School is out! It is summertime!
As a child, this time was one of the most exciting. You looked forward to sleeping in, staying with friends, pool parties, and hours spent outside.
However, now you are a mom, and a great mom at that, but along with the excitement that you still feel around this time you also have a hint of worry.
What am I going to do with the kids this summer? How am I going to pay for all of these trips and outings? Where am I going to find the time for all of the summer activities for kids?
The summer break is exciting, but it is also a big curveball thrown into your normal routine. I want to help by sharing with you some of my go-to favorite summer activities for kids.
They are simple, entertaining, budget-friendly (you likely already have what you need), and provide an opportunity for learning and bonding.
How Can I Keep My Kids Occupied in the Summer?
With these quick and easy summer activities for kids, your kids will always have something to do. Here is 115 other ideas as well!
However, we both know they will still say “I’m bored!” or “There is nothing to do!” Activities are great but friendly reminder momma, it is ok for them to be bored! Boredom creates the best creativity.
Now, Let’s Get to Those Summer Activities for Kids!
1. Obstacle Course
Super easy and super fun! Gather anything you can find from the house or in the garage and set up your own obstacle course. No need to get fancy. If you have some pool noodles laying around this idea is golden! Have the kids help set up and put it away when you’re finished.
Focus on teamwork and encouragement. Give your kids encouragement of course, but also teach and show them how they too can encourage others.
2. Painting The Fence
This is an oldie but still oh so good. This is great from the toddler to elementary school age. Fill a bucket with water (magic paint) and give them a paintbrush. Tell them you need their help painting the fence and you would like them to paint it however they want.
Be sure to do this with them. Give yourself praise such as “Oh, I really like how I painted that” and give them praises such as, “Mason, that was a great idea”. When they ask you “Mommy, do you like it?” reply with “Do you? Because that is all that matters.” Of course you are still going to say how beautiful you think it is.
You are teaching that it is ok to be proud of themselves, how to compliment and praise others’ work, and that they don’t need validation from others.
3. Race Track With Chalk
No need for a race car mat when the whole driveway can be a race track. Get some chalk and map out your own race track. Use toy cars or get on the bikes and race away.
Before you start, lay down the rules of the race and come up with them together. Work on playing fair and following rules.
4. Scavenger or Treasure Hunt
You choose whichever is easiest for you. If you have the time and energy you could do some prep work and hide a few things or bury a treasure. If that is not realistic for you, simply go exploring for things around the yard or neighborhood.
Work with teams and focus on teamwork or work independently and practice helping others who need it.
5. Experiments
Don’t run away! It doesn’t have to be Bill-Nye style. You could always go for the mentos and coke or keeping it even simpler.
My son loves to grab random items from the house, however, we had to make rules that he must check with mom or dad first. I am talking a sunscreen bottle, a half-finished drink, some glitter, really anything. He loves to mix it all together and make a “potion”.
I have to give him credit for his creativity because this was never something I introduced. Fair warning though, the sink is not the place for the potion (sorry husband for the drainage problems).
But get an old bowl, bucket, or water and let your little one experiment. Focus on boundaries, asking permission, and hearing no from time to time (you’d be surprised at what they ask to use in their potion).
6. Paint Rocks
You are not alone if you have a kiddo who loves collecting rocks and sticks. We have piles of them and therefore we paint them often. It is a great outdoor activity that never seems to get old.
Let your little one learn the basics of mixing colors and when they make a mistake, because they will, focus on how to adapt to the change NOT how to fix the mistake. They aren’t all fixable.
7. Bike Parade
Yay! Parade time! You probably don’t have a float at your house, but I bet you have some craft supplies that your little one would love to decorate their bike with.
Have each kiddo decorate independently (with your help of course) and then present their creations. Celebrate it with a parade around the neighborhood or with family.
Focus on independent creativity, problem-solving, and confidence.
8. Paper Airplanes
Time for an air show! Make and decorate some airplanes and see who’s fly the fastest, farthest, highest, and with the most turns.
Focus on congratulating the winners in each category and let the winners teach others how to do the same.
9. Olympics
Why not have some Olympic games in your backyard! Have one event or multiple. Work as teams or independently. Spend half of the activity practicing before the main event.
Focus on how practicing may not create perfection but does create improvement.
10. Minute-to- Win-It
Get anything from the house and have some Minute-to-Win-It games! Stack some cups, do some egg races, or let your kids make up their own game. Here are 32 great Minute-to-Win-It game ideas.
Depending on which game you choose you could focus on several different things. Most of the games have very strict and clear rules, so rule-following is definitely one I would focus on.
Now You Are Set!
No need to spend money and time buying supplies. You have all you need at home. There is no need for perfection momma. No one is asking you to be perfect, just focus on being present.
The greatest thing you can give your children is your undivided attention and time. It isn’t the activity that matters but how you connect during it.
Leave a comment sharing your favorite easy summer activity to do with your children.
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