The moment school lets out for the summer, my twins often look at me with that classic “Mom, I’m bored” face Every Single Day.
It didn’t matter that they had a house full of toys or a backyard to run around in; they needed something fun, new, and exciting to do.
I quickly realized that if I wanted to survive the summer (without losing my mind), I needed easy activities that didn’t take forever to set up but would keep them entertained for more than five minutes.
And after a few trial-and-error moments, I finally found some go-to summer activities that worked.
So, if you’ve got kids who act like summer break is the end of all entertainment, these ideas will save your sanity and keep them busy all season long!
Summer Crafts to Get Your Kid’s Hand’s Dirty
Let’s be real, kids love making a mess, so why not turn it into a fun summer craft?
These hands-on activities let them dig in, get messy, and create something cool while keeping them busy.
Grab some paint, glue, or even mud (yes, really), and let the creativity flow!
1. Coffee Filter Butterflies
To make Coffee Filter Butterflies, have your kids color a flattened coffee filter with washable markers.
Lightly mist it with water to blend the colors, then let it dry.
Pinch the center to form wings and wrap a pipe cleaner around it for the body, curling the ends into antennae.
You can also use a decorated clothespin instead.
These colorful, easy butterflies are perfect for decorating windows, hanging as a mobile, or adding a fun touch to the fridge!
2. DIY Moon Sand
To make DIY Moon Sand, mix 8 cups of flour with 1 cup of baby oil (or vegetable oil) in a large bowl until it becomes soft and crumbly, like damp sand.
It should hold its shape when squeezed but still break apart easily. Kids can mold, scoop, and play with it for endless fun!
Store it in an airtight container for future use—a simple, mess-free sensory activity they’ll love!
3. Frozen Dinosaur Eggs
To make this fun summer activity, place small plastic dinosaurs inside balloons, fill them with water, and tie them off.
Pop them in the freezer overnight until they’re solid.
Once frozen, cut the balloons off to reveal ice eggs with dinosaurs trapped inside!
Let the kids “hatch” their dinosaurs by spraying them with warm water or chipping away at the ice.
It’s a fun, hands-on activity that’s perfect for summer play!
4. Aluminum Foil River
To make this cool summer craft, roll out a long strip of aluminum foil in your backyard, shaping it into a winding riverbed.
Press the sides up to form edges so the water stays in. Place it on a slight slope or prop up one end to create a gentle flow.
Then, grab a hose or pour water from a bucket to watch your river come to life!
Kids can race toy boats, float leaves, or send little plastic animals downstream.
It’s an easy, outdoor water play activity that keeps them entertained for hours!
5. Squirt Gun T-Shirt Painting
For Squirt Gun T-Shirt Painting, fill squirt guns with a mix of fabric paint and water, then let the kids spray their designs onto plain white t-shirts.
Lay the shirts flat on a tarp or hang them on a clothesline for a fun, mess-free way to create wearable art!
Experiment with different colors, patterns, or even stencils for unique designs. Let them dry completely before wearing.
It’s a creative summer activity that turns a simple t-shirt into a masterpiece!
6. Water Gun Painting
Turn water guns into the ultimate summer fun with water gun painting and target practice!
Fill water guns with a mix of washable paint and water, then let the kids spray canvas, poster board, or even a white sheet to create a colorful masterpiece.
Once their artwork is drying in the sun, set up a target practice game with cups, cans, or chalk-drawn targets on a fence.
Kids can aim, spray, and compete to see who knocks down the most!
Both activities are a fun, active way to stay cool and get creative outdoors.
7. DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint
To make DIY sidewalk chalk paint, mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir in a few drops of food coloring or washable paint for vibrant colors.
Pour the mixture into cups or a muffin tin, grab some paintbrushes or sponges, and let the kids paint colorful designs on the sidewalk or driveway.
The best part?
It washes away with water, making it an easy, mess-free outdoor activity. Perfect for creative summer fun!
8. Ice Cream In a Bag
For those hot summer days, nothing beats a fun, homemade treat like ice cream in a bag!
With just a few simple ingredients, you can shake up a creamy, delicious dessert—no ice cream maker needed.
It’s a hands-on activity that keeps kids entertained and cool at the same time.
Plus, they’ll love customizing their flavors and toppings!
9. Puffy Sidewalk Paint
Mix flour, water, shaving cream, and food coloring to create a thick, puffy paint that kids can squeeze onto the pavement using squeeze bottles.
It dries with a cool, raised texture and washes away easily with water.
Great for a creative outdoor activity on a warm day!
10. Pizza Box Solar Oven Smores!
For a fun science-meets-snack activity, make pizza box solar oven s’mores using the power of the sun!
Cut a flap in the lid of a pizza box, line the inside with aluminum foil to reflect heat, and place a piece of black construction paper at the bottom to absorb warmth.
Layer graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows inside, then cover the opening with plastic wrap to trap the heat.
Let the sun work its magic, and in about 30 minutes, you’ll have perfectly gooey, sun-melted s’mores—no campfire needed!
11. Scavenger Hunt
Turn a trip to the park into an exciting scavenger hunt!
Make a list of fun things to find—a feather, a squirrel, a red flower, a heart-shaped rock—and let the kids search as they explore.
You can play individually or in teams, and even add small prizes for extra excitement.
It’s a simple, screen-free way to keep the whole family active and engaged outdoors!
12. DIY Tie Dye Activity
Grab plain white t-shirts, socks, or tote bags, and use fabric dye or tie-dye kits to create unique designs.
Twist, fold, or scrunch the fabric, secure with rubber bands, and apply different colors for cool patterns.
Let the dye set, rinse, and reveal your masterpiece! It’s a messy but exciting way to get creative, and each piece turns out one-of-a-kind!
13. Milk Jug Fairy House
Turn an empty milk jug into a whimsical fairy house with just a few simple supplies!
Cut a door and windows into the jug, then let the kids paint and decorate it with markers, stickers, or craft moss for a magical touch.
Add pebbles for a walkway, tiny flowers, or even a little LED tea light inside for a glowing effect at night.
Place it in the garden or backyard for an adorable fairy hideaway that sparks creativity and outdoor fun!
14. Slime and More Slime
Kids can never get enough slime, so why not make a slime and more slime day?
Try different types like classic gooey slime, fluffy slime with shaving cream, or even glitter slime for extra sparkle.
Mix up the colors, add beads or foam balls for texture, and experiment with fun scents!
It’s an easy, hands-on activity that keeps kids entertained while letting them stretch, squish, and create their own slime masterpieces.
Just be prepared for a little mess!
15. Family Reading Time
When my twins were excited about reading I did a Summer Reading Challenge where everyone in the family read as many books as they could over the summer.
By the end of summer, not only had we all read a ton of books, but we also created a fun family tradition that made reading exciting and something to look forward to each year!
Free or Cheap Summer Activities for Family to Do
Looking for fun summer activities that won’t break the bank?
There are plenty of free or cheap ways to keep the whole family entertained!
16. Grow Vegetables from Leftovers
Ever thought about growing your own food?
It’s easier than you think!
This summer, turn your kitchen scraps into a fun family gardening project.
Start small with easy-to-grow veggies like green onions or lettuce, or go big and plant a whole garden.
The kids will love helping out, especially if you make a DIY watering can from a recycled milk carton!
17. Backyard Campout
Nothing says summer like a night under the stars, right in your own backyard!
Set up a tent, grab some blankets, and make it a full-on campout.
And if you need an excuse?
August 10th is International S’mores Day!
Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and soak up the quality time together.
Got older kids?
Try making s’mores the STEM-approved way with this NASA-inspired activity!
18. DIY Car Wash
Here’s a family activity that’s both fun and productive: a backyard car wash!
All you need is a bucket of soapy water, sponges, and a little enthusiasm.
Let the kids go wild scrubbing (and probably splashing) while you secretly get a clean car out of it.
And don’t stop at cars. You can also wash dolls, plastic animals, or even bikes make great wash-day fun too!
19. Visit a Water Park or Splash Pad
Cool off in the best way possible with a water park day!
Whether your family loves wave pools, lazy rivers, or just splashing around, it’s an easy way to keep the kids active and happy for hours.
If your little ones aren’t into swimming yet, a splash pad or shallow community pool is just as fun!
20. Go on a Spontaneous Adventure
When’s the last time you and your kids just… got lost?
Pick a day, clear your schedule, and head out with no set plan.
Follow a random road, explore a new town, or stop at a hidden gem you’ve never noticed before.
Pack a picnic or try a new restaurant along the way.
The fun is in the journey!
21. Ride the Bus, Train, or Light Rail
Turn public transportation into an adventure!
Hop on a bus, train, or light rail just for the experience.
Let your kids pick a random stop and explore somewhere new.
It’s a fun way to show them how to get around without a car, and you might just discover a hidden gem in your own city!
22. Visit a Museum or Science Center
A children’s museum or science center is a must-do summer activity!
With interactive exhibits and hands-on sensory activities, there’s always something exciting to explore.
And since exhibits change every few months, you can visit multiple times without it ever feeling old!
23. Go to a Concert
Live music is an experience like no other!
If it’s your child’s first concert, make it extra special by grabbing lunch together before the show and hyping up the excitement. Not going with them?
Send them off with some fun concert swag or ask them to tell you all the details afterward!
24. Pick Apples at an Orchard
Apple picking is a fall classic, but some orchards start early, so why not make it a summer tradition?
Big and little kids will love searching for the best apples and enjoying a hayride.
And if the orchard has an animal farm or a gift shop with fresh apple cider?
Even better!
25. Mini Golf with the Family
Mini golf is one of those summer activities that’s way more fun than it looks.
Set up a family playdate and let the kids test their skills on the course.
Not sure they’ll be into it?
Give it a shot (pun intended 😉)—they might love it!
26. Have a Family Picnic at the Park
Pack up some sandwiches, snacks, and a big blanket, and head to your local park for a simple but fun family picnic!
Let the kids run around, play tag, or kick a soccer ball while you relax in the shade.
Bonus points if you bring a homemade treat like cookies or fruit skewers!
27. Build a DIY Obstacle Course
Use things from around the house—pool noodles, chairs, hula hoops, jump ropes—and set up a backyard obstacle course!
Have the kids race against each other (or you!) and change up the course for different challenges.
It’s active, creative, and burns off all that summer energy!
28. Watch an Outdoor Movie
Set up a backyard movie night with a projector (or just a laptop), cozy blankets, and all the snacks.
Pop some popcorn, grab a few pillows, and turn your backyard into an outdoor theater!
You can even let the kids pick the movie for a fun surprise.
29. Go Stargazing as a Family
Stay up a little later and head outside for a night of stargazing!
Bring blankets, find a cozy spot in the backyard or a nearby park, and look up at the sky.
Use a stargazing app to find constellations, spot planets, or even wish on a shooting star.
It’s a magical way to wind down and spend quality time together.
30. Make a DIY Bird Feeder
Turn craft time into a nature-friendly project by making homemade bird feeders!
Use pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed, or repurpose an empty milk carton.
Then, hang them up outside and watch as birds come to visit all summer long! It’s an easy, fun way to teach kids about nature and wildlife.
Best Summer Activities to Last a Lifetime
I hope you find some few summer crafts and activities to set up a weekly summer schedule for your child or kids!
It totally saved me on those long summer days when all you want to do is lounge and do nothing!
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