Summertime is a time for fun & relaxation! It’s a time to enjoy the warm weather and spend time with family and friends. If you’re looking for some fun ideas to add to your summer bucket list, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we will share 25 fun ideas that will keep your kids entertained all summer long that you can do at home! Then check out our ULTIMATE Summer Bucket List with more than 150 ideas to have fun this Summer. Plus, view our list just for us moms – in our Summer Bucket List for Mom post.
Without further ado, here are more than 25 fun summer bucket list ideas for kids you can do without leaving town:
Have a water fun day
We love these this blowup palm tree sprinkler and other inflatable sprinklers. They turn sprinkler time into something truly special. Throw in a slip & slide, and some water balloons and you have a magical summer afternoon.
Chill in your inflatable pool
These are actually more durable than you might think. Made of extra-strong polyvinyl, they are sure to last you for many summers to come. Our favorite pool is this one on Amazon because it’s a good size, decent price and durable!
Make homemade popsicles
This is so simple but yet there is something so good about eating popsicles on a hot summer day. Especially after doing water activities. Have you tried these yet?…They’re easy release popsicle molds and they’re the best! I love these silicone popsicle makers because they come out oh so very easily! No fuss!
Make homemade ice cream
So fun and easy! I know you can make it by hand, but it tends to take so much longer than just using a handy dandy machine like this one. Your kids can take turns making cool sweet memories!
Make stepping stones
Our kids create a stepping stone every year. My goal is to fill our garden and flower beds with them. This kit has everything you need and the end result is so awesome!
Make tye-die t-shirts
This is such a fun summer activity! We really enjoy the RIT tie-dye brand because it’s been around a long time and works so well! We’ve done this many times and it’s always so much fun to see the final product. It’s also a bit messy. That’s why Summer is the perfect time for this activity.
Go tech-free for a day
We know, it’s hard to imagine. But, it can be done! And it’s really important for kids to unplug and just be kids sometimes. Play some old-fashioned games like Red Light Green Light, Tag, Simon Says, or Mother May I? Or even play some yard games like Toss Across, Scoop & Toss, and Golf Toss.
Play games in the yard
Speaking of which — games like frisbee, catch, or water balloon toss are always a hit in our house. And they’re great for getting the whole family involved. I often forget how much fun it is to grab a giant blow-up ball, put up our volleyball net and play “beach” volleyball. We usually have teams and it’s great fun!
Visit a farmers market
What a fun way to get involved in your community, and have fresh healthy produce for your family. Our boys love to take some of their own money and spend it on whatever produce they want for the week. It’s a fun way to keep your kiddos engaged.
Go strawberry picking
The best time for this varies depending on where you live so do a quick online search for a place near you. Expect to pay a bit more for the berries than you would in the store because you’re also paying for the experience. Roam the lush fields with your littles, eat berries as you go, and enjoy your day! Take lots of pictures!
Have a lemonade stand
Grab your table, lemonade dispenser, umbrella, and cash apron – plus a few of your favorite friends – and have a lemonade stand. Keep all of the proceeds or donate them to your favorite charity like a local animal shelter or your local (DAV) Disabled American Veterans Charity.
Visit a farm
There are lots of farms that offer tours and opportunities to feed the animals. This is a great way to spend an afternoon if your kids love animals.
Explore a nature trail or hiking path
If you’re not sure where some trails are in your area, or you’re just looking for a few new trails – check out TrailLink. They make it easy to discover new walking trails new you and provide all of the details about the hikes including stroller accessibility, difficulty and how long.
Have a backyard campout
This is so fun and easy especially if you get a nice cool night! Just set up your tent, grab some sleeping bags and flashlights and tell stories around the campfire. This tent is our absolute favorite and it’s held up well over the years. Don’t forget the s’mores!
Plant a garden
This is a great activity to do together as a family. You can plant vegetables or flowers depending on what you’re interested in. Or if you want something a little smaller scale, simply have an indoor herb garden. It’s also a great way to teach your kids about responsibility and taking care of something.
Play tourist for the day
If you live in a city, there are probably lots of things that you’ve never done even though they’re right in your backyard. Play tourist for the day and visit some of the local attractions that you’ve never been to before. You might be surprised at how much fun you have!
Movies on the lawn
We purchased this projector and movie screen just so we could experience movies on the lawn with our kids. It’s a simple activity that creates lots of excitement.
Get involved in a summer reading program
Your local library is a great place to start! Then check around town and you might find more – like this program from Barnes & Noble.
Go creek stomping
This is a great way to cool off on a hot day. Just put on some old clothes that you don’t mind getting wet and head outside. Be sure to have some towels handy for afterward.
Have a picnic
This is such a fun activity and it can be done anywhere – your backyard, the park, or even at the beach. Just pack up some food and drinks and find a nice spot to relax. Don’t forget the blanket!
Make kindness rocks and secretly deliver them
Our family started doing this during the covid lockdown of 2020 and had a blast. We made kindness rocks with these paint markers, and sprayed them with clear spray so they’d withstand the elements. Then we left them on the doorsteps of friends’ and family homes. It was so much fun to do and brightened everyone’s day!
Visit the county fair
This is a summer tradition for many families. It’s a great way to spend a day or evening – especially if you love rides, games, and fried food!
Eat corn on the cob
This is such a summer staple in our house. We usually grill it, but you can also boil or roast it in the oven. My kids love to eat it with butter and salt – yum!
Have a car wash
Do this as a family or raise money for charity. It’s a great way to teach your kids about work and helping others. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
Ice cream party
This is such an easy activity that you can do with your kids. Just grab some ice cream cones and your favorite flavors of ice cream and toppings and you’re good to go!
Float down a stream, or other body of water
This is a great way to cool off on a hot day. All you need is an inner tube or other floatation device and you’re good to go! I’d definitely recommend this for kids over the age of five so you can actually relax too.
Make a Summer Goals list
The big thing here is to help your child set a goal, stick to it and then reward them when they complete it. Our boys are in elementary school and they made the goal of being able to relay all of their math facts in a certain amount of time. When they reach that goal they’ll be rewarded with a new game of their choice.
Learn something new
Summer is a great time for your kids to learn something new. Whether that be through checking out books from the library, taking an online class, participating in a camp, or watching video tutorials. Some places around town will offer Summer classes too – so keep an eye out!
Do random acts of kindness
Teach your kids this when they’re young! It can be as simple as having your kiddos water flowers for you. Or you can model kindness by buying the person behind you in line their coffee, or leaving a note on someone’s windshield. Spreading kindness is always a good idea! Get your kids involved and brainstorm!
Grab any of the products mentioned here at our Momalot Amazon Storefront in our Summer section. Are you looking for more great ideas? Then check out our ULTIMATE Summer Bucket List with more than 150 ideas to have fun this Summer. Plus, view our list just for us moms – in our Summer Bucket List for Mom post.
Which idea excites you and your kids the most? Let us know in the comments below!
