Summer is the perfect time to spend quality moments with your kids, making memories and exploring new adventures. Whether you're looking to relax at home or go on exciting outings, there are endless possibilities to keep everyone entertained. Here are 15+ summer activities that will spark creativity, adventure, and fun for kids of all ages.
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Get your artsy side on and turn your living room into a crafting studio! Whether it’s creating homemade tie-dye shirts, making friendship bracelets, or painting flower pots, crafting with your kids lets their imagination run wild. Plus, it’s a great way to express creativity and make beautiful keepsakes. Set up a “craft station” outside with plenty of supplies and let the kids go to town on their creations.
Beat the summer heat by making your own ice cream at home! Experiment with different flavors, add-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles, and create your own frozen treats. You can make simple no-churn recipes or invest in an ice cream maker for more serious creations. Either way, this is a sweet way to spend time together.
Summer is the season of fresh ingredients, so why not get your kids involved in cooking? Try simple and fun recipes like homemade ice cream, fruit popsicles, or grilled vegetable kabobs. Cooking is not only a great bonding activity, but it also teaches kids valuable kitchen skills and the joy of creating something from scratch. Plus, they’ll love tasting the delicious results!
Planting a garden is a wonderful way to teach your kids about nature and the environment. Whether you have a large backyard or just a small container garden, growing flowers, vegetables, or herbs with your children can be a rewarding experience. Watch as your plants bloom and grow, and get your little ones involved in watering, weeding, and harvesting. It's an activity that promotes patience and a love of nature.
Not only will you get to enjoy the beauty of a garden, but you can also add a creative twist by making your own garden decorations! Encourage your kids to create stepping stones with paint, decorative birdhouses, or painted flower pots. These unique DIY projects will add charm to your garden while giving the kids an opportunity to get hands-on with the design.
For a dose of nature and adventure, head to a national park this summer. Explore the wilderness, hike trails, go on a scavenger hunt, and look out for wildlife. For example, Niagara Falls National Park is not just a place to see the breathtaking falls but also offers walking trails, boat tours, and picnic spots. It’s a great way to get active and appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors!
Rainy day? No problem! Visit an exciting arcade like the Lucky Snake Arcade in Atlantic City, which boasts the largest arcade in America. With a massive collection of games, from classic pinball machines to high-tech video games, your kids will be entertained for hours. Play together, win tickets, and collect cool prizes—this is one arcade experience you won’t want to miss.
Take a peaceful trip to the Butterfly Atrium and Flower Garden in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Surrounded by vibrant flowers and fluttering butterflies, it’s the perfect place to explore nature’s wonders. Kids will love learning about the lifecycle of butterflies and the plants that attract them. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to snap some beautiful photos for lasting memories.
Who says Christmas has to wait until December? Bring the holiday magic to your summer by celebrating Christmas in July! Decorate the house with lights and ornaments, make Christmas cookies, and watch your favorite holiday movies. You can even have a gift exchange or organize a “Santa” scavenger hunt. It’s a fun and lighthearted way to add some holiday cheer to the summer season.
Nothing says summer like a trip to a waterpark! Whether you’re visiting the Great Wolf Lodge’s water park or heading to Island Water Park in Atlantic City, kids will have a blast on the water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. These parks offer a mix of excitement and relaxation, making it the ultimate summer day out. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and towels for a full day of fun!
Teach your kids the importance of bees and other pollinators by creating a bee-friendly garden together. You can also build a bug hotel—a DIY structure that provides shelter for beneficial insects like bees, ladybugs, and butterflies. This activity teaches kids about ecosystems and how every creature plays a role in keeping nature in balance. Plus, it’s a great hands-on project!
Rainy days are a perfect opportunity to explore local museums or science centers. Many children’s museums offer hands-on exhibits where kids can explore science, history, and art through interactive activities. It’s both educational and entertaining, and it’s a great way to spark curiosity in young minds.
If you're near the coast, a trip to the beach is a must! Pack a picnic, build sandcastles, and enjoy the surf and sand. Kids will love collecting seashells, wading in the water, or playing beach volleyball. It’s the ultimate summer experience.
Turn mealtime into an adventure by visiting a kid-centric restaurant like Chuck E. Cheese, Rainforest Café, or a themed eatery. These places offer more than just food—they provide entertainment, interactive experiences, and a fun atmosphere for kids to enjoy while they eat.
Escape to the Great Wolf Lodge, a perfect vacation spot for families. Whether it's in Perryville, Maryland, or one of their many other locations, your family can enjoy a stay packed with water park fun, interactive activities, and relaxing amenities. Kids can experience thrilling water slides, splash zones, and even themed rooms, making it an unforgettable summer trip. Plus, it's a safe and friendly environment for families to bond and unwind.
There you have it— 15+ awesome summer activities to enjoy with your kids this year! From nature excursions to arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone. This summer, make the most of the time you have with your children by turning each day into a new adventure. Happy summer!
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