Summer Activities for Kids: Fun-Filled Ideas for Families

Believe it or not, the summer sun still shines brightly, so if you're on the hunt for summer activities for families before it officially ends, consider your search over. Our list of summer activities is here to save the day, offering something enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age or interest.

From fun toddler activities to day trip ideas to engaging options for 8-year-olds, we have something that will make the rest of everyone's summer memorable.

Why do summer activities for families matter?

Family-friendly summer activities bring endless joy and are important for several reasons. Here's more on each:

Encourages learning

Kids may delight in the freedom that summer brings from their school routine. However, according to Dr. Eva Lassey, DPT, founder of DrSensory.com, engaging in summer activities is a fantastic way to promote learning beyond the classroom walls.

"Summer activities allow kids to take a break from the strict routine of school while still helping them grow and learn," Lassey says. "These activities keep their minds engaged by encouraging skills like problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking."

Promotes exercise

Summer is filled with opportunities for children to get moving, whether through a DIY obstacle course or thrilling water activities. Lassey notes that this physical activity is key to their health and growth.

"When kids participate in sports, swim or play outside, they stay active," she explains. "This activity helps improve their heart health, muscle strength, and coordination. Physical activities also allow children to interact with others, fostering social interactions that enhance their social skills and emotional well-being."

Family Bonding

The most important benefit of summer activities is the time they give families to be together and to create lifelong memories they will cherish.

Lassey states, "Activities like family trips or game nights do more than just create fun memories; they also strengthen the family unit. For example, children learn how to cooperate with others, solve problems and communicate effectively."

Outdoor Summer Activities for Families

The warm summer weather opens up a world of outdoor adventures for families. Consider these fantastic ideas to enhance your itinerary.

Beach or lake outings

Lassey recommends considering a trip to the beach for a delightful family outing.

"Beach days are perfect for family bonding," she notes, "as they provide a variety of activities like swimming, building sandcastles, and engaging in beach games. These activities foster physical fitness and encourage creativity and teamwork."

Hiking and nature walks

Lassey suggests that families can also find joy in hiking and nature walks. These activities provide a fantastic way to explore the outdoors, admire nature, and stay active.

Picnics in local parks

Picnics are another wonderful way for families to spend time together outside. Lassey says, "They create a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can enjoy meals, play games and participate in outdoor activities."

Camping

Whether you're a camping pro or a newbie, camping can be the perfect way for families to unplug and enjoy quality time in nature.

"Camping trips are a great way for families to take a break from their devices and screens," explains Lassey. "Instead of spending time on phones, families can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing and sharing stories by the campfire. These fun experiences help people learn to be more independent and strong. They also help us feel more connected to nature, which is now needed more than ever."

Catch fireflies

Planning to stay local this summer? Kristen Miller, the director of education at Celebree School, recommends turning your backyard into a fun-filled adventure by catching fireflies with your family.

"Grab a mason jar, punch some holes in the lid and go outside and catch fireflies," suggests Miller. "This free activity can be done right in your backyard or nearby park."

Fun Summer Activities for Kids

Water play

Whether dashing through sprinklers or competing in a water balloon toss, Miller believes water play is a great way for families to cool off on hot summer days.

"Activities like jumping, splashing, and swimming are excellent for building gross motor skills. Just be sure to practice water safety at all times!"

Backyard obstacle courses

If you're up for some crafty competition, consider creating a DIY obstacle course from everyday household items. Liora Seltzer, an expert in parenting, education and organization, believes these courses can promote free play and keep kids active.

"Obstacle courses are a fun summer activity that kids can enjoy," says Seltzer. "Families can participate together, and it's also an affordable option."

Outdoor movie nights

When indecision strikes, an outdoor movie night is a can't-miss option. It offers a delightful way for families to spend time together and is more budget-friendly than many other activities.

"Fun summer activities like this create lasting memories," suggests Seltzer. "Having fun in the summer doesn't depend on spending a lot of money. Most kids don't remember fancy trips; they remember how happy they felt during simple family activities."

Summer Activities for 8-Year-Olds

Whether your eight-year-old likes to be active or enjoys calm activities, these ideas will keep them busy until school starts.

Sports and team activities

If your energetic eight-year-old is full of enthusiasm, why not guide that energy into sports and activities?

According to Miller, "Sports are great for an 8-year-old as an introduction to teamwork, collaboration and healthy physical habits.  It can also help boost confidence and self-esteem."

Science experiments

Miller suggests trying hands-on science projects for kids who like staying indoors to spark their interest.

"Encourage these children to do science experiments that make them curious and help them think and ask questions," she says.

Art projects

Dr. Johnna Weller, the chief academic officer at Learning Care Group, a provider of child care and early childhood education, explains that eight-year-olds can understand more complex art projects than younger kids.

"When we teach them new art activities like weaving, sewing or sculpting with clay, it helps them be creative and solve problems," Weller explains.

Reading challenges

Have you ever thought about exploring a book series with your family? Summer provides the perfect window to achieve this goal.

Miller notes, "Reading is a wonderful activity for kids of all ages, encouraging imagination, creativity and a lifelong love of learning."

Toddler summer activities

Painting, drawing or crafting

Fun art activities like painting, drawing, and crafting will make your toddler laugh and giggle. These activities are not just fun—they're also good for your child's brain.

"Painting, drawing, crafting and other creative outlets foster not only artistic skills but also enhance cognitive development," says Carrie Serr, senior director of educational resources and registered behaviour therapist at ProCare Therapy. "Setting up an art station and letting children freely play helps their creative thinking, while storytelling builds skills such as language development and critical thinking. "

Outdoor Art

Toddlers can also have fun with sidewalk chalk or sidewalk paint this summer. Miller suggests filling a spray bottle with coloured water and letting your child spray an old sheet to improve their fine motor skills. She continues, "You can also set up an outdoor art easel with paint and encourage your child to paint what they see."

Bubble play

Because toddlers love to explore the world through their senses, Seltzer says that bubble play is a great example of sensory play. "Any activity that provides them with sensory experiences at an enjoyable level is wonderful," she explains.

Toddler-friendly crafts

You can keep your toddlers busy with crafts on hot summer days, like playing with playdough, making paper plate crafts, or painting.

However, Seltzer advises that it's important to maintain a routine for toddlers, even during the summer. "Planning these fun activities for the morning, when they are most awake and alert, can be helpful for both them and you," she says.

Scavenger Hunt

"You can also set up a scavenger hunt around your neighbourhood with items like stop signs, mailboxes, garden gnomes and various car colours," suggests Miller. "This fun activity will capture a toddler's interest and help them practice identifying and labelling different objects."

Indoor summer activities

Indoors and bored? These suggestions will keep kids entertained:

Board game tournaments

"Offering challenges to children while playing indoors gives children a purpose to their work and invites them to use materials in a new way," suggests Kailan Carr, M.Ed., author and creator of screen-free fun at kailancarr.com. "Play a board game together and then challenge your child to create and make their own board game."

Indoor fort building

Carr suggests that creating forts from pillows and cushions inspires children to think creatively and use their imaginations. She explains that this activity helps them explore the world and pushes them to test their own skills.

Cooking and baking projects

Carr explains that cooking is a valuable skill for children to learn, and it can be used for countless fun activities.

"For families with younger kids, cooking together can be a great way for them to learn new skills and kitchen safety," she suggests. "Older kids can take on more responsibility by planning a meal, creating a shopping list, cooking the food, and even handling the cleanup."

Virtual museum tours

When rain keeps you indoors, Carr recommends virtual museum tours as a great screen-time activity. "Kids get to learn and explore new places without the addictive nature of some digital devices," she explains. "However, real-life experiences are always preferable, so visit a local museum if possible."

Educational Summer Activities

Summer reading programs

"Summer reading programs are the best," explains Carr. "Reading is one thing that should NOT stop over the summer (definitely saying this as a former teacher), and these types of programs encourage reading and give kids a goal to work for."

STEM activities and challenges

According to Carr, engaging in STEM activities and challenges is incredibly beneficial for hands-on learning and nurturing inquisitive minds.

"The best part is that these projects don't have to be complicated," she says. "You could simply invite your child to make a house out of Lego bricks, design a boat from aluminum foil and see if it floats with a penny on board, or assemble a bridge using cups and craft sticks."

Historical site visits

If you're looking to spice up your summer activities, Carr suggests visiting local historical sites. "This not only gets everyone out of the house but also provides kids with valuable hands-on learning experiences," she explains. "These outings are likely to create lasting memories for them."

Learning a new skill or hobby

"Summer is always ideal for picking up a new skill or hobby," says Carr. "Kids can explore drawing, rollerblading, knitting, photography, origami, magic tricks, solving a Rubik's cube or even learning a new instrument. There are endless possibilities; you never know which one might become a lasting passion."

Community-Based Summer Activities

Local festivals and events

Sabrina Nasta, a licensed therapist at Grow Therapy, highlights numerous community-based summer activities available, providing a variety of choices.

Local festivals and events can be a fantastic way to start, as they allow you to connect with others in your area and help support local businesses.

To discover such events near you, consider exploring online event directories, local tourism sites, event applications, or social media platforms. "You can also check for happenings at your town hall, library programs, church gatherings, and school activities in your neighbourhood," Nasta suggests.

Volunteer opportunities for families

Volunteering is also a great community-based summer activity for families because it provides opportunities for family bonding and teaches the importance of giving back to those in need.

Families can choose from various volunteer opportunities that align with their interests, whether working at an animal shelter or assisting at a local food bank.

Community pool or splash pad visits

Community pools and splash pads are excellent venues for making friends and escaping the summer heat. To discover a nearby pool or splash pad, check out local city websites, social media channels and community forums.

You might also want to visit Active For Life, which lists numerous free or affordable splash pads and wading pools across Canada.

If you are based in the United States, Nasta suggests that many YMCA branches have pools for various activities, ranging from swimming lessons to aqua aerobics.

Library programs and events

A family trip to the library can turn into a delightful summer experience. Families can participate in storytime activities and craft workshops and have fun in interactive play zones.

Nasta states, "Visiting libraries also encourages social interactions and connections with peers while helping children develop important interpersonal skills. It also allows them to experience new environments that support their natural growth."

Tips for planning summer activities

Creating a summer bucket list 

Summer flies by quickly, so creating a summer bucket list can be a great way to organize your activities. This helps your family plan fun things everyone will love, and getting the kids involved makes it even more thrilling.

Balancing structured and unstructured time

When planning summer fun for the whole family, it's vital to include both structured and unstructured activities.

Organized play might feature board games, puzzles, or museum outings. Unstructured play, on the other hand, lets kids enjoy outdoor play, craft projects, and imaginative adventures.

Incorporating learning opportunities

Summer is all about fun, but it's also a great time to incorporate educational activities. These activities keep kids' minds sharp and give them a chance to build their social and emotional skills.

Staying flexible and adapting to weather changes

Summer's unpredictable weather means it's important to stay flexible and be ready to adapt to sudden changes.

Extreme heat or strong thunderstorms could alter your plans, leading you to opt for indoor activities. This flexibility helps you manage your day and teaches your children the significance of being prepared for any weather situation.

There are so many fun things to do this summer, from trips to the community pool to backyard campouts and family volunteer projects.

These activities offer a chance to learn, explore, and bond as a family, creating memories you'll cherish forever.

However, the key is to enjoy every moment of summer and make the most of those long, sunny days. After all, they'll be gone before you know it!

Experts:

• Dr. Eva Lassey, DPT, doctorate of physical therapy, and founder of DrSensory.com
• Sabrina Nasta, a licensed therapist with Grow Therapy
• Liora Seltzer, an expert in parenting, education and organization
• Kristen Miller, director of education for Celebree School, a chain of early learning education schools in the United States
• Kailan Carr, M.Ed., author and creator of screen-free fun at kailancarr.com
• Carrie Serr, senior director of educational resources and registered behaviour therapist at ProCare Therapy
• Dr. Johnna Weller, chief academic officer at the Learning Care Group, a childcare and early childhood education provider