Fun Summer Activities with Printable Bucket List

Here’s a bucket list filled with fun summer activities, including classic summer activities and a few new and unique things to do in the summertime.

Have you ever wondered what activities to do over the summer break or how to make a boring summer fun for kids and adults of all ages? Here’s a list of fun summer activities for kids that even adults will enjoy. Best of all, the list below includes several free summer activities that parents, caregivers, or the whole family can enjoy. Use the summer bucket list of ideas to guide you through the summertime “I’m bored, Mom!” blues. There is even a printable summer bucket list you can access and print to check each summer idea off the list if you’d like.

These summer activity ideas (and the accompanying printable bucket list) are regularly updated and republished to include even more fun summer ideas than those shared in the photo of one of our older summer activity checklists below. Scroll down to get the updated summer bucket list for 2025, or scan through the list to gather ideas. Then, Invite kids from toddlers to teens to get outside, enjoy classic family fun, and spend time playing and exploring with friends this summer with this list of fun things to do with kids in the summertime! You might also enjoy these fun fall activities.

Fun Things to Do in the Summer

Have you ever wondered what to do when bored in the summer? This summer bucket list includes some of the best classic summer activities for kids. It also shares several new and unique summer ideas for all ages to enjoy. Summertime is the perfect season for kids to explore, play, and soak up the sunshine! From outdoor adventures to creative endeavors, the possibilities are endless.

Encourage children to engage in activities like swimming, biking, hiking, and playing outdoor games like tag, hide-and-seek, hopscotch, or the other fantastic ideas below. These activities promote physical fitness and foster social skills and teamwork. 

By spending time outdoors, kids can benefit from fresh air, vitamin D, and a break from screens. This promotes overall health and well-being while creating lasting memories of summertime fun.

Some ideas on this list of summer activities for children, from toddlers to teens, are likely to become a family summer tradition, while others might be tried only once, if at all. So, I like to think of this list of fun things to do with kids in the summertime as a childhood summer bucket list.

In other words, you may be unable to do each activity on the list in one summer. I bet you can help your children check a few of these ideas off their summer bucket list each year. Of course, the list below includes summer activities that children can enjoy every summer. It can be almost impossible to do them all yearly, but you are more than welcome to try!

Best Summer Activities for Kids:

With this giant list of summer activity ideas, you will never be bored in the summertime again. It is jam-packed with hundreds of summer ideas for kids and adults of all ages to fill your summer schedule with fun!

What activities do people usually do in summer? This summer activity guide provides the answers you need, featuring fun summer crafts and activities for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy. Dare to try something new this summer!

Printable Summer Bucket List:

We have a printable summer bucket list to accompany this article that corresponds with each of the ideas below. Get the printable summer bucket list HERE–> Summer Bucket List. (I have updated it to include even more fun things to do in the summer of 2025, but you can still download and print each of the older versions in the Rhythms of Play Learning Center.)

75 Summer Bucket List Ideas:

I hope you enjoy this extensive list of fun summer activities to do with kids. The summer activity ideas listed on the printable bucket list in the photograph above are explained in more detail below. Each summer activity idea also includes a summary and how-to guide for those who need more explanation than the idea itself.

1. Celebrate the Summer Solstice:

The summer solstice marks the beginning of summer on the Gregorian Calendar, while other parts of the world celebrate it as “Midsummer.” It usually occurs between June 20 and June 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. However, warmer temperatures and longer days are experienced due to the December solstice (between December 20 and 22) in the Southern Hemisphere. Learn more about the solstice and welcome the summer with the fun summer celebration ideas HERE –> Summer Solstice Celebration Ideas!

2. Build a sandcastle or drip castle:

Make a sandcastle or a drip castle, and check it off your summer bucket list! Whether along a shore, at the beach, or in a backyard sandbox, building a sandcastle is a classic summer activity enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Building sandcastles, large and small, with my brothers, is one of my all-time favorite summertime memories. Check out this list of sandboxes you can DIY or buy here: Best Sandboxes. Or, hop over to see–> Sandcastle Building Tips and Ideas.

3. Help a garden grow:

Our spring bucket list includes “plant flowers” and “start a garden,” so we decided a fun bucket list idea for summer would be to help a garden grow. There’s no sense in planting flowers, fruits, and vegetables without tending them. Watering a garden is one of the easiest ways to nurture and support its growth. Our little helper loves to water the plants in our home and garden so much she doesn’t even know it’s a chore. Read How to Raise a Helper for more information.

Need help getting started with gardening? Learn how to plant flowers organically, grow sunflowers, build a sunflower fort, or start a fairy garden. The options are endless! Start a fairy garden in a tree stump or a fairy garden with a beach theme.

4. Collect unique stones, shells, and other natural treasures:

Collecting items in nature is a fun summer activity for kids. When outside, take the time to look for unique stones, shells, and other natural materials. However, please remember that not everything belongs in your pocket or the pockets of our children.

Please ensure that it is not dangerous or against the law to take whatever treasures you find from wherever you find them. Look for signs that ask you not to pick the wildflowers, gather rocks, or collect shells and honor them. Once collected, we utilize nature’s treasures for various purposes. Some of the things you find can be used as natural open-ended toys.

It’s also fun, decorative, and educational to put some special items you find on a nature table or use them as decorations in the yard and garden, such as in a DIY fairy garden. You can also use several natural items you collect to make all kinds of gorgeous summer arts and crafts.

5. Stack stones and balance rocks:

While stone stacking (rock balancing) is a fun outdoor activity for kids and adults, many people consider it vandalism. Learn more about this fun meditative art activity and why stacks of stones should NOT be created and left everywhere in–>Rock Balancing.

6. Paint rocks (or hunt for Painted Rocks outdoors):

Painting rocks is another fun summer craft for kids and adults. After you have collected a few rocks on a nature hunt, invite kids of all ages to paint them. It’s also enjoyable to go outside and hunt for rocks that others have painted. My daughter has found several painted rocks in parks and on local trails. See some of the painted rocks she has found, and learn more about rock painting HERE–> How to Paint Rocks & Rock Painting Ideas.

7. Go on a scavenger hunt:

Scavenger hunts are a classic summer activity for kids of all ages. Invite toddlers and preschoolers on a simple summer scavenger hunt, or encourage older elementary-aged kids and teens to look for signs of summer.

You may also enjoy sending the kids on a nature sensory bin scavenger hunt. Use the natural items they find to make a sensory bin or basket. Click on the links to learn more!

We also created a nature scavenger hunt with a sensory card to make hunting for natural materials common in your area or biome easy. Using a nature sensory card also allows toddlers to enjoy the thrill of scavenger hunts. You might also enjoy the bird scavenger hunt ideas in Birding for Kids HERE—>Bird Scavenger Hunt Ideas.

Another fun summer scavenger hunt idea for kids is creating scavenger hunts based on shapes or colors. You can also invite children of all ages to go on a treasure hunt of some kind. My daughter and I love looking for heart shapes out in the natural world. Please take a look at the video we made, filled with them here: Heart-Shape Scavenger Hunt.

8. Run barefoot through the sprinklers:

Summer vacation wouldn’t be complete without playing in the sprinklers. Invite children to run barefoot through the sprinklers on a hot summer day to enjoy this fun summer activity at home or camp. I have compiled a collection of water-wise sprinkler play tips to help you conserve water while enjoying this classic summer activity for kids in the backyard.

9. Enjoy outdoor summer sports and fun summer activities:

Hike, bike, swim, surf, waterski, wakeboard, skate, boulder, climb, or enjoy any other fun summer activity you love until you are too exhausted to continue. Here’s a list of several outdoor activity ideas you can try. Spend as much time as you can at the park, beach, lake, creek, or pool, and don’t forget to skip a few rocks while at it.

10. Create a summer nature table:

Encourage the kids to use the natural treasures they find outdoors to make a summer nature table. Many items await children’s discovery in the backyard, but we also encourage you to look in other natural areas.

11. Make a sensory bin or bottle:

Creating a nature sensory bin for your nature table is another enjoyable summer activity that promotes sensory development. It’s also easy to help children learn about the summer season and its common signs and signals in their region or area. Another fun tabletop sensory play bin with a summer theme is a beach fairy garden with play sand. Or create a sensory bottle using the DIY recipes and how-to instructions here: Calm Down Sensory Bottles 101.

12. Go camping:

Spending the night outdoors in a tent is a fun summer activity for the whole family. Get out there and enjoy your city, county, state, and national parks on camping trips near and far as often as possible with your children this summer.

13. Build a campfire or enjoy a bonfire:

Another fun summer activity for kids and adults of all ages, whether on a camping trip, at a beach firepit, or in your own backyard with the proper permit and supplies, is building a campfire or enjoying a bonfire. Learn how to make a campfire and keep everyone safe–>HERE.

14. Roast marshmallows:

Who doesn’t enjoy roasting marshmallows over the fire in the summertime? Whether on a camping trip, at a bonfire event, or in your backyard, getting out the marshmallows and roasting skewers to show children how to roast marshmallows safely is a classic summer activity for kids and adults alike. What’s better than the sticky, sweet goodness of a warm and gooey marshmallow on a warm summer night? And, of course, if you are going to roast marshmallows, you may get out the graham crackers and chocolate (or Nutella) to make smores while you’re at it! Yum!

15. Create sidewalk chalk art:

Here’s a fun summer activity for kids from toddlers to teens. Even adults enjoy creating sidewalk chalk masterpieces outdoors. Get out the sidewalk chalk and doodle to your heart’s content on the driveway, sidewalk, concrete patio, or playground. Or make chalk paint!

16. Paint with summer colors:

Invite children to paint with summer colors as a process art activity. Use watercolors, tempera paints, or chalk paint in any combination of summer colors to encourage your children to explore art materials and various painting techniques.

I encourage you to try wet-on-wet watercolor or sidewalk chalk art with recycled chalk paint. You may also like this collection of flower art ideas and rainbow art projects kids LOVE!

17. Visit an amusement park:

Visiting an amusement park is a fun summer activity for kids and families. Over the summer break, take the kids to an amusement park near or far, big or small, to enjoy the rides, games, and other amusements.

18. Watch Fireworks:

Whether you attend a Fourth of July celebration, the Celebration of Light Festival in Vancouver, BC, or visit an amusement park, pier, fair, or carnival that hosts a fireworks show, watching fireworks is a classic summer activity enjoyed by kids and adults of all ages.

19. Keep a nature journal:

Learn how to make and keep a nature journal or notebook throughout the year with this comprehensive guide. A nature journal is a place to record your thoughts, observations, and experiences with nature. Keeping one provides a rich opportunity to study the natural world. You might also enjoy looking through our favorite nature study supplies if you have a budding naturalist at home.

20. Play outdoor BAckyard summer games:

Playing games in the backyard or at your local park is another fun summer activity for kids. Gathering family and friends to play outdoor summer games is a great way to spend time with kids and adults of all ages in the summer. A few of our favorite backyard summer games are listed below.

• Ladder Toss
• Jumbo wooden stacking tower
• Bocce ball
• Cornhole
• Badminton
• Volleyball
• Croquet
• Kubb
• Giant wooden yard dice
• Jumbo pick-up sticks
• Ring toss
• Horseshoes

21. Create outdoor art:

Getting outside with the kids to create outdoor art is a fun summer activity. Art and craft projects using natural materials, such as creating nature mandalas (pictured below), building a sandcastle, or painting rocks and stones, can inspire creativity and imagination.

One of our favorite summer art activities is making shadow art. Use our recycled chalk paint hack to make homemade chalk paint with pieces of chalk.

Alternatively, consider building an outdoor art table or mud kitchen to make creating outdoor art easy. Making mud pies and creating various mud sculptures is a great summer activity for kids, offering numerous sensory benefits for the developing child.

Another great way to create art outdoors is with an outdoor chalkboard. In the summertime, chalkboards offer a convenient space for children to draw and dream outside. Click the link to learn two easy ways to make a DIY outdoor chalkboard.

Another fun outdoor summer art activity is rock balancing. Stack and balance rocks and stones and create other types of land art. Using natural materials to create mandalas in nature, as seen in the photo of my daughter below, is a fun way to make outdoor art on beaches and shores, from the ocean to the woods, during summertime.

22. Explore a shore:

Exploring shores near and far is a fun summer activity for kids. Children can spend hours playing and learning on the shores of beaches and lakes. Something is always new to explore, from large bodies of water to small tidepools and creeks with small nooks and crannies.

23. Go on picnics near and far:

My daughter and I often eat a picnic lunch in our backyard during the warmer months. It’s fun to make sandwiches and enjoy summer fruits and your favorite foods in the backyard on warm summer days. And, of course, we also enjoy picnics in the park and taking a pit stop out in nature for quick snacks while hiking our favorite trails out in the woods. Whether you have a picnic in the backyard, at the park, or on the beach, we encourage you to take the time to enjoy picnics outdoors with friends and family during the summertime.

24. Climb a tree or a mountain:

Climbing trees is a fun activity to do in the summer. Tree climbing is a risky play activity with many benefits for the developing child. Kids love the challenge of climbing trees. They also enjoy bouldering and scaling rock faces. Alternatively, you can hike to the top of a mountain or spend the day at a rock climbing or adventure center to check this summer activity off your list.

25. Enjoy a summer fair or Carnival:

Local city, state, and county fairs and carnivals are fun outdoor summer activities for the whole family. Check your local listings for a summer carnival or fair in your city or town or one nearby.

26. go wild foraging and pick summer berries:

When I was young, my all-time favorite summer activity was berry picking with my brothers. But summer berries are only one of the edible items you are likely to find outdoors when wild-foraging. Click on the link to learn a few berry-picking and wild-foraging tips. You might also enjoy a book titled “Foraging with Kids” and a board game you can play with the kids called “Wildcraft.”

27. Build a fort:

I remember spending hours building forts with my brothers, both inside during the colder months and outside during the warmer ones. Use fallen limbs, salvaged wood, and old sheets to build a fort in a tree or on land. Or, get creative and build a sturdy tree house made to last as a family DIY project this summer! A few more backyard fort ideas include growing a sunflower house or bean pole teepee. If you enjoy DIY projects, you’ll likely appreciate these DIY pallet projects for the backyard, patio, or garden.

28. Fly a kite:

Flying a kite is a classic summer activity for kids. Learn how to launch and fly a kite with our simple kite-flying tips and tutorials. We even have a list of DIY kites you can invite children to make for even more summer fun. Learn more HERE—>How to Fly a Kite.

29. Make Summer Crafts:

Creating summer crafts is a classic summer activity for kids and adults of all ages. Enjoy the summer crafts with your children over the summer break to unwind and connect.

• Flower crown craft
• Felt flower lei necklace
• Flower nature crafts with fresh, pressed, and dried flowers
• Nature Mandala Art and Craft Ideas
• Rainbow suncatcher ideas
• Felt flowers
• DIY Windchime
• Sea glass suncatcher
• Fingerprint art magnets
• Mermaid Tail Sensory Bottle
• Beaded necklace or bracelet
• Popsicle stick boat
• Shell daisy
• Fairy houses
• Shell frames with handprint art
• Monarch butterfly peg dolls
• Butterfly sensory bottle
• Sunflower crown or tiara craft
• DIY butterfly tree
• Soothing Seashell Sensory Bottle

30. Enjoy Water Sports (Swim, play with, and ride on the water):

There are many fun ways to play with water in the summertime on a hot summer day, and swimming in a pool is only one of them. There are several other water sports you can enjoy in pools, as well as in oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers, or creeks. If you live near a beach or plan to visit one this summer, please look through this list of safety tips–> Beach and Ocean Swimming Safety. The list below has several more summer water activities and ideas to help you and the kids have a blast with water play:

• Play in the sprinklers.
• Enjoy a slip and slide.
• If it rains in the summer where you live–> play in the rain!
• Have a water balloon fight, wet sponge toss, or water soaker war.
• Enjoy playing and learning with a sand and water table.
• Visit your local splash pad.
• Go to a pool, or enjoy the one in your backyard if you are lucky enough to have one.
• Play in a creek, river, lake, ocean, or sea.
• Try kayaking, canoeing, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, body-boarding, waterskiing, kneeboarding, wakeboarding, windsurfing, or kite surfing!
  • If you don’t own any of these water toys, consider joining a friend who does, or look for a spot near the water that offers rentals for kayaks, canoes, surfboards, bodyboards, paddleboards, or boats.

31. Go on a road trip or take a family vacation or Staycation:

Vacations are fun summer activities for the whole family. Every summer break should include at least one planned vacation, even if it’s a “staycation.” Plan an adventure near or far with the whole family this summer!

32. Read a Book:

Reading books is a classic summer activity for kids. Visit your local library or favorite bookstore to find your next favorite children’s book to read, or check out some of our popular booklists below:

• Books That Teach Kids Important Life Lessons
• Magical Alphabet Books for Kids
• Books That Help Kids Understand Their Feelings
• Best Fairy Tales for Children

The Magic Tree House is a great chapter book series for both first-time readers or parents, teachers, and caregivers to read aloud to children. You might enjoy this list of my favorite read-aloud and chapter books for kids: HERE.

33. Experiment with science, STEM, and STEAM activities at Home or summer camp:

Kitchen counter and backyard summer science activities can keep the kids busy learning through play over the summer break. Science, STEM, and STEAM activities are also fun things to do at summer camp. A few of our favorite summer science ideas for kids are listed below:

• Rock balancing
• Shadow art
• Rainbow science
• Human sundial
• Popsicle stick catapult
• Classifying rocks
• Homemade ice cream
• Making sun prints
• Color-changing flowers
• Magnet Fishing
• Shadow Science
• See-through rainstick
• Watercolor resist

34. Go fishing:

Fishing is a fun summer activity for kids and adults of all ages. Invite children to go fishing on a boat, shore, pier, or in the bathtub or backyard! Although catching fish is the ultimate goal, you don’t need to fish for fish. Toddlers and preschoolers can practice fishing with magnets long before touching an authentic fishing lure.

Fishing with magnets is a fun activity to enjoy in the summertime, whether indoors or outdoors. All you need is a stick, some string, a magnet, and a bucket or a bathtub, and you will be ready to go! Learn more about this cool summer science activity HERE–>Magnet Fishing for Kids.

35. Enjoy a neighborhood block party:

Get out the BBQs, play summer games, make potluck dishes, and throw a block party with your neighbors this summer! Many towns and cities will permit you to block off residential streets for a few hours if you contact the relevant authorities and follow the proper procedures. Contact your local city hall for more information.

36. Have fun at summer camp:

Here’s a classic summer activity for children of all ages. You can send them off to summer camp or do fun summer camp activities at home. Click on the link to learn more.

37. Watch a Sunrise:

Take time out of your busy summer to enjoy at least one sunrise. You may even want to try staying up all night to see the sunrise. Every time my brothers and I tried it, we learned it wasn’t such a great idea the next day, but it was fun!

38. Enjoy a Sunset:

Watching the sunset is another relaxing activity to do in the summertime. If you don’t have a good view of the sunset from your house, we encourage you to go somewhere that offers a better one. Beaches, restaurant patios, a mountain top or overlook, or a friend’s or neighbor’s front or backyard are a few options.

39. Do some stargazing:

Take the kids to an observatory or spend a summer night stargazing in your backyard. Another fun way to look up at the stars is on a family camping trip. Purchase or borrow a telescope, National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Night Sky, 50 Things to See with a Telescope for Kids, or another good book about constellations to make it easier to identify and see specific stars and constellations up close.

40. Write to a pen pal:

Today, children can participate in this classic summer activity in several different ways. They can send homemade cards, notes, and letters to a pen pal via snail mail the old-fashioned way—through the local postal service. Alternatively, they can set up an email account to help them email a friend or family member, whether in their town or somewhere far away.

41. Enjoy an Outdoor Concert or Music Festival:

Another fun idea is going to an outdoor concert. Rocking out and listening to music with the entire family on a blanket in the park or a nearby amphitheater is a classic outdoor summer activity for kids and adults of all ages. Take the whole family to at least one outdoor summer concert or music festival this year to check this outdoor summer activity off the list. You can also gather a group of friends to go with you.

42. Attend a summer Sporting event:

Being a spectator at a sporting event is another fun outdoor summer activity for kids and adults! Recruit your friends or take the whole family to at least one summer sporting event this year, such as a soccer game, swimming meet, or baseball game, to check this fun summer idea off your list.

43. Go on bike rides with friends and family:

Riding bikes and going on bike rides near and far with friends and family is another summer activity not to be missed. Take the family for a ride to the park, through the park, to dinner, or down a beautiful bike path to enjoy this classic summer activity. It’s also fun to take the kids to a BMX or dirt bike park to have a shredding good time. If you go for a bike ride at night, which I highly recommend, don’t forget the bike lights, colorful tire lights, and bright glowing slap bracelets to keep safe, stay visible, cruise in style, and have even more fun! (Tip: The glowing slap bracelets can also be placed around the ankle to protect pants from getting stuck in your chain.)

44. Skip stones:

Skipping stones and rocks is another fun summer activity for young and old alike. Click on the link to learn how to skip a rock and more about the science of stone skipping. Can you beat the record number of skips?

45. Enjoy Family Board Game Nights:

Invite friends and family to the game table for a night of fun. Playing cards and board games is a summer activity for all ages. So, deal a deck of cards, get your favorite board game out of the game closet, or try a new and unique board game this summer.

46. Play with Bubbles and Balloons:

Bubbles, bubble wands, bubble machines, and playing with balloons in the summer can help keep kids busy and having fun in the backyard all summer long. Invite the kids to blow bubbles and play balloon tennis indoors and outdoors whenever you need something quick and easy.

47. Explore hiking trails near and far:

Hiking on trails near and far is a fun summer activity not to be missed. Invite friends and family to hike trails in your neck of the woods or somewhere new and exciting you’d like to explore, such as a national recreation park. Nature walks and trail hikes provide opportunities for discovery and learning about the environment and the natural world around you.

We recommend the AllTrails website and app (I’m not affiliated; I’m just sharing what I love) because it makes it easy to find local hiking trails and fun new trails to explore that fit your specific needs and fitness level wherever you travel.

48. Go to a Movie Theater or drive-in movie theater:

Going to the movies when temperatures soar is a fun way to beat the heat on a hot summer day. Going to a drive-in movie on a warm summer night is also fun if one is nearby. If you don’t have a drive-in movie theater nearby, try one of the outdoor movie options below!

49. Watch a movie Outdoors in the park or host a movie night in your own backyard:

Watching a movie outdoors is another fun summer activity we encourage you to try. Go to a drive-in movie theater, enjoy a movie in the park (or at the pier), or attend a movie night in a friend or neighbor’s backyard, complete with popcorn. If you’d like to host a movie night in your backyard, consider investing in a home theater movie screen, projector, and outdoor movie seating, and invite a few friends over for a fun night.

50. Catch fireflies or butterflies:

If ever you hear, “I’m bored.” Send the kids outside to catch fireflies at night or butterflies during the day. If you want to try this fun summer activity, we recommend investing in a good insect and butterfly net. Learn how to catch fireflies–> HERE. And how to catch butterflies–> HERE.

51. Keep fit with a backyard obstacle course or outdoor ninja warrior gym:

A backyard obstacle course can be a fun fitness activity for the whole family (or the neighborhood). If you don’t have a backyard obstacle course or outdoor ninja warrior outdoor play gym, I recommend setting one up to keep kids fit and busy from morning to night this summer. A basic slackline (with a training rope) or zip line also make great additions to your backyard play area, and both are lots of fun for kids and adults!

52. Visit a farmer’s market (Over and Over Again):

Visiting the farmer’s market in the summertime is a fun activity for the whole family. Some communities have additional farmer’s markets in the morning and evening during the summer months to accommodate your schedule. So, find a farmer’s market near you to check this fun summer idea off your bucket list.

53. Enjoy a craft fair:

Enjoy arts and crafts made by local artisans at a summer craft fair. Most cities and towns hold several summer craft fairs on the street or in community centers worldwide. So look for one near you, or enjoy a craft fair on your summer travels somewhere new and exciting.

54. Go bowling:

Head to the bowling alley for some friendly competition to beat the heat on a hot summer afternoon. Invite friends or family to join you and make it a weekly summer activity. Get a summer bowling pass at your local bowling alley, or join a bowling league for even more fun!

55. Bake cookies and other tasty treats:

Here’s another easy summer activity for both young and old. Try new recipes, or get out your favorite cake, brownie, or cookie recipe to bake tasty treats for the whole family this summer!

56. Play games at an arcade:

Going to a local video arcade to play games is another great way to have fun when it’s too hot to be outside. Pinball, Air Hockey, and Foose Ball are family favorites. What’s your favorite arcade game?

57. Go for a Skate:

Put on some inline skates or a pair of quad skates, or grab a skateboard (longboard or a trick board) to go skating. There’s nothing like going for a roll outside down the block, in the park, or on a beautiful path on a lovely summer day. When the temperatures soar, head to a roller rink or ice skating rink to cool off and beat the heat. Taking the kids to a skatepark in your city or town is another fun outdoor activity on a summer day.

58. Visit a museum:

There are several types of museums to visit. Typically, they house a variety of collectibles or treasures, including art, antiques, and other artifacts. Find a museum near you and schedule a visit or a guided tour.

59. Learn something new at a nature reserve:

A nature reserve is a wildlife refuge, sanctuary preserve, or conservation area protected because it contains essential flora, fauna, or geological features of particular interest. These natural sites are managed for conservation purposes and to provide education, study, or research opportunities for kids and adults of all ages.

60. Visit a Historic Site, Park, or Landmark:

Another fun summer activity is visiting a historical site or landmark, but you may have to travel depending on where you live. Like visiting a nature reserve, this summer idea is another fantastic educational activity for kids.

61. Go to a zoo or petting zoo:

Going to the zoo or a petting zoo is a fun summer activity for kids of all ages. Visit your local zoo, or take a short drive to a nearby city that has one to check this fun summer activity idea off of your summer bucket list.

62. Visit the library:

Visiting the library is another excellent way to stay cool on a sweltering summer day. Spending time at your local library helps foster a love for reading and enhances reading skills. Research has shown that regular access to books enhances reading skills, and libraries offer a diverse selection of books that cater to various reading abilities and interests. Visit your local library to enjoy the extracurricular activities offered by your local branch and allow children to immerse themselves in the world of books. Select books to read aloud and for your children to read independently, enhancing their reading skills.

63. Join a summer sports league or attend a sports camp:

Alternatively, consider getting outside and joining a swim club, a volleyball, softball, or soccer league, or any other team-based summer activity offered in your area. Ultimate Frisbee has always been one of my favorites, and my husband loves playing softball in the summer league.

64. Go to an ice cream parlor or frozen yogurt shop:

Take the kids to an ice cream parlor or frozen yogurt shop as a reward for finishing their chores or staying off screens. Or go as a special treat for fun on a hot summer day!

65. Enjoy a Classic game of hopscotch:

Hopscotch is a classic playground game where players toss a small object, such as a rock, bottle cap, or beanbag, into numbered squares outlined on the ground and then hop or jump through the spaces to retrieve the object. It is a popular children’s game that can be played alone or with multiple players, providing a physical and cognitive workout. To play, grab a stick of sidewalk chalk and draw hopscotch squares, or purchase this portable indoor or outdoor hopscotch squares set with beanbags. Watch this YouTube video to see how to set up and play hopscotch.

66. Make Friendship Bracelets or Necklaces:

Making friendship bracelets is a fun and meaningful craft that involves weaving colorful threads into intricate patterns by hand. Another option is to make hand-beaded friendship bracelets. Often exchanged between friends as symbols of lasting bonds, these colorful bracelets can be made with simple knots using several strands of embroidery floss. Alternatively, you can use beads and stretchy string to make beaded friendship bracelets.

Making bracelets encourages creativity and mindfulness. Whether creating a classic chevron design or an alternative with embroidery floss. Or experimenting with basic beaded designs that include letter beads to write names, as shown in the photograph below, acronyms like BFF, or inspirational words and phrases, each necklace or bracelet becomes a unique gift infused with time, effort, and a personal touch.

67. Learn how to juggle or do tricks with a yo-yo:

Are you tired of kids on their phones, playing video games, or overusing other screens and can’t get them outside to play? Invite them to improve their hand-eye coordination and self-confidence by learning to juggle or do tricks with a yo-yo. Both are skills that will provide a lifetime of fun. Purchase a beginner juggling ball set or an auto-return yo-yo for beginners with a yo-yo tricks book to get them started.

68. Jump rope:

Jump rope is another classic kids’ game that can be played alone or with others. It is an excellent toy for both physical fitness and cognitive development, suitable for use indoors or outdoors. If playing alone, buy a jump rope and challenge your child to learn basic jumping skills. If you have multiple children who want to play jump rope, consider investing in longer Double Dutch jump ropes that accommodate numerous players. Then, teach young children a few games and help them learn a few rhymes and songs for jumping rope. 

69. Play cat’s cradle:

Challenge someone to a game of cat’s cradle. Cat’s Cradle is another classic children’s game perfect for those dull summer days. One player stretches a looped cord over the fingers of both hands to create the first figure, and the other must insert their fingers to remove it and produce another figure. Here’s a cat’s cradle string and instruction book filled with string figure instructions, available for purchase on Amazon, to make it easy to play this fun game.

70. Go birding and enjoy backyard bird watching:

Birdwatching is a fun and educational activity that appeals to people of all ages. Enjoy backyard birdwatching, travel to the park, or head out into nature to look for birds with the kids. Learn more about birding and discover fun bird activities in birding for kids.

71. Visit a State or National Park:

Visiting state and national parks is an excellent way to connect with nature and explore diverse landscapes. From towering forests and rugged mountains to serene lakes and vast deserts, these parks offer a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of an area. Whether hiking scenic trails, spotting animals in their natural habitat, or enjoying a peaceful picnic under the trees, each visit offers a chance to relax, learn, and be inspired. State and national parks are protected for future generations, making every trip an adventure and a contribution to conservation.

72. Take a nap in a hammock:

Taking a nap in a hammock during summertime, whether camping or in the backyard, is one of life’s simplest pleasures. As you gently sway in the warm breeze, you can feel the sun filtering through the clouds or leaves above, casting dappled light across your skin. The rhythmic rustling of the trees swaying in the summer breeze and the distant hum of nature (or the sound of cars driving by) create a soothing soundtrack, lulling you into a peaceful slumber.

Wrapped in the comfort of the hammock, time slows down, offering a moment of relaxation and escape from daily to-do lists. Bringing a book or music into the hammock is another great option if napping isn’t your thing. If you don’t already have one, consider buying a hammock with a stand for the backyard or a packable hammock perfect for summer camping trips.

73. Tie-dye a t-shirt:

Tie-dyeing a t-shirt is a fun and creative way to create a bold, personalized piece of clothing. Using a plain shirt, rubber bands, and colorful dye, you can twist, fold, and bind the fabric into unique patterns, such as spirals, stripes, or sunbursts. The process can be messy, but that’s part of the fun. Every shirt turns out unique, making each tye-died masterpiece a surprise.

This one-step tie-dye kit, complete with pre-mixed bottles and easy-to-follow how-to instructions, makes it simple. The formula makes tie-dye easy for all skill levels: add water, shake, and apply! After allowing the dye to set and rinsing out the excess, you’re left with a vibrant, wearable work of art. Tie-dying is a fun group activity for a birthday party, summer camp, or just for fun. Try it today!

74. Have a Garage Sale:

A garage sale is an excellent way to declutter your home while earning extra cash. It requires sorting through unused or unwanted items, pricing them reasonably, and displaying them neatly in your garage or yard. With simple signs and advertising, you can draw in neighbors and bargain hunters searching for great deals. It’s also an opportunity to connect with people in your community and give your old belongings a new life with someone else. As the saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Save the money you make for a family gift or vacation that everyone can enjoy. Or invite the whole family to a nice restaurant for dinner to celebrate your success.

75. Find something unique to do in your city or town:

Last but certainly not least, find something to do that is unique to your city or close to the area you live in, such as another nearby town. A few examples follow: visit a local nature reserve, hike to a waterfall, tour a historical landmark, walk along a pier, ride a carousel or Ferris Wheel, attend a stage show or performance, go to a rodeo, or enjoy a music festival, carnival, fair, or amusement park in your hometown or a nearby location.

Summer Bucket List of Fun Summer Activities

Get outside and enjoy classic family fun with any of these fun summer activities for kids. This list of classic summer activities and new, unique things to do with kids in the summertime can keep children busy learning through play all summer long.

Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE!

Summer Bucket List

If You Enjoyed This List of Fun Things to do with Kids In the Summer, You Might Also Like these Bucket Lists of Activities:

• Autumn Activities with Printable Fall Bucket List
• Winter Activities with Printable Bucket List
• Spring Activities with Printable Bucket List