Summer is the perfect time to create lasting memories with your kids. With school out and sunny days ahead, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy quality time together as a family. From outdoor adventures to creative crafts, here are 10 family-friendly summer activities that are sure to delight your little ones.
10 Family Friendly Summer Activities to Do With Kids
1. Backyard Camping Adventure
Set up a tent in the backyard and embark on a camping adventure right at home! Roast marshmallows over a campfire (or use a grill), tell stories under the stars, and cozy up in sleeping bags for a night of outdoor fun. Don’t forget to bring along flashlights for shadow puppets and stargazing!
2. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Take a nature walk in your local park or neighborhood and go on a scavenger hunt to discover the wonders of the great outdoors. Create a list of items to find, such as pinecones, flowers, birds, and rocks, and challenge your kids to check them off as they explore. Encourage them to use their senses to observe, touch, and listen to the natural world around them.
3. DIY Water Park Day
Turn your backyard into a water park with DIY water activities that are sure to keep your kids cool and entertained on hot summer days. Set up a kiddie pool, slip ‘n slide, water balloons, and sprinklers for endless water fun. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and stay hydrated!
4. Outdoor Movie Night
Host an outdoor movie night under the stars for a magical evening of cinema under the open sky. Set up a projector and screen in your backyard, lay out blankets and pillows for seating, and pop some popcorn for a cozy movie experience. Let your kids choose their favorite family-friendly films to enjoy together.
5. DIY Arts and Crafts Day
Get creative with a DIY arts and crafts day at home. Set up a crafting station with supplies like paper, markers, glue, scissors, and recyclable materials, and let your kids’ imaginations run wild. From painting and drawing to making homemade jewelry and building with clay, the possibilities are endless!
6. Picnic in the Park
Pack a picnic basket with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, and head to your local park for a delightful outdoor picnic. Spread out a blanket in a shady spot, enjoy a leisurely meal together, and spend the afternoon playing games like frisbee, soccer, or tag. Don’t forget to bring along a kite for some high-flying fun!
7. Garden Exploration
Get your hands dirty with a garden exploration day in your backyard or community garden. Let your kids help plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs, and teach them about the importance of caring for plants and the environment. Encourage them to observe insects, butterflies, and birds that visit the garden.
8. Ice Cream Sundae Party
Cool off on hot summer days with an ice cream sundae party at home. Set up a DIY ice cream bar with various flavors, toppings, and sauces, and let your kids create their own delicious sundaes. Don’t forget the whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherries on top!
9. Science Experiment Extravaganza
Turn your kitchen into a science lab and conduct fun and educational experiments with your kids. From making homemade slime and erupting volcanoes to creating rainbow milk and baking soda rockets, there are plenty of hands-on activities to spark their curiosity and imagination.
10. Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
Organize a neighborhood scavenger hunt for your kids and their friends to enjoy together. Create a list of clues and hidden treasures to find around the neighborhood, such as landmarks, street signs, and hidden objects. Encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and friendly competition as they race to complete the scavenger hunt.
With these 10 family-friendly summer activities, you’re sure to make the most of the sunny season and create cherished memories with your elementary age kids. Whether you’re camping in the backyard, exploring nature, or hosting a movie night under the stars, the key is to enjoy quality time together as a family and savor the simple joys of summer. Grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and get ready for a summer filled with fun, laughter, and adventure!
