Fun & Meaningful Summer Activities to Do With Your Kids

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and make meaningful memories with your kids. Whether you’re staying close to home or exploring your local community, there are endless ways to keep little ones engaged, active, and learning—all while having fun.

Here are some great summer activities to enjoy together:

1. Nature Walks & Scavenger Hunts

Spending time outdoors is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to engage your child. According to the Child Mind Institute, time in nature can boost mood, reduce stress, and improve attention spans in children. Head to a nearby park or forest preserve and make it an adventure with a scavenger hunt. Look for items like a pinecone, bird feather, or butterfly, and turn your walk into a fun learning game.

2. DIY Backyard Water Play

No pool? No problem. A hose, sprinkler, or even a few buckets can turn your backyard into a water wonderland. Try making sponge bombs, running through sprinklers, or creating a “car wash” for bikes and toy trucks. Water play helps children develop motor skills and sensory awareness, according to Zero to Three, a leading early childhood development organization.

3. Library Summer Reading Programs

Local libraries often offer free summer reading programs for children of all ages. These programs encourage reading through games, prizes, and themed events. Studies by the National Summer Learning Association show that regular reading during the summer helps prevent learning loss and builds literacy skills.

Pro tip: Let your child choose their own books based on their interests—this builds independence and makes reading feel like fun, not homework.

4. Kitchen Science & Cooking

Turn your kitchen into a lab and get your child involved with simple, hands-on science experiments or cooking projects. Make a baking soda volcano, homemade popsicles, or easy no-bake granola bars. Cooking with kids improves math, reading, and motor skills—and they’re more likely to try new foods if they help make them!

5. Visit Local Attractions

Check out free or low-cost local attractions like splash pads, children’s museums, or local farms. Many towns offer summer events such as movie nights in the park, farmers markets, or kid-friendly festivals. These outings give children a chance to explore new environments and socialize with others.

6. Arts & Crafts Outside

Take your crafting outdoors! Sidewalk chalk, bubble painting, or making nature-inspired art (like leaf rubbings) is a great way to encourage creativity without the cleanup stress inside. According to The Art of Education University, open-ended art promotes critical thinking and emotional expression in young children.