10 Fun Summer Activities You Can Do With Your Young Kids

Summer is just around the corner and this is also the first time in two years that many people will be out and about doing activities. With the kids home for the summer what are some things, you can do that will be fun and pass the time? I am here to help you not stress or have to think about what it is you can do. The following activities you will be able to do during the week if you are a stay-at-home parent or even a working parent who wants to find some things they can do on the weekends.

1. Teaching them a fun game to play

Remember the games you use to play when you were a kid? Hopscotch, jump rope. checkers. Why not take an afternoon and teach your kids the games you use to play. A bonus is if you let them get a game that is popular now and play with them. Head to your nearest store and go to the game aisle and bring home some fun. Game night is always a hit in our home. Last summer we taught my then 7 and 4 year old how to play chess and they actually play against each other now.

2. Paint By Number

I forgot how fun these were, and how relaxing they are as well. We ordered some online and I made sure to get some that the kids actually enjoyed and we spent the afternoon a couple of days in a row listening to music and painting by number. You can get the pokemon and Stitch one here. And parents don’t forget about yourselves. I bought this beautiful natural hair paint by numbers and she is gorge. You can purchase it here.

3. Subscription Box for Kids

These are great because once a month you are able to have something delivered right to your home and build things together. We chose KIwico Box because of its educational aspect. My son LOVES building things and he was able to build a walking robot, a domino machine as well as learn all about STEM. Pictured below is my daughter’s fave box so far, learning about the body. You can cancel at any time and it will be something fun for the kids to look forward to over the three months of summer. Kids as young as newborns to adults can have fun with this subscription box. You can learn more here

4. Homeschool Unit Crafts

I know school is out for summer but that isn’t a reason to stop learning and it can be very fun. I have gotten some fun homeschool units off Etsy. I loved the one on volcanoes and apples. All of these are subjects that interest my children. We watched some youtube videos about each subject and then did the craft. Felt is your friend for these projects. The kids had so much fun making each one and they hung them up in their rooms. I love Steph Hathaway Designs on Etsy, she has a plethora of units. We have used her shark one as well.

5. Giant Bubble Bonanza

Summe time is the best time to get outdoors. What better way to pass the time than making giant bubbles! We brought out a speaker and had some music going. We spend a few hours outside just making bug bubbles. The wand is easy to use you can get that here. We also used a big bubble solution and you can get that here. All you need is the solution and some dish soap and you will have hours of fun. We still have plenty left over from last summer.

6. “Stained Glass” Art Project

This one you will need contact paper and tissue paper squares. Let your child draw a scene on the non sticky side of the contact paper with black marker, then you want to tape the contact paper with the sticky side facing out(use painters tape) and then your child can place the tissue paper witin the scene they have drwan.After they have finshed placeing all the tissue paper you have a beaitugl “Stained glass” art piece.

7. Nature Scavenger Hunts

If you are like me and all about the DIY you can head on over to canva and make a quick scavenger hunt for whatever you plan on dong. I made one for a zoo trip. I have also made some for nature walks or just a wlak arpund the neighboorhodd. Its a hood way to get out the house and keep the kids engaged. If you are not one for DIY then check out goggle or etsy for some that people have made. I like usuing both pictures and words becuse that gives out non readers a little bit of independce as they are looking for the items. Here is the link to the zoo scavenger hunt I made. Another fun project is getting a small piece of cardbord and drawing a vase on it, poke some holes and go somehere that you can pick small flowers. weeds, grass, leaves and make a living vase. This one was a hit in our home

8. Craft Fun

You need some construction paper, popsicle sticks, and googly eyes for this one. Two crafts that can be done are cutting shapes out of construction paper and creating a superhero. The other is making a monster out of popsicle sticks. simple fun craft that the kids will enjoy.

9. Osmo

Again, just because school is out doesn’t mean we have to stop learning. Osmo is a great learning tool and one that I don’t mind for screen time. Here my son is learning about coding. We also have the pizza shop that teaches math and that one is for 4-12 yrs of age. We also have the Tangram which uses shapes and colors to solve puzzles. For these games, you need an Ipad or Fire Tablet to use (as well as the Osmo base depending on which tablet you have) But we have had these for over three years now and the kids play with them a lot.

10.Puzzle Time

Last but not least puzzles are a great way to pass the time. Depending on your child’s age you can get a simple 15-piece puzzle or 1000-piece puzzle for more of a challenge. My son completed his first 1000-piece puzzle a few months ago and I know he is ready to tackle another one.

11: Bonus: Oobleck

This one is MESSY so do it outdoors with a tarp or on a table. It’s cornstarch and water with a little food coloring but man on man is it messy!! The kids have a blast with it and you can learn a little bit of science behind this non-newtonian fluid. when pouring it, its a liquid but, when force is applied (My kids like punching it) then it becomes a solid The recipe is simple

- 1 cup of water
- 1.5-2 cups corn starch
- a few drops of food coloring of your choice

I hope you enjoyed my list of fun things to do with your kids during the summer. All of these are things that parents and kids can do together. What are some of your favorite summer activities to do with your kids?

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