8 FUN SUMMER ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS

TAKE A TRIP TO TOWN OR THE CITY

When it’s time to leave the house, a simple solution is to take your kids to town for the day. A trip to town can include lunch, seeing a movie, or visiting the local library. Most libraries have a summer reading program and other fun activities throughout the summer.

Whether you live in a large city or a small town, there is always plenty to do. Even a simple walk down main street or a trip to your favorite stores is an easy way to entertain your kids and get some free air conditioning on a hot summer day. A trip to town is also a great way to get some errands done. Do one errand you need to do, then something your little one would like.

If you want to do something more exciting or new, it’s always worth checking online to see if a local kid-friendly event is happening in your area. Summertime often brings seasonal festivals, farmer markets, theater nights, and car shows that are sure to entertain all ages.

MAKE A SPLASH WITH WATER TIME

Being around water is, well, refreshing, especially on a hot summer day. An ocean or lake day allows your kids to swim and splash to their hearts’ content. If not everyone can swim, bring the proper floaties or a shovel and bucket to play in the sand and collect treasures. You can also explore the shores for extraordinary creatures, go fishing, or build sandcastles.

This summer activity can often be a big ordeal when you have little ones, so packing the right things is essential. You don’t want to forget the essentials like sunscreen, towels, and snacks, but here’s a list from The EveryMom of the best things to pack for a water vacation.

If a trip to the shores feels a little too daunting, grabbing the hose, water table, or kiddie pool can be a fun activity to break up the boredom on a hot summer day. Just be ready with a towel and a change of clothes, and be prepared to get a little wet, too! Time in the water, regardless of what kind, has fantastic benefits for little ones. Check out this blog by Mommy Baby Play to learn more.

GO (REAL OR BACKYARD) CAMPING

Camping is a wonderful family activity if you're looking for a way to spend time in nature and unplug from life. Camping is excellent for getting the kids outside and creating an adventure through a change in everyday scenery. Plus, it’s a great way to stimulate the brain.

If camping (or even glamping) is not an option for you and your family, consider camping in your own backyard. Sleeping under the stars at home (while still being able to use a real toilet) is a super fun and easy summer activity. Set up a tent, have dinner outside, make smores, play games, do a firepit, and so much more. This easy nighttime activity will surely create amazing memories your kids will never forget.

TAKE A HIKE

Do you want to spend time outside but don’t want a big commitment like camping? Hiking is another great way to get exercise and spend time outside. There are plenty of trails that are great for all ages and even pet-friendly. Continued physical exercise can be a lot for a little one, so it’s important to keep an open mind, have plenty of water and sunscreen, and even have fun games, like hide-and-seek, in your back pocket to keep them motivated and interested.

Are you looking for a family-friendly hike that’s not too long? Check out Modern Hiker’s Hike Finder to see all hikes near you.

GO TO THE AQUARIUM

If you have a local aquarium nearby, make plans to visit this summer! Aquariums are a great way to get out of the house and let your children have some educational fun. Depending on the aquarium and your child’s interest in sea life, you can spend several hours to a whole day learning and having fun.

Check out cool fish, see if there are any shows or fun activities that might interest your kids, and even play an underwater I Spy game. Many aquariums have many hands-on learning activities and even a touch tank, so there will be plenty of opportunities to learn and discover some amazing sea creatures.

VISIT A LOCAL MUSEUM

Local museums are another great form of educational fun. There are all sorts of child-friendly museums you can take your family to that are filled with interactive learning and super cool activities. If your child has a specific interest, like science or dinosaurs, try finding a relevant museum that will really excite them.

If you don’t have any museums of interest or feel as if you’ve exhausted the options in your area, see if a town or city near you has a historic old town area or district. This is a great way to get outside and learn about your area’s history. Old town districts often have lots of historic sites and fun things to do. You might be able to see an old-school house, visit a printing press, or see old-time general stores that will get your kids’ imaginations going.

EXPLORE A PARK OR NATURE

Another great outdoor summertime activity is going to a park, nature reserve, or even your own backyard and exploring nature. Outside play is perfect for stimulating imagination and increasing your child’s understanding of the physical world. There is plenty to observe and discover with your little ones- check out bugs, find colorful flowers, or examine the wildlife in the trees around you.

Creating a scavenger hunt for your child or printing one online can give you objectives and ideas for exploring. Be sure to bring along some cool adventure items like a magnifying glass, binoculars, a bug-catching net, and gloves with you as well!

GO TO THE ZOO OR LOCAL ANIMAL SANCTUARY

A trip to the zoo is a great outing for the little animal lover in your family. Zoos provide exciting sites and sounds, tons of educational fun, and lots of walking and exercise. Many zoos have awesome shows and hands-on activities, like petting zoos, that will keep your little ones entertained.

If you don’t have a zoo near you, check out a local animal sanctuary or farm. While the animals may not be as exotic, they will be just as exciting, and there will be way more opportunities for petting and touching animals. Your visit to a sanctuary or farm will support its residents and allow your kids to learn so much about the stories and needs of individual animals.

ADVENTURE BOOKS: THE PERFECT SUMMER ACTIVITY BOOK

If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to take along on any of these summer adventure ideas, check out our Adventure Books. These notebooks are made to help your child learn and grow without making them feel like they are doing any work. They are filled with fun activities that can be done during the adventure or at home. Learn more about what’s in our Adventure Books in Our Guide to Adventure Books Blog.

Our Saddle Stitched Adventure Books come with customizable, durable covers and are designed to tag along on any adventure. We offer eight different prompted journals for our Adventure Books that make the perfect companion for fun activities and family trips:

-Aquarium

-By the Shore

-Camping

-Around Town

-Hiking

-Museum

-Parks & Nature

-Zoo