Summer vacation is finally here. If your family is anything like mine, there are only so many trips to the park and the pool that the kids can handle before they start complaining of being “bored.” So what do fun loving moms and dads do to give their kids a little fun? Get creative, of course!

Here are a few fun summertime activities to do with your kids to keep them engaged and active during the fun summer months. I have created a list of 25 fun summertime activities you can do with your kids this summer.

  1. Carwash. Wash the car as a family. Soap, water, sun, and music are great for a hot summer day.
  2. Family Stories. Create a unique family story. Add to the story daily and type it up at the end of the summer as a keepsake.
  3. Treasure Hunt. Create a backyard treasure hunt with clues to follow. Use little treasures from the dollar store to hide in the backyard or around the house.
  4. Recipes. Experiment with new recipes. Create theme dinners and allow the kids decide which recipes to make. Try the Better Homes and Gardens New Junior Cook Book for inspiration and kid-friendly recipes. 
  5. Chalk Art. Allow the kids to create sidewalk or driveway masterpieces with chalk.
  6. Scrapbooking. Take out old photos and allow kids to create unique scrapbooks with paper, stickers, crayons, glitter, etc.
  7. Zoos and Museums. Utilize the free zoo and museums days in your area.25 fun summertime activities to do with your kids to keep them engaged and active during the fun summer months.
  8. Science. Perform science experiments in the kitchen or outdoors. Many books and websites provide experiments kids can do independently with safe materials.
  9. Music History. Turn on music from past decades that the kids have never heard before, like oldies or jazz. Teach about the music’s history and have a dance party.
  10. Summer Movies. Take advantage of the summer movie series for children at your local movie theater. Most offer weekly movies at discounted rates.
  11. Forts. Make forts using blankets, pillows, chairs, and other furniture.
  12. Ice Cream. Make homemade ice cream. There are many recipes that are kid friendly using a coffee can, freezer bag, or stir and freeze methods.
  13. Recycle. Start a family recycling program and pick up litter from your neighborhood park or public area.
  14. Journaling. Begin a unique journaling tradition. Get a nice notebook or journal and write something special about your child. They can then write something nice about another family member. Continue journaling all summer long.
  15. Charity. Collect all your family’s unused or outgrown items and give it away to the less fortunate. It is good for kids to see how their items can help someone else.
  16. Lemonade Stand. Create an old-fashioned lemonade stand. Have the kids make flyers and distribute to trusted neighbors and friends ahead of time so that they get a few customers.
  17. Family Newsletter. Encourage the kids to create a family newsletter about the activities they participated in during the summer. Do this at least once a week.
  18. Old Games. Teach your kids some games from when you were a kid like jacks, Old Maid, Go Fish etc
  19. Movie Night. Have a summertime family movie night. Introduce your kids to summertime movies from when you were a kid.
  20. Relay Races. Make relay races that your kids can perform indoors or outdoors. Examples include: walking 20 feet with an egg on spoons, 10 long jumps, 3 summer salts, shooting a basketball into a hoop, etc.
  21. Family Hiking Trip. Get the kids outside to enjoy nature in your area by planning a hiking day trip. Need ideas on finding the right trail? Check out this post I wrote, Hiking: Finding the Best Trails.
  22. Summer Reading Checklist Challenge. Keep the kids engaged by setting up a reading challenge. I saw this great one on Pinterest from Town School Library.
  23. Summer Bucket List. Create a family summer bucket list of things to do and places to go this summer.
  24. Family Road Trip. Load up the car, fill the tank, pack some snacks, and head for a place in your state that you have never been. Create or get inspiration on Pinterest for car games to keep the kids busy.
  25. Have Fun! Remember, summer vacation is a time to relax, have fun, and make memories. Whatever you do this summer, make sure you do it wit F-U-N in mind. Your kids will thank you.

25 fun summertime activities to keep your kids engaged this summer.

What are some things that you do with your kids during the summer to keep them engaged?