Keep Your Kids Entertained All Summer with These Fun Activities

Between family outings and backyard adventures, there won’t be a dull moment.

June 15, 2023

By: Jessica Butler

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8 Ideas for Summer Fun

School’s out and summer is here! Whether or not your kids are going to camp during these warmer months, there are always those days where you aren’t quite sure what to do to keep your kids occupied. Luckily, we’ve rounded up a few exciting ideas they’ll absolutely love. With these fun warm-weather activities, everyone wins!

Go to the Zoo

Whether you go to a local petting zoo to feed and play with farm animals or you spend the day at a larger city zoo, your kids will get a kick out of seeing the animals. Lions, giraffes, monkeys, and more! Let them dress up and take on the role of a safari explorer with this adorable kit from National Geographic. And most importantly, don’t forget to bring along snacks in a no-spill container, like this super cute koala cup from Skip Hop.

Star Gaze Together

There’s nothing more captivating than the night sky. This portable, kid-friendly telescope will help you and your little ones spot constellations and give you a better look at the stars above. You can even keep track of what you find with Smithsonian’s “Star Finder!” step-by-step guide.

Become Bug Hunters

Spend an afternoon in your yard or at the park looking for cool insect species to study. It’s a great opportunity for your kids to learn more about nature and the kinds of bugs that live in their area. This Outdoor Explorer Kit is perfect for bug hunting sessions and comes with a magnifying glass, critter case, a butterfly net, and so much more.

Host an At-Home Science Fair

Clear out the living room or kitchen and dedicate your day to science. Opt for an all-in-one experiment kit, which includes crystal growing, a chemistry set, an erupting volcano, fruit circuits, and other STEM projects. For something more specialized, check out this LEGO Gear Bots machine building set instead. Don’t forget to set up stations to present each project and have a grand prize for the winner(s)!

Open a Water Park

If you can’t make it to a water park this summer, create one in your backyard! Pick up some of our favorite pools and water toys and stay cool together.

Camp in Your Backyard

Spend an evening in the great outdoors, but also steps away from your home. Pitch a tent, whip up some s’mores, tell ghost stories, and create awesome memories well into the night. Check out our shoppable guide for some awesome backyard camping gear.

Create an Obstacle Course

Here’s a great way to let your kids put all of their extra energy to good use. Follow these creative games and obstacle course ideas using pool noodles, hula hoops, balloons, tunnels, and more for a day your kids will never forget.

Have an Ice Cream Party

Make your own ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, or sorbet with the kids and completely customize your dessert. This inexpensive ice cream machine makes it so easy to create your own flavors! Line up bowls of chocolate chips, sprinkles, graham cracker crumbs, and all of your other favorite sweets in a self-serve toppings bar.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Ways to Make Your Kid Feel Like They're at Summer Camp, Essentials for the Ultimate Backyard Camping Experience with Your Kids, The Best Summer Sunnies for Kids

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