Summer Activities for Kids

Looking at summer wondering what the HECK you’re going to do with those kids? I’ve got some great ideas that might get the ball rolling as what your summer plans can entail.

Remember, not EVERY day needs a fun activity, but when you sprinkle in the “fun” it makes the other days seem less boring.

But, before we get going — I find a routine to be ESSENTIAL in the summer. Now is a GREAT time to join me in Family Routines. Save $5 off your first month with code SUMMERCAMP.

Ok, here are my 4 favorite summer activities for kids:

KiwiCo

I loved to get these when my kids were little. They have recently updated to “labs” that allows you to extend the learning even further with each subscription.

We’d always expand the learning we got from their boxes and went to the library and got books for things that interested us more. The library is ALWAYS a summer activity for kids!

And, don’t worry that your kids have out-grown these type of subscription things, I think kids of ALL ages can enjoy KiwiCo Labs!

Gardening

It may be easy to think your kids aren’t gardening fans — but they aren’t WEEDING fans — they are DEFINITELY fans of growing things and watching them as they get bigger.

Yes, you can totally go to your garden center and grab some seeds — but I thought this root viewer was really cool.

And again — you then learn MORE about gardening at your local library, right?

This is one that can grow with kids, and every summer you get a bit more advanced, learn how to put in automatic watering — it can be REALLY cool!

Fun Sports

We often get into a mindset that sports can only be done with an organized team — but we can just have fun playing different types of sports. Some of my favorites are:

• These scoop ball paddles allows them to throw FAR
• Goodminton needs less room than Badminton, but is still SUPER fun!
• Practice kicking with cones and a soccer ball in the backyard
• Get a game of kickball going with some neighbor kids.

Water Play

It can be tempting to think you need a pool to use water at your house, but there’s still LOTS of ways to have fun with water, without a pool (we checked, it was going to be closer to $50,000 to add a pool to our house — so that was out).

• Don’t discount water guns for some serious summer fun
• Get a silly water sprayer that they can run through — great for kids of all ages!
• Got littles? I’ve heard only AMAZING things about this!

But, don’t worry — if those activities aren’t really your thing — check out some of the other options from some friends of mine:

Got toddlers? My friend Kayla has a TON of great summer plans for toddlers that I think you’ll love!

Here’s an idea for a family reunion or if a few moms want to get together to provide a SUPER fun day together — slip & slide kickball!

Have a beach nearby? Here are some great beach games to enjoy together!

Looking to get the kids active and outside — here are some great backyard games you can play!

Fairy gardens can be a fun way to decorate your backyard — check out all these ideas here!

Ok with some messy backyard fun? Check out this mud pie playdate!

But, don’t fall prey to the idea that it’s a free-and easy summer. Because that’s not free for ANYONE. It’s LOOSE, it’s FUN but having a routine makes the days easier with kids at home — so join me in family routines! Remember you can save $5 off your first month with code SUMMERCAMP (cancel at any time — or get $5 off lifetime access too).