18 Summer Activities for Kids to Keep Them Entertained

Rainy days are inevitable, even during summer. If you’re looking for an easy, mess-free activity to entertain your kids during an afternoon storm, look no further than our (free!) coloring pages. With illustrations based on different themes, there’s something that will inspire every little artist.

A classic way to enjoy the summer weather and get some quality time with the kids? A picnic, of course! Pack your favorite snacks and sips (they can help make the PB&J sandwiches!) and set off to find the perfect spot to set up your station in the park—or even the backyard. 

DIY bird feeders are super simple to make, and you can probably find most of your supplies around the house. First, pick your vessel: You can use a toilet paper roll, a tree branch, or a pinecone, for example. Then, get a bag of bird seed from your local nursery (or even online on Amazon) and a jar of peanut butter. (If you’re allergic to peanut butter, SunButter is a great alternative.) Coat the outside of the vessel with a good amount of peanut butter, and dip it into the bag of bird seed, making sure to coat the surface as much as possible. Hang it outside on some kitchen twine, and watch the birdies flock!

Need to do some grocery shopping? Skip the store and instead, bring the kids along for a ride to visit your local farmer’s market! They’ll have so much fun exploring all the different vendors and sampling yummy foods—and you can get some groceries checked off your list. Plus, the little ones can learn more about their local farms and artisans. It’s a win for everyone.

Ignite a love for the great outdoors in your little explorers by organizing a nature scavenger hunt. The concept is easy: Make a list of items commonly found in a nearby forest or park (think acorns, pinecones, dandelions, or a four-leaf clover), then encourage your kids to work their way through the list until they’ve found them all.

It’s never too early to start working a green thumb! If your kiddos have shown interest in gardening, this summer could be the perfect time to help them grow their passion. Start small with a few terracotta pots and easy-to-grow plants, like herbs, tomatoes, or flowers.

Itching to watch the latest Netflix release? Instead of cuddling up together on the couch, take your next movie night outdoors under the stars. All you need is a white sheet (hung from the side of your house or between two trees) and a projector—plus a few pillows and blankets to make things comfy. (And don’t forget some bug spray!)

Who says Christmas gets all the magic? This summer, bring a bit of enchantment to your own backyard by making a fairy house with your kids. Simply pick up any wooden home at your local craft store, paint it pretty (make sure to add lots of glitter!), and add woodland accessories like tiny mushrooms, moss, and small accessories.

Kids love an excuse to play with water, especially during the summer. To help them cool down—and keep them busy!—set up a “car” wash for their toys. Fill up a bucket with cool water, a few sponges, and some baby shampoo; mud optional (but encouraged!)

Ever wonder what to do with all those broken pieces of sidewalk chalk? Turn them into paint! By pulverizing them down further using a hammer and mixing them with water, you’ll end up with a mud-like mixture that’s easy to paint with using brushes. (Just be careful when using the hammer and make sure to never leave your little ones alone with dangerous tools.) Get ready for your sidewalks and driveway to get much more colorful!

Staying active is incredibly important for children, but there are only so many backyard games of tag they can play. For something a little different, set up a backyard obstacle course for them to work their way through, complete with fun challenges like hula hooping, jumping rope, and more.

Tie-dye is basically the unofficial uniform of summer (along with bug spray and sunscreen, of course!), so making your own tees is a great way to kick off the season. Invite kids to choose the colors and twirl their own designs for a look that is as unique as they are.

Vacations are fun, but they’re also a lot of work for the adults to plan for. This summer, take some of the pressure off and keep things close to home with a campout in the backyard (or even the living room!). Set up a tent, start a fire in the fireplace or outdoor fire pit, make some s’mores, and go inside to use the bathroom whenever you need.

Take inspiration from Memorial Day and the Fourth of July and host your own parade through the streets of your neighborhood. Start by encouraging your kiddos (and any neighborhood children) to deck out their bikes with balloons, bells, streamers, and other accessories. From there, they can pedal through the neighborhood to enjoy their moment in the spotlight.

If your children are anything like most, they’re probably downing popsicles left and right come summer. Instead of making multiple runs a week to the grocery store, why not make your own? From fruity yogurt pops to zesty citrus, coming up with winning flavor combinations will be half the fun.

It’s easy to fall into a routine once summer rolls around, so any opportunity to mix things up a bit will certainly excite your little ones. Instead of heading to your usual haunt, take your kiddos on a tour of local playgrounds, trying a new spot every few days as a fun way to switch up your routine and meet new friends.

As a parent, there are many traits we hope to instill in our children, kindness chief among them. This summer, help your kids spread good vibes by painting rocks with fun designs and leave them as a fun surprise in the yards of your neighbors, local parks, or nearby businesses.

There’s nothing more magical than spending a warm summer night under the stars—and it’s also a great learning opportunity for children. The next time there’s a clear, warm night, take your kids outside for a constellation hunt. You can search the skies for easy-to-find constellations like the Little and Big Dipper, Orion, and Ursa Minor.