What time is it? Summer time! It's our vacation! What time is it? Party time… School's out! Scream and shout! {If you just sang along with me you obviously have watched High School Musical 2 as many times as I have.}
Wondering what you're going to do with your kids this summer? Don't worry folks! I've got plenty of ideas for ya!
If you're looking for summer activities with kids, we got your back! These ideas will keep your family busy this summer! {And don't forget to download our Summer Bucket List to keep track of everything you want to do and to rate them when you get done so you can decide if you want to do them again next year!}
Check out these fun summer activities with kids!
1. Go to the library and check out a book. Also, check the schedule for your local library to see what events they have.
Allow your kiddos to pick books that they want to read. When they've finished them, have them share what they thought about it with you and have them tell you whether or not they'd recommend it to their friends.
While you may think libraries are just about books, many libraries also have fun activities like LEGO building clubs, reading with pets, and other fun educational events. Our library in Phoenix offered 3D printer classes and taught kids how to make super cool stuff.
Between the library events and the time they'll spend reading, this could keep your kiddos quite busy this summer!
2. Plan a weekend getaway with your family.
There are so many great travel packages available to make planning a weekend getaway a breeze. I love checking Groupon to see what they have available.
Consider a visit to Great Wolf Lodge in Boston to pair indoor waterpark fun with outdoor history adventures.
CocoKey Waterpark in Orlando provides a frugal alternative to the pricier theme parks in Orlando. But you could stay at CocoKey and still splurge on a day or two at Universal and Disney.
You could also beat the heat by heading to Portland, OR. A stay at the Red Lion Hotel on the River at Jantzen Beach looks amazing.
There are so many different destinations with something different for everyone. Spend some time unwinding together as well as going on adventures and this will be fun summer getaway that your kids will be talking about all summer long and for years to come. We want your summer activities with kids to be memorable!
On a budget? Plan a day trip! Check out a map to see what areas are within 2 or 3 hours from where you live. Maybe there are places tourists regularly visit when they come to your neck of the woods. Consider some of the fun options in your area. Consider giving the kids a budget and letting them help you plan.
3. Take a hike…literally!
If your little ones are old enough to walk, go on a hike through the woods near your house (or even around the block if you live in the city). Talk about the cool things you see during your hikes like trees, wildlife, flowers etc. Consider letting your kids take pictures of their favorite things so they can make a scrapbook of their hiking adventures. Or have them draw a picture of their favorite thing when they get home.
This is an excellent activity that'll help eliminate boredom this summer. And the discussions and scrapbook can help with speech development, writing and organizing ideas.
4. Try some new recipes!
Pick one or two new dinner recipes to try out together as a family each week. Use fresh ingredients you find at the farmer's market or you can use the healthy ingredients you have on hand in your fridge and pantry. We love Chicken and Broccoli Casserole and recommend you try it at your house!
Cooking with kids is a great way to teach your kids kitchen skills and healthy eating habits. Plus they're way more likely to try new foods when they get to help prepare them. You just might be surprised at how much they enjoy it. Added bonus: once they learn to cook, you don’t have to cook as much!
5. Visit the park and play kickball, catch or tag.
Playing catch or playing kickball will allow kids to get some exercise while also having fun during the heat of the summer days. If it’s too hot, turn on the sprinkler in your backyard and play a game of sprinkler tag…or have a water balloon fight.
6. Start a family gratitude practice.
Join your kids in writing down five things you're each grateful for every day in a journal or on a piece of paper.
Take turns reading off what everyone wrote out loud. Make a rule that no one can repeat the things they said the day before or you can make it super challenging and tell them they can't repeat anything each week.
Being thankful can drastically change your attitude (and your kids). This is a great way to keep your kids looking around for the positive all summer long!
7. Plan regular family game nights (or game days).
Play classic board games like Life, Monopoly, and Chutes & Ladders or branch out and try some new fun games like Exploding Kittens or Throw, Throw Burrito.
Our family's favorite summertime game is Bananagrams. We get together multiple nights a week with family for a multigenerational game. We regularly have kids as young as 7 or 8 playing with adults as old as 90. I've also noticed that this game has really helped my kids with their spelling! Total win-win!
If you're feeling creative, you and your kiddos can work together to create your own family board games.
8. Plan a trip to a local amusement park.
This is a great way to break out of your routine and have fun together as a family. If you're looking to save money, check out POGO pass to see if there are amusement parks included in your area. Or if you plan to go frequently to one amusement park, see about getting a membership. It could save you a whole lotta money!
9. Have your child join a summer sports league or sign up for lessons at your local community center or sports complex.
Most community centers have summer sports lessons and sports leagues as well as other summer activities for kids. This is a great way get your kids moving this summer. Team sports can also help your kids understand the importance of teamwork.
10. Consider signing your kids up for public swimming lessons at your local community center.
Swim lessons are a great way to teach your kids water safety. It's also a great confidence builder. Added bonus: kids tend to sleep better after doing a lot of swimming! And did I mention that swimming is fun?
11. Plan a trip to go see your hometown team play.
Watching minor league baseball games is a fun way to create memories as a family. On a budget? Bring blankets and plan on getting lawn seats. Some ball fields will even let you bring your own snacks…but make sure you check first since some won't allow outside food or beverages.
12. Plan for rainy day fun.
Indoor games and blanket forts can be a fun way to spend a rainy day. Or, you can choose an outdoor adventure and play outside in the rain! It’s a natural sprinkler! 😉
13. Head to the movies.
There are so many summer movie programs that offer weekly movies at a discount. Our family has done this almost every year for over 10 years (last year wasn't an option). Even my teens enjoy the summer movies (probably as much for the snacks as for the actual movies).
14. Plan regular ice cream nights.
Whether you plan to get ice cream from the ice cream truck or make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough FroYo at home, you'll find that cool summer treats is always a winning plan.
15. Plan free and frugal excursions
Look for free and frugal programs available through your city and parks and rec departments. Some of our favorite freebies are movies in the park (outdoor movies held at our local parks), movies at the beach (same idea…just on the beach), fun local parades, and outdoor concerts. We've also found free and frugal summer camps and lunch and learns for kids.
With the sun shining brightly and the temperatures rising, summer is a great time to explore new things with your family and enjoy some much-deserved downtime. So what are you waiting for? Explore the library, plan a fun vacation or grab ice cream from the ice cream truck! The sky is the limit!
What are your favorite summer activities with kids?
Share your favorite summer activities with kids in the comments below!
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