Now that summer is almost here, kids are excited for their break from school and the warm sunny weather. This is also a new concern for parents to keep their children entertained and active. Finding the right summer activities for kids can be tricky, especially when you want to balance indoor and outdoor fun. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll share some of the coolest indoor and outdoor summer activities that will keep your kids engaged, happy, and far from bored.
From all the options we’ll introduce, you can choose the activity that best fits your child’s taste, conditions, and available resources. Whether your child loves creative projects, physical games, or exploring nature, there’s something here to keep them engaged and excited. So, let’s dive in and make this summer unforgettable for your little ones!
Why Are Summertime Activities Important for Children?
Based on research on the effects of summertime experiences on children’s development, to answer the earlier question, we should first understand how children grow and learn. When kids are young, their brains grow really fast, especially between ages 0 to 3. During this time, they’re learning all kinds of things like emotions, language, thinking, and how to move their bodies. Their experiences during these early years matter as they shape how they grow and learn later on.
For example, kids learn a lot by exploring and playing, especially when they have caring adults and older kids to help them. On the other hand, not having enough good opportunities to play can make it harder for kids to grow and learn well. That’s why it’s important to think about how to make sure all kids have good chances to learn and play, especially during the summer when they have more free time.
What Are the Best Indoor Summer Activities?
When the summer heat becomes too intense, it might be a better idea to stay indoors and engage in different activities. In this situation, having a list of things to do with kids at home can be a lifesaver. Here are some of the best indoor summer activities to keep your kids entertained.
Arts and Crafts
If your children are into summer art activities and making crafts, you can set up a craft station and keep their creativity flowing. Gather supplies like colored paper, markers, glue, scissors, stickers, and any other craft materials you have. Children’s creativity is endless and you’ll see how they’ll come up with unique ideas. However, here are some projects you can work on:
- Greeting cards for friends and family
- Custom picture frames
- Themed collages like nature, favorite foods, or dream vacations
- Origami
- Collages with leaves, twigs, flowers, and other natural materials
Indoor Treasure Hunt
Hide a treasure somewhere, draw a map with clues, and let your child find it. This is what an indoor treasure hunt is about. It can turn an ordinary day into an exciting adventure. Here’s how to set it up:
- Draw a simple map of your house and mark the hiding spots.
- Write clues that lead your kids from one spot to the next.
- Hide small toys, treats, or coupons for fun activities like extra screen time or a special snack.
Cooking and Baking
Children often enjoy being involved in the process of making snacks or baking cookies. Cooking activities for preschoolers can be a fun and educational activity. Here are some ideas:
- Baking Cookies: Choose simple cookie recipes and let your kids measure and mix ingredients.
- Homemade Pizza: Provide a variety of toppings and let your kids design their own pizzas.
- Fun Snacks: Make fruit kebabs, yogurt parfaits, or sandwiches cut into fun shapes.
Board Games and Puzzles
Being one of the best summer family activities, board games, and puzzles are excellent for entertaining the whole family. They can improve family bonding and develop critical thinking skills. To find what is best for your family, you can take a look at the top 10 family board games we have already provided. Some classics include:
- Monopoly: Teach kids about money and strategy.
- Scrabble: Enhance their vocabulary and spelling skills.
- Clue: A mystery-solving game to teach kids deductive reasoning.
- Jenga: A game of physical skill to improve the sense of balance and coordination.
- Jigsaw Puzzles: From 100-piece puzzles for younger kids to 1000-piece puzzles for older children and families, there’s a wide variety to choose from.
- Rubik’s Cube: There are various spin-offs and easier versions for younger children.
Storytime and Reading
Reading books exposes children to a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures, helping them develop strong language skills. It also transports children to different worlds, enhancing their imagination and creativity. So, when it comes to fun summer activities for kids, don’t forget about devoting some time to reading and telling stories. Create a cozy reading nook with pillows and blankets to make storytime special. Then, take turns reading chapters from their favorite books.
DIY Movie Theater
Turn your living room into a movie theater for a fun family activity. Then Let the kids choose their favorite movie. Gather all the family members to watch the movie and eat snacks. You can arrange blankets and pillows for a comfortable viewing experience. Then, bring popcorn, nachos, or any favorite movie snacks to make the activity even more fun for kids. At the end, discuss the content and ask for children’s points of view on the story and characters.
Building Forts
This is one of the children’s favorite indoor activities. First, you can use blankets and sheets to drape over furniture to create cozy hideaways. Let the kids decorate their forts with fairy lights, pillows, and stuffed animals. Just make sure the place is safe enough for doing physical activities. Kids can play, read, or even have a snack inside their new hideout.
What Are the Cool and Safe Summer Outdoor Activities?
If your children prefer to spend their time outside and soak up the sun, you can offer them various fun games and activities. These will keep them entertained and active, consuming their whole energy till it’s bedtime. As a result, they will have high-quality sleep as they get to play and have fun during the day.
Water Play
Kids love running through sprinklers, splashing in pools, and throwing water balloons. It’s also a great way to cool off when it’s hot outside. Playing with water lets kids use their imagination to make up games and have adventures. They may prefer building sandcastles at the beach or sliding down water slides in the backyard. Either way, playing with water is a sure way to make summer memorable!
Nature Walks and Hikes
Exploring nature is a wonderful way for kids to learn about the environment. Take them to natural environments, like forests or parks, to see all kinds of plants and animals. They can find leaves, rocks, and bugs along the way. It’s a fun adventure to go on with family or friends. Walking in nature is good exercise, and it’s nice to get fresh air and sunshine. Plus, it’s a great way to appreciate the beauty of nature all around us!
Camping
When it comes to entertainment in this hot season, summer camp activities for kids stand out as the most favorable ones! Campers can learn new skills, make friends, and create lasting memories while participating in a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, sports, nature exploration, and team-building games. They can also roast marshmallows around a campfire, compete in friendly competitions, or put on a talent show. This is how summer camp offers a diverse range of experiences that promote personal growth, social development, and fun-filled adventures in the great outdoors.
Don’t know a great camping team for your child? No worries, you can also turn your backyard into a campsite for a fun adventure without leaving home! In this way of summer camp activities, you can set up a tent and let the kids help with the process. Make s’mores or hotdogs over a portable fire pit or grill and use a telescope or simply lie on blankets and look for constellations.
Sports and Games
Summer is the perfect time for kids to get outdoors and enjoy sports and games. Whether it’s playing soccer in the backyard, shooting hoops at the local park, or organizing a game of tag with friends, there are endless possibilities for active fun. Kids can also try new sports like frisbee golf, volleyball, or tennis, which are perfect for sunny days. Sports not only provide physical exercise but also promote teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship. With a little creativity and imagination, kids can turn any outdoor space into their own sports arena and spend hours having active fun in the sun.
Gardening
Children can start by planting seeds or seedlings in pots or a small garden plot. They can choose their favorite flowers, vegetables, or herbs to grow and take responsibility for watering, weeding, and caring for their plants throughout the summer. Gardening teaches kids about the life cycle of plants, the importance of patience and nurturing, and the satisfaction of watching their efforts bloom and grow. It’s also a great way to instill a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment while enjoying the beauty and bounty of nature right in their own backyard.
Picnics
Picnics are a delightful way for kids to enjoy a meal outdoors and soak up the sunshine. Let kids choose where to have a picnic, in the park, at the beach, or in the backyard. They can help pack a picnic basket with their favorite foods like sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and drinks. They can spread out a blanket, set up a picnic table, or find a shady spot under a tree to enjoy their meal together with family and friends. Picnics provide a relaxed and casual atmosphere for kids to socialize, play games, and enjoy nature’s beauty while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Final Word
Summer is a wonderful time for kids to explore, create, and have fun both indoors and outdoors. With the right mix of activities, you can ensure your children stay engaged, active, and safe throughout the season. From arts and crafts and cooking projects to nature walks, and camping, there’s a wide array of options to keep the boredom at bay and create enjoyable time for our children.
As you plan these activities, it’s also essential to ensure your children’s safety and monitor their screen time effectively. This is where Safes, our parental control app, comes in handy. Similar to parental controls on Android, Safes allows you to set limits on your kids’ device usage, monitor their online activities, and keep them safe from inappropriate content. With our app, you can have peace of mind knowing that your children are enjoying their summer both responsibly and safely.
Ready to make this summer the best one yet? Download Safes on Android and iOS today and take advantage of our free trial. Ensure your kids have a fun, safe, and balanced summer with the help of Safes.
