pool noodles, cones, jump ropes, and chalk. Time them for added excitement. Here's one way to set up your backyard obstacle course. 

2.  Nature Scavenger Hunt – Make a checklist (leaf, acorn, bird, cloud shaped like something…) and explore your neighborhood. Get started with this printable nature scavenger hunt for kids.

3.  Sidewalk Chalk City – Draw roads, parking lots, parks… then zoom toy cars through your homemade town.

4.  DIY Bubble Station – Mix dish soap and water. Attach a popsicle stick or a short straw to a cookie cutter or pipe cleaner using tape or hot glue.

This gives your child a handle to hold, so they can dip it into the bubble mix without getting their hands messy. Pipe cleaners can also be twisted into wand shapes with one end left as a handle.

5.  Outdoor Yoga for Kids – Try simple poses. Great for mornings or wind-down time. Go here to find instructions to 20 Outdoor Yoga Poses for kids. Would your child like a poster of the Yoga Poses for kids or stick you can always stick it your fridge so they can practice anytime of the day.

6.  Bug or Rock Collecting – Hand them a magnifying glass and a container. Instant explorers. 

7.  Backyard Bowling – Fill plastic bottles with water and roll a soccer ball to knock them down.

8.  Sponge Toss – Replace water balloons with sponges for an eco-friendly splash game.

9.  Glow Stick Hide and Seek (Night Edition) – a fun twist on the classic game of hide and seek, perfect for playing in the dark! Get instructions for Glow Stick Hide and Seek here.

10.  DIY Kite Making & Flying – You will need paper or light plastic, a wooden dowel, String, tape and scissors. 

Here's what to do:

  1. Cut your kite shape from paper or plastic.
  2. Form a cross with the dowels and tape to the back.
  3. Attach string at the center of the cross.
  4. Decorate, add a tail with ribbon, and fly on a windy day!

WATER PLAY: Beat the Heat, Backyard-Style

Sprinkler Water Dash

11.  Sprinkler Dash – Classic. Still amazing. You can do this activity at home or the park. Many parks have sprinklers kids can run through, too. 

12.  Slip 'n Slide with Soap – Building a homemade Slip 'n Slide with soap is a super fun (and easy!) way to keep kids cool and entertained on a warm day. Here's how to make your own Slip 'n Slide with Soap with just a few simple supplies.

13.  DIY Water Balloon Piñata – Hang water balloons from a tree branch and swing away.

14.  Pool Noodle Boat Races –  Making boats out of pool noodles is a fun, simple craft that kids will love—and they actually float! You can use them in a kiddie pool, bathtub, or even during water table play. Build Pool Noodle Boats, here’s how!

15.  Ice Excavation Game – The Ice Excavation Game is a super cool (literally!) and easy activity that kids love—especially on hot days. It’s part science, part sensory fun, and a whole lot of excitement as kids dig through ice to find hidden treasures. Get the printable version of the Ice Excavation Game here. 

16.  Water Painting – Give your little one a bucket of water and a wide brush. Let them “paint” the driveway or fence.

17.  Frozen Dinosaur Dig – Freeze dino toys in muffin tins and let kids dig them out.

18.  Cup-to-Cup Relay – The Cup-to-Cup Relay Game is a fun, fast-paced outdoor activity that’s perfect for hot days, parties, or team games. It’s all about teamwork, laughter, and a little bit of splashing! Here are the instructions for how to play the Cup-to-Cup Relay. Enjoy!

INDOOR FUN: For Rainy Days or Chilling Indoors

19.  Build a Blanket Fort – Pillows & blankets make a indoor fort. Play a game with others or use flashlights, snacks & books to relax in your quiet place. 

20.  Living Room Camp-Out – Gather some blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags to build your own tent right in the living room. Add fairy lights or flashlights for that nighttime glow, and turn off the overhead lights to set the mood.

You can roast marshmallows in the oven, tell silly or spooky stories, and even play nature sounds in the background. 

21.  DIY Puppet Theater – Print instructions to help you and your child make a DIY Puppet Theater.

22.  Family Game Tournament – Board games, card games, or silly minute-to-win-it challenges.

23.  Scavenger Hunt Indoors – Hide clues all around the house, each one leading to where the next clue can be found. Great for multiple ages.

24.  Make Your Own Pizza Night – Give each child their own dough or pita bread & toppings.

25.  Dance Party Freeze Game – Burn energy & laughs.

26.  Cup Stacking Races – Kids vs. parents makes it even better.

27.  Home Spa Day – Mani-pedis, cucumber slices, and relaxing music. For a silky-smooth sensory experience make an avocado & banana face mask! 

  • Half a banana 
  • Half an avocado 
  • 2 tbsp plain yogurt

Leave on for 15 min. 

28.  Bake & Decorate Challenge – Get out the recipe books. Choose cookies, cupcakes, mini pies, even fruit kabobs. Or anything you and your children's little heart's desire.

Bake and then decorate them, using icing, sprinkles, whip cream, chocolate syrup or whatever else you may think of. 

Bake and decorate challenge

EDUCATIONAL & BRAIN BOOSTERS (That Feel Like Play)

29.  DIY Volcano – Baking soda, vinegar, red food coloring. Boom. Go to the DIY and Themed Volcanos page to learn how to make them. 

30.  STEM LEGO Challenges – Let your child explore science, technology, engineering, and math—all while playing with LEGO bricks! These fun and creative challenges encourage problem-solving, imagination, and hands-on learning. Download printable STEM Lego Challenges Instructions.

31.  Storybook Treasure Map – Read a pirate book, then go find “gold” in your yard. For further info. about storybook treasure map download the printable. 

32.  Nature Journal – Draw or write about what they see on walks.

33.  Summer Reading Bingo – "Summer reading bingo" is a fun and interactive way to keep kids engaged with reading over the summer break.

Each square on the bingo card includes a different reading challenge—like "read under a tree" or "read a book about animals." Kids mark off each task they complete, aiming to get five in a row (or even fill the whole board!). ​

You can find these bingo cards free on google "free summer bingo reading cards."

34.  Paper Airplane Lab – Try different designs and test them. Which goes farthest? Check out foldnfly.com they have many airplane designs and instructions available.

35.  Math Scavenger Hunt – “Find 3 blue things in the pantry,” “Add up the prices.”

36.  Kitchen Science Experiments – Make slime, test density, grow crystals. Want more Kitchen Science Experiments? Here's 10!

ARTS & CRAFTS (Without a Craft Store Run)

37.  Paint with Nature Brushes – Leaves, sticks, feathers = natural tools

Here's how to make it:

Materials:

Nature paint brush
  • small sticks
  • leaves
  • grass
  • pine needles
  • rubber bands or string Paint and paper

Steps:

1. Gather natural items and small sticks.

2. Tie leaves or pine needles to one end of the stick.

3. Dip into paint and use like a brush.

4. Make fun, natural patterns on your paper!

38.  Popsicle Stick Puppets – Use popsicle sticks, markers, googly eyes, scrap paper.

39.  Recycled Robots – "Recycled robots" are homemade robot sculptures made from items you already have around the house. Think cereal boxes, bottle caps, old buttons, and toilet paper rolls! There's no right or wrong—just lots of imagination and glue.

40.  Chalk Paint – Get the basic recipe that works well for kids’ outdoor art projects like sidewalk painting. How to make Chalk Paint.

41.  Friendship Bracelets – 

Materials:

  • Embroidery floss or yarn
  • Scissors
  • Tape or safety pin

Steps:

1. Cut 3-6 strands of floss, about 12 inches long.

2. Tie a knot at the top and secure it with tape or a pin.

3. Braid or use a simple knotting technique to create patterns.

4. Tie the ends together and trim excess string.

You could even make one for the dog!

42.  Tie-Dye with Markers – Here’s a fun and simple guide on how to "tie-dye with markers"—perfect for kids and parents alike! You can try it on coffee filters for a quick craft or t-shirts for wearable art. No messy dye kits needed!

43.  DIY Storybooks – Let kids create and illustrate their own story.

44.  Window Art – Make it seasonal—paint snowflakes in winter or leaves in fall! Download directions for window art for kids.

Making a friendship bracelet

Summer Fun Activities for Kids WITHOUT SCREENS

45.  30-Day Summer Challenge Calendar – For each day of the month, write down one small activity (like “Make a card for grandma” or “Dance like a robot”). Download ideas for your 30 Day Summer Challenge Calendar.

46.  Boredom Buster Jar – Write 50 ideas on paper slips and draw one each day. These ideas can be simple, screen-free, and designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and movement. Here's a list of 100 Boredom Buster Jar ideas that may interest you and your child.

47.  “Can’t Say No” Challenge Day – Parents can only say yes (as long as it's a safe) & reasonable requests from their child.

48.  “No Screens Until…” Cards – They complete 3 tasks (read, play outside, do a chore) before screen time.

49.  Activity Passport – Check off: Try a new food, build something, help a neighbor. Here are some passport activity ideas that your child may want to include in their passport.

50.  Color Day Themes – Everyone wears & eats only one color for the day.

51.  No-Talking Challenge Hour – Hilarious and quiet.

52.  “Be the Boss” Day – Let kids plan the day (within reason!)

Summer Fun Activities for Kids (GROUPS & SIBLINGS)

Girls dancing outside

53.  Silly Olympics – Egg race, 3-legged race, sponge toss. Get more silly olympic ideas for kids here.

54.  Talent Show – Kids perform a song, dance, joke or magic trick.

55.  Group Art Mural – Butcher paper & crayons or paint = team creativity.

56.  Backyard Movie Night – Sheet & projector or a laptop with popcorn.

57.  Create a Lemonade Stand – This involves designing the stand (table), math skills (adding subtracting…), and social fun.

58.  Cooking Show Game – Like "Chopped" but for kids (with safe ingredients).

59.  Treasure Hunt Relay – Hide multiple items for teams to find. Find treasure hunt relay game suggestions.

60.  Board Game Marathon – Try to play 5 different board games in one day.

CELEBRATION & PARTY-STYLE IDEAS

61.  DIY Backyard Carnival – Set up ring toss, bean bag throw, and face painting stations. That's not all, you can add these DIY Backyard Carnival ideas too.

Families enjoying the park

62.  Ice Cream Making Party – Use sandwich bags or a small ice cream maker for DIY treats. Need the recipe & set-up ideas for your kids Ice Cream Making Party?

63.  Have a Dance Party in the Backyard – You will need to have some music, glow sticks, and sidewalk chalk “stage.”

64.  Frozen T-Shirt Contest – Freeze t-shirts overnight and race around to “unfreeze” and wear them.

65.  Make-Your-Own Sundae Bar – Whipped cream, sprinkles, fruit, and cookie crumbles. See how to set-up it all up and some suggestions of what to use to Make-Your-Own Sundae Bar. 

66.  Color War – Use colored powder or washable paint for a backyard color battle.

67.  DIY Photobooth Day – Dress-up & silly props = lots of giggles and memories. How to create a DIY Photobooth Day, suggested props and all!

68.  Summer Birthday Bash (Even If It’s Not) – Pick a day to throw a mock birthday party just for fun.

69.  Backyard Glow Party – Decorate with glow-in-the-dark items, bracelets, and lanterns.

70.  "Olympic Day" with Medals – Let kids make medals and compete in goofy games. Find out what you will need to make the Olympic Day Medals and some suggested "goofy games" that can be played. 

Quiet Time & Calm Down Activities

71.  Story Time Under a Tree – Perfect for winding down or afternoon reading.

72.  Sensory Bin Play – This can be filled with sand, beans, rice, water beads or anything else you may have for a sensory bin.

73.  Mandala Coloring – "Mandala coloring" is a relaxing and creative activity where you color in detailed, circular designs called mandalas. These designs are often filled with repeating shapes, patterns, and symbols that radiate out from the center, like a flower or a snowflake.

74.  Cloud Watching with Journals – Draw what they see in the sky.

75.  Shadow Tracing Art – Set up toys in the sun and trace their shadows.

76.  DIY Calming Jars – This type of jar (also called glitter jars or mind jars) are simple, beautiful tools that help kids (and even grown-ups) manage big feelings. When you shake up a diy calming jar, the swirling glitter represents our racing thoughts—and as it settles, it reminds us to breathe and calm down.

77.  “Zen Garden” Tray – A “Zen garden” tray is a small, calming mini garden that you can place on a tabletop or desk. It’s designed to help kids (and adults!) relax, focus, and feel peaceful. Think of it as a hands-on way to practice mindfulness through simple, soothing play. Want to help your child make a Zen Garden Tray?

78.  Make Your Own Audiobook – Let kids record themselves reading aloud.

79.  Puzzle Station – Dedicate a table to puzzles of different levels

80.  Mini Planting Project – Grow a sunflower or herbs from seed.

Out & About (NEARBY ADVENTURES)

Children out and about running

81.  Library Summer Challenge – A "Library Summer Challenge" is a fun, free program hosted by libraries during the summer months to keep kids (and often teens and adults too!) reading, learning, and exploring while school is out.

It’s like a summer adventure—but with books, creativity, and sometimes even prizes!

82.  Park or Nature Trails - Make a day of it and pack a picnic lunch.

83.  Farmers Market – Let kids choose a fruit or veggie & they must try it.

84.  DIY Field Trip Binder – Bring it along to take notes, draw what they see, etc.

85.  Neighborhood Clean-Up Walk – Gloves, bags, and a good lesson on helping.

86.  Free Local Events – Look for outdoor concerts, fairs, or museum free days.

87.  Geocaching Treasure Hunt – Creating a "Geocaching Treasure Hunt" is an exciting way to turn any ordinary day into a real-life adventure! It’s like a modern treasure hunt for kids using GPS or map clues to find hidden containers (called geocaches) outdoors.

Use a free app to find hidden items in your town.

88.  Sidewalk Art Tour – Visit neighborhoods known for murals and street art.

89.  Backyard Camping (No Travel Required) – Tent, camping gear, stars, s’mores = fun! Build a bonfire in the backyard if allowed & parents must be present!. 

90.  Visit a “New to You” Park – Challenge: try 5 new playgrounds this summer.

DIY & MAKER FUN

91.  Invent a Board Game – Create your own rules, board, and tokens.

92.  Cardboard Box Creations – Rocket ships, castles, vending machines, car.

Cardboard castle with kids in it.

93.  Water Bottle Bowling Set – Fill bottles with water and decorate.

94.  Mini “Build Your Own Town” – Building a mini town is a fun and creative project that kids (and grown-ups!) can enjoy indoors or outdoors.

Whether it’s made from cardboard, craft supplies, blocks, or natural materials like cereal boxes and paper roads—building a mini town helps kids use their imagination, practice design skills, and even explore basic community concepts.

95.  Egg Carton Creatures – Create bugs or animals, usually using the bottom half of the carton.

96.  DIY Bird Feeder – Use peanut butter, toilet paper rolls, and seeds. Make your DIY bird feeder or bird house.

97.  Lego Marble Maze – Making a Lego Marble Maze is a super fun and creative project for kids! It's like building your own mini labyrinth — and it helps with fine motor skills, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. Plus, the best part? It’s made with Lego bricks you probably already have at home.

98.  Paper Spinner Toy – Making a Paper Spinner Toy is quick, easy, and so much fun! It spins like a top, and you can decorate it any way you like. Perfect for a rainy afternoon, a craft table, or a boredom buster jar.

99. Create a “Summer Zine” – Write, draw, and staple together your own magazine.

100.  Craft Stick Catapult – Making a Craft Stick Catapult is an exciting hands-on activity for kids! It’s simple to build, fun to play with, and teaches a little bit about science and motion too. 

101.  Make Your Own Mini Golf Course – Making your own mini golf course is a super fun DIY project that can be done indoors or outdoors. Whether it’s for a birthday party, a rainy day activity, or a backyard challenge, building a mini golf course lets kids (and parents!) get creative, stay active, and have lots of laughs.

How You Can Turn This List Into Your Own Kit

Want to print out this list of summer fun activities for kids and use it all summer long?

You can organize these 101 ideas into:

  • A Weekly Calendar (themed weeks)
  • A “Pick 3 Each Day” planner
  • An Activity Jar
  • Screen-Free Challenge Sheets
  • Color-coded charts by type (outdoor, indoor, STEM, group, quiet)

Summer Memories Start Here

Summer doesn’t have to be about big trips or constant screen time. The real magic comes from simple, shared moments—when a chalk game turns into an hour of laughter, or a backyard picnic becomes the highlight of the week.

So print this list of summer fun activities for kids, post it on your fridge, or build a boredom-buster box—and enjoy a summer that’s packed with connection, creativity, and genuine fun.

Here’s to a summer your kids will remember.