Summer break sounds awesome. Until it doesn’t.
Suddenly, you’re the cruise director. The snack boss. The entertainer. And they never run out of energy. Ever.
It’s hot. You’re tired. And if one more kid says, I’m bored, you might just hide in the pantry.
You need quick wins. Fun stuff. Easy setups. No screens. No 47-step Pinterest disasters. Just real-deal fun.
Whether you’ve got a backyard, a driveway, or just a patch of sidewalk, these 20 summer activities are full of color, movement, and fun. Let’s make some memories.
1. Water Flow Creek Experiment
Turn your yard into a mini science lab with this hands-on nature-inspired water play idea. Using rocks, sticks, and a bit of water with this water flow creek experiment , kids can enjoy nature or create their own flowing creek. It’s a simple way to teach basic STEM concepts like gravity, water flow, and engineering, all while splashing around outside.
2. DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint
This isn’t your average sidewalk chalk. This version feels like painting the sidewalk with something special.
This DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint offers a fun twist on traditional sidewalk chalk. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s washable, vibrant, and full of creative possibilities. I love it.
3. Squirt Gun Painting
Turn squirt guns into art tools and suddently no one’s crying about getting sprayed. Kids love chaos, and you get some pretty cool artwork to hang up when it’s dry.
4. Tin Foil Water Play by Hands
Tin foil turns water play into a full-blown STEM experience with this fun, cool, yet simple activity.
It’s messy. It’s splashy. It’s perfect.
Adding in tin foil to a water play station helps give it a whole new dimension while still being easy to set up on a hot day.
5. Water Obstacle Course
Grab some pool noodles, water balloons, and a few other basic supplies to make the ultimate cure for hot, bored kids. It’s deceptively simple to set up a water obstacle course that will keep the kids busy (and cool) all afternoon long.
6. Masking Tape And Chalk Mural Craft
Here’s a great way to challenge kids with a unique art project. Use masking tape to section off a square area with lots of shapes inside, then have the kids color it in and pull the tape for the big reveal. It’s like sidewalk art meets stained glass.
7. Sponge Water Bombs
Want to have a wild, wet time outdoors, but don’t feel like filling up dozens of water balloons? These sponge water bombs are genius.
This easy DIY always result in lots of cool fun without balloon cleanup. I live for the bright colors too. This one is definitely a backyard staple.
8. Exploding Tea Party
Add a twist to the standard baking-soda-and-vinegar experiments this year. Instead of a volcano, why not have an exploding tea party? It’s an awesome mix of pretend play and science that keeps kids engaged longer than you’d think.
9. Rainbow Ribbon Run
A rainbow ribbon run is a great way to get kids outside and moving, and there’s basically zero setup. Just cut several lengths of different-colored ribbons, and you’re all set to watch your little ones run around like it’s parade time. Joyful chaos in the best way.
10. Sandbox Treasure Hunt
A sandbox treasure hunt is a fantastic way to let kids feel like pirates, digging for treasures. It’s super easy to set up ahead of time, so it’s ready when you need it.
Hide a few plastic coins or mini dinosaurs, and boom—your sandbox becomes a pirate’s dream. Add a small treasure map and let the adventure begin.
11. Rain Painting For Easy Outdoor Art
Any time rain is in the forecast, this craft is the perfect go-to. Kids can draw a colorful drawing on cardstock and then put it out in the rain to watch the colors blend together like magic.
12. Pie Tin Boats – STEM Challenge
I’m all about science experiments. This challenge is a blast for kids and guaranteed to spark plenty of giggles. They’ll need to build a boat using a mini pie tin and a few basic supplies, then try to get it to float across a body of water.
13. Giant Chalk Keyboard
A giant chalk piano keyboard is a fun, simple outdoor activity that kids will jump for. There are all sorts of ways for them to interact, including playing a simple children’s song as they jump to each note in sequence.
14. Outdoor Memory Game
My son loves being outside. I mean he really loves it. If there’s a way to move an indoor activity outdoors, we do it.
This jumbo outdoor memory game is perfect for that. Just grab some paper plates or printables, spread them out in the yard, and let the matching begin. The running back and forth makes it even more fun (and helps burn off some of that wild toddler energy).
15. Fly Swatter Bubbles
Cheap, easy, and guaranteed giggles. Dip a fly swatter in bubble solution and swing away. A good way to keep little hands busy while you sit back and watch the fun.
16. Frozen Paint
Freeze washable paint in an ice tray and let kids paint outside as it melts. It’s cool (literally), and watching the colors melt into paper is surprisingly relaxing, even for adults.
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