Summer Activities for Kids!

We’re right in the middle of summer, and while some kids might still be having a blast, some might be bored. Everyone hates to hear that word. Sometimes it might be tempting to just let them sit inside and watch TV, but do something different! 

Constantly taking children to theme parks, the movies, the zoo, and more can eventually get fairly pricey. Instead, we’ve compiled a list of 10 cheap summer activities that will stop boredom in its tracks!

1.       Lemonade stand

This traditional summer activity is seen more and more rarely. Not only will it give your children something to do, but it will help them learn the value of earning money! A lemonade stand is easy to construct with a small, fold out table, or if you feel ambitious, build a proper one yourself! If children set up the stand out front, simply keep an eye on them. If they wish to venture to a busier street make sure to go with or send an older sibling or babysitter with them. This activity can last them all day.

2.       Make a fort

What kid doesn’t love forts? This activity is great for both inside and outside. Forts can be built from all sorts of materials such as blankets, pillows, sheets, cardboard boxes, plywood, and more! Building the fort itself will occupy young ones for a while. Next encourage them to decorate the inside. Children can have snacks, play games, or nap inside their forts. This is another activity that could keep them occupied all day!

3.       Have a themed picnic

Picnics are a common summer activity, but have you ever tried a themed picnic? Themed picnics are a great way to make a day out even more special. Themes can be food based, or can extend to the activities and dress code as well! Need some examples? How about food from around the world? Or sports, with tons of games to play? Maybe try circus, with fun circus foods like cotton candy, popcorn, and more. There is tons of room for creativity, so this event can be repeated simply by choosing a new theme!

4.       Sprinkler

If you don’t have a pool and don’t feel like dragging yourselves to one across town, then a sprinkler is a great option. Simply set it out in the yard on a hot day, have kids change into swimsuits, and let them at it! Suggest games such as water Simon says or “fill the cup”. Take occasional breaks for the kids to snack and dry off.

5.       Library

If your kids are readers you’ve probably already made stops to the library this summer. If not, now is the time to encourage children to go! Reading is a very important skill and with so much free time in summer children should be encouraged to read. Let them pick out a couple books they like. This is a great way to spend a rainy day instead of watching TV.

6.       Free concert in the park

A lot of community parks, cafes, and more offer free concerts during the summer months. The best way to find out about these is to check your community calendar. Music can range from classical, to jazz, to rock, and much more. A fun event for the whole family!

7.       Camp in the backyard

Camping at a campsite can get expensive and chaotic, but camping in your own backyard is free and close to home! Set up a tent and sleeping bags, have a campfire, and let the evening begin! Before dark play games in the yard. If you can have a fire, roast hotdogs and Smores. If not, grill and eat outside! After dark it’s time to sing some campfire songs and tell ghost stories. Keep the technology inside and forget you’re not in the woods! 

8.       Make your own at home movie theater

Sometimes, kids just need a break from the heat, or there’s a string of rainy days. If you want to involve technology make it unique! Pick a day along with a selection of movies and turn your living room into a movie theater. Set up a concession stand with candy, popcorn, and soda. If you’re aiming to be healthier, opt for some fruit and juice, with maybe just one unhealthy snack for the day. Then close the blinds, turn off the lights, and enjoy a movie experience without the high cost!

9.       Write and illustrate a book

This is another great indoor activity for summer. Staple some pages together and let your child write and illustrate their own book! Older children might not need illustrations, but younger children will enjoy making their project a picture book. If kids are stuck there are tons of writing prompts online! Encourage them to use their imagination, whether they’re making their own fantasy story or re-telling a family vacation. Then share the stories with the rest of the family! 

10.   Make an obstacle course in the yard

An obstacle course is a great way to keep kids active in a fun way! Create an obstacle course for your kids or encourage them to design their own. Obstacle courses can easily be made from items you have around your house. Some examples? Use a piece of wood as a balance beam.  Toss beanbags into a laundry basket or box. Crawl under tables or benches. You are limited only by your imagination! 

And there you have it! Ten ways to entertain your kids this summer! Make sure to keep an eye on this blog for more tips like this, product features, and free printables!