Summer break can be a challenging time for parents, especially when it comes to finding ways to keep your kids entertained and engaged. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 70 summer activities for kids! 

From outdoor sports and games to online language classes, these activities are sure to help keep your kids busy and ensure they make the most out of their summer break.

Get ready for an exciting season full of learning and exploring!

Educational summer activities for kids

#1 Learn a new language

Learning a new language is a fun and educational activity that can broaden kids’ horizons and improve their communication skills. Bilingual Bebe offers online language classes for kids and tweens, making it easy and convenient for them to learn from the comfort of your home. You can even try the first lesson for free! 

#2 Take a cooking class

Taking a cooking class is a fun and educational activity that can teach kids about healthy eating, creativity, and teamwork. They can learn new recipes and techniques and enjoy the fruits of their labor with family and friends.

#3  Plant a garden

Planting a garden is a fun and educational activity that can teach kids about responsibility, patience, and the importance of taking care of the environment. They can plant their favorite fruits, vegetables, and flowers and watch them grow over the summer.

#4 Visit a science museum

Visiting a science museum is a fun and educational way for kids to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math. They can explore different exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way.

#5 Visit a local farm

Visiting a local farm is a fun and educational way for kids to learn about different farm animals, crops, and agriculture. They can meet and interact with farmers, pick their own fruits and vegetables, and learn about sustainable farming practices.

#6 Host a science experiment day

Plan a day full of fun and educational science experiments with your kids. You can make slime, erupt a volcano, or even create your own lava lamp. Here’s a list of 70 easy science experiments you can make with materials you probably already have at home!  

#7 Take coding and robotics classes

Many online programs and camps offer opportunities for kids to learn coding and robotics, which can be both fun and challenging. These are also great skills to develop early! 

#8 Visit a local farmer’s market

Visiting a local farmer’s market is a great way for kids to learn about different fruits, vegetables, and other locally grown produce. They can also meet and interact with local farmers and learn about sustainable agriculture.

#9 Start a book club

Reading is a great way for kids to continue learning over the summer. Encourage them to start a book club with friends or family members, where they can read and discuss books together. If your kids are learning Spanish or French, check out these Spanish children’s books or these French children’s books!

#10 Take a swimming lesson

Taking a swimming lesson is a great way for kids to learn how to swim and stay safe in the water. It’s also a fun and refreshing way for them to stay active and cool off on a hot summer day.

#11 Go on virtual field trips

Many museums, national parks, and cultural sites offer virtual tours and experiences, allowing kids to explore and learn from the comfort of home. Here’s a list of 40 amazing educational field trips!

#12 Create a time capsule

Have your kids collect and preserve items that represent their current interests and experiences, and bury them in a sealed container to open in the future. This could be something fun to look back at in a few years! 

#13 Visit an aquarium

Take your kids to an aquarium to learn about different animals and sea creatures. They’ll love seeing their favorite underwater animals up close!

#14 Run a lemonade stand

Hosting a lemonade stand is a fun and entrepreneurial summer activity that can teach kids about money management, marketing, and customer service. They can also donate a portion of their earnings to a local charity.

#15 Learn about financial literacy

Teach your child the basics of financial literacy by discussing budgeting, saving, and investing. Set up a savings account or investment portfolio to help them see the benefits of smart money management.

#16 Learn about the stars

Teach your kids about astronomy by stargazing together. You can use a star chart to identify constellations and learn about the history and mythology behind them. Here’s an awesome list of activities to teach kids about the stars!

#17 Volunteer at a local animal shelter

Volunteering at a local animal shelter is a great way for kids to develop empathy, compassion, and responsibility while helping animals in need. They can walk dogs, play with cats, and learn about the importance of animal welfare.

#18 Organize a community service project

Teach your kids about the importance of giving back by organizing a community service project together. For example, you can volunteer at a local food bank, plan a neighborhood clean up, or do other activities that make a difference in your community.

#19 Learn about environmental conservation

Learn about and practice environmental conservation by volunteering for a beach cleanup, planting trees, or reducing household waste.

#20 Create a family tree

Help your kids learn about their family history by creating a family tree together. You can use online tools to research your ancestors, and your kids will love learning about their heritage.

Outdoor summer activities for kids

#21 Have a water balloon fight

Water balloon fights are a classic summer activity that never gets old. They’re a fun and refreshing way for kids to cool off on a hot day while having fun with friends and family.

#22 Take a bike ride around the neighborhood

Biking is a great way for kids to get some exercise, explore their neighborhood, and practice their balance and coordination. It’s also a fun way to bond with friends and family and enjoy the fresh air.

#23 Go on a mountain bike adventure

Going on a mountain bike adventure is a fun and exciting way for older kids to explore nature. They can pack a picnic, map out their route, and discover new places and sights along the way.

#24 Go fishing

Fishing is a fun and relaxing activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. It’s a great way for them to develop their patience, focus, and problem-solving skills while enjoying the great outdoors.

#25 Visit a national park

Take a trip to a nearby national park to hike, explore, and learn about nature. Your kids will love seeing different wildlife and natural landscapes.

#26 Go to the zoo

Visiting the zoo is a great way for kids to learn about different animals and their habitats. It’s also a fun way for them to develop their curiosity and appreciation for nature.

#27 Go for a hike in the woods

Going for a hike in the woods is a great way for kids to explore nature, get some exercise, and learn about different plants and animals. It’s also a fun way for families to bond and spend quality time together.

#28 Create a scavenger hunt

Going on a scavenger hunt is a fun and educational activity that can teach kids about different plants, animals, and other natural elements in their environment. It’s also a great way to keep them moving and active. Here are 35 creative scavenger hunt ideas for kids!

#29 Catch lightning bugs

Catching lightning bugs is a classic summer activity that kids of all ages love. It’s a great way for them to explore nature and learn about different insects and their behavior.

#30 Play mini-golf

Mini-golf is a fun and challenging activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. It’s a great way for kids to practice their hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and patience while having fun with friends and family.

#31 Visit a local amusement park

Amusement parks are a summer staple, and for good reason! They offer a wide variety of rides and attractions that kids of all ages can enjoy, from roller coasters and water rides to carnival games and live shows.

#32 Go on a road trip

Going on a road trip is a fun and exciting summer activity that can create lasting memories for kids and their families. They can explore new places, try new foods, and experience different cultures and traditions. Check out this video to make the trip enjoyable for your kids and you!

#33 Go camping in the backyard

Camping in the backyard is a great way for kids to experience the outdoors without leaving home. It’s also a fun way for families to bond, tell stories around the campfire, and enjoy the stars at night.

#34 Host a backyard BBQ

Hosting a backyard BBQ is a fun and festive way for kids to enjoy good food, music, and company with friends and family. They can help with the preparations and decorations and enjoy the warm summer breeze and delicious food.

#35 Have a backyard movie night

Backyard movie nights are a fun and unique way for kids to enjoy their favorite movies under the stars. All you need is a projector, a screen, some snacks, and blankets to create a cozy and unforgettable experience.

#36 Have a backyard obstacle course

Creating a backyard obstacle course is a fun and challenging way for kids to stay active and develop their coordination, strength, and agility. They can use household items like chairs, hula hoops, and jump ropes to create their own unique course.

#37 Set up a backyard water slide

Setting up a backyard water slide is a fun and creative way for kids to stay cool and active during the summer. They can design their own slide, invite friends over, and enjoy a day of splashing and sliding.

#38 Host a backyard talent show

Hosting a backyard talent show is a fun and creative way for kids to showcase their skills and talents. They can sing, dance, act, or perform any other talent they have, and enjoy a night of entertainment and applause.

#39 Have a backyard carnival

Hosting a backyard carnival is a fun and festive way for kids to enjoy games, prizes, and treats. They can set up their own booths, invite friends over, and enjoy a day of fun and excitement.

#40 Have a backyard campfire

Gather around the campfire in your backyard and make s’mores, tell stories, and sing songs. It’s a fun and relaxing way to spend a summer evening with your kids.

#41 Host a backyard Olympics

Set up different games and challenges in your backyard for your kids to compete in. It’s a fun and active way to spend an afternoon.

#42 Go on a camping trip

Spend a weekend camping in the great outdoors. Teach your kids how to pitch a tent, build a fire, and enjoy the simplicity of nature.

#43 Build a sandcastle at the beach

Kids love the beach, and building sandcastles is a fun and creative way for them to express themselves while enjoying the sun, sand, and water. It’s also a great way for them to develop their hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

#44 Go on a beach clean-up

Going on a beach clean-up is a fun and responsible way for kids to give back to their community and protect the environment. They can collect trash and debris from the beach and learn about the importance of keeping our oceans clean.

#45 Have a picnic at the park

Picnics at the park are a classic summer activity that never gets old. Pack some sandwiches, fruits, and drinks, and head out to your local park for a relaxing afternoon of eating, playing, and enjoying the outdoors.

Indoor summer activities for kids

#46 Host a family game night

Family game nights are a fun way for kids to bond with their parents and siblings while developing their problem-solving and communication skills. They’re also a great way to unwind after a long day of summer activities. If your kids are learning French or Chinese, check out these French learning games or these Chinese learning games for kids.

#47 Plan a trip

Have your kids plan a trip to a new place, whether it’s a local attraction or a far-off destination. You don’t even have to go on the trip for this to be a fun activity! Your kids can have fun while researching things to do, learning about the culture and history of the area, and planning the itinerary. 

#48 Make homemade popsicles

Making homemade popsicles is a fun and easy summer activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. They can experiment with different flavors and ingredients and enjoy the fruits of their labor on a hot summer day.

#49 Build a fort

Building a fort is a fun and imaginative summer activity that can provide endless hours of entertainment for kids. They can use blankets, pillows, and other household items to create a cozy and fun hideaway.

#50 Have a DIY spa day

Having a DIY spa day is a fun and relaxing way for kids to pamper themselves and enjoy some self-care. They can make their own face masks, give each other massages, and enjoy a day of relaxation and rejuvenation.

#51 Have a movie marathon

Choose a series of movies that your kids love and have a movie marathon day. Set up blankets and pillows, pop some popcorn, and settle in for a day of fun. If your child is learning Spanish, check out these 7 amazing movies for kids in Spanish! 

#52 Have a game of laser tag

Take your kids to a laser tag arena for a fun and active game. It’s a great way for kids to burn off some energy and have fun with friends.

#53 Practice yoga for kids

Practice yoga poses with your kids, using kid-friendly resources such as books or videos. This activity helps them develop flexibility and mindfulness. To get you started, here are some fun yoga poses suitable for children. 

#54 DIY home improvement

Involve your child in DIY home improvement projects, such as painting a room or building a raised garden bed, to teach practical skills and create time for family bonding.

Creative summer activities for kids

#55 Play water gun painting

Water gun painting is a creative and unique summer activity that combines art and water play! Kids can use water guns filled with paint to create fun and colorful designs on paper or even fabric.

#56 Make friendship bracelets

Making friendship bracelets is a fun and creative summer activity that can teach kids about the importance of friendship and teamwork. They can experiment with different colors and patterns and give their creations to their friends and family as a special gift.

#57 Make homemade playdough

Making homemade playdough is a fun and creative summer activity that can provide hours of entertainment for kids. They can experiment with different colors and textures and use their imagination to create fun shapes and designs.

#58 Make homemade ice cream

Making homemade ice cream is a fun and tasty summer activity that kids can do with their parents or friends. They can create different flavors and toppings and enjoy the fruits of their labor on a hot summer day.

#59 Make tie-dye t-shirts

Get creative and have fun making tie-dye t-shirts with your kids. All you need is some dye, rubber bands, and plain white t-shirts.

#60 Make a birdhouse

Making a birdhouse is a fun and educational activity that can teach kids about woodworking, nature, and responsibility. They can decorate their birdhouse and watch as birds come and go throughout the summer.

#61 Practice creative writing

Encourage your child’s creativity and language skills by providing writing prompts or encouraging them to write their own stories, poems, or plays. Hold a reading or performance at the end of the summer to showcase their work. Here’s a step-by-step creative writing guide to help you and your child write your first stories!

#62 Take music lessons

Enroll your kids in music lessons or teach them to play an instrument yourself. Not only is this fun, but learning music has also been shown to have positive effects on cognitive development.

#63 Create a summer journal

Creating a summer journal is a fun and creative way for kids to document their summer adventures and memories. They can write, draw, and take pictures of their experiences and look back on them for years to come.

#64 Take a painting class

Sign your kids up for a painting class or host your own at home. They’ll love expressing their creativity and creating their own works of art.

#65 Host a cooking competition

Challenge your kids to create their own recipes and host a cooking competition with judges and prizes. You can enjoy their delicious food as a judge or participate in the competition yourself! 

#66 Start an upcycling project

Teach your kids about sustainability by turning old clothes, bottles, or other items into new and useful objects, such as a bag, a vase, or a bird feeder.

#67 Try watermelon carving

Get creative and carve fun shapes and designs into a watermelon. It’s a fun way to enjoy one of everyone’s favorite summer time fruits.

#68 Have a photography challenge

Give your kids a theme or subject to photograph, such as “nature,” “patterns,” or “reflections,” and have them create a photo album to showcase their work.

#69 Play shadow puppets

Teach your kids how to make shadow puppets with their hands or cut-out shapes, and put on a mini puppet show in a dark room. This activity promotes creativity and imagination.

#70 Practice storytelling

Encourage your kids to write their own stories, either alone or collaboratively with friends or family members. This activity also helps them develop their writing and communication skills.

Final thoughts on summer activities for kids

We hope this list of summer activities for kids can become your summer bucket list! Whether it’s exploring nature, experimenting with science, or engaging in cultural activities, there are plenty of activities that can keep your whole family busy and entertained.

And if you’re interested in an educational and fun summer activity for your child, consider enrolling them in an online language class with LingoCircle!

Our certified teachers design each class to be engaging and interactive, so your child can learn a new language (French, Spanish, Chinese, English, Korean, or Arabic) while having fun with a small group of peers! Want to see for yourself? Click here to try the first lesson for free!