Furthermore, checking the local newspaper, subscribing to local sites like the zoo, the aquarium, family fun centers, can help you come up with activities and get discounts.  Getting off the electronics and outside getting fresh air and enjoying the sunshine should be at the top of your list.

Fun Summer Activities for Kids: 

Crafts and Coloring – First, I occupy the 6  year old with crayons and printables that I collect all year. My grandson loves to do printables too.

Paint Party  – Next, invite a few of their friends over.  Set-up a table outside in a shady spot and let them paint, color and draw until their heart is content.  Serve snacks and fun drinks.

Matinee Movies – Matinees are a great summer activity with the kids. They’re much cheaper than evening shows.  Also, theaters in my area offer free movies once a week until the end of the summer.  Check out your local theater for freebies.

Family Fun Center – Next, add a water park to your list of summer activities for kids. You can also include arcade centers, paint ball fun and more.

We’ll spend a day at Shenandoah Caverns in Virginia – They have beautiful caverns, an area that houses props from Presidential Inaugurations, floats from Macy’s and the Rose Bowl parades, and an original 1957 Cafe that serves old time shakes, burgers and fries.  So, check out your local area for unique places to visit.

Day At The Park – Furthermore, I will be planning an old fashioned picnic.  Something most parents have lost sight off these days. I will be packing a picnic basket with sandwiches, drinks etc. and find a spot where we can just enjoy nature. The park also has swings, ducks, and paddle boats  Adding in a walk will be the perfect way to get exercise with the kids too. No grilling on this day.

Story Hour At the Library –  Just as important, I’m still partial to actual books and I’ve started a library for both of my grandchildren. I think it’s important that the kids be exposed to books and family friendly stories.  Our local library also offers activities, so I’ll have to see what’s on the calendar during their stay.

Baking Day – We’ll make funnel cake and bake cupcakes.  The kids love to cook.  I found a kit that has flower pots that we can bake the cupcakes in.  Delicious Blooming Cupcakes baked in a flower pot makes a yummy day.

Visit a Farmer’s Market – We’ll spend a few hours at a local farm picking berries to make homemade jam.  They love it on toast and biscuits.  Many also have farm animals, fields of flowers, hay rides and other activities.

Home Movie Day – We’ll spend the day watching movies from the home DVD collection and eating popcorn. I also have Infinity on Demand.  I can found shows or movies that we didn’t see at the theater.

Backyard Movie Night –  Purchase a King size white sheet and a movie projector.  Set up the backyard with strings of lights, chairs and snacks.  We purchased a movie screen from Amazon at a reasonable price.  We found that it saved us time from having to put together a screen each time we wanted to use it.  Additionally, we purchased a outdoor movie projector, which we absolutely love.  It’s easy to put up and take down.  It stores perfectly in my outdoor storage building.

Sprinkler Day –  I’ll invite a few friends or cousins over to spend the day running through the sprinkler.  The kids have a great time.  I purchased an outdoor dressing room, which is perfect for drying off and changing clothes before heading home or in the house.  I love it, it can be used for camping too.  

Sleep Over – I’ll invite a few of their cousins over to spend the day running through the sprinklers and a sleep over.  I have issues with public pools and the things that happen in them.  They can’t add enough chlorine for me! I’m debating on whether or not I want to put a pool in my backyard.  Once I retire, we’ll be able to enjoy it during the summer.

Fishing  – We’ll spend the day fishing and throwing back the fish at one of the stocked ponds in the area.  Life jackets for this one.

Summer Reading List –  We’re all avid readers in my family, and this summer I will be adding to my grandson’s summer reading list.  I will be downloading a few books on his Kindle, but I also want him to enjoy handling a good old fashion book.

Nature Hike – Summer activities for kids should include a day with nature. Set up a day to go on a small nature hike.  Give each kid a backpack with water, snacks, a magnifying glass, and disposal camera. You can look for bugs, birds, and flowers.

Bird Watching – Add birding to your summer activities for kids. Buy inexpensive binoculars for the kids and find them a shady spot in the backyard where they can watch the birds from a feeding station. Let them fill up the feeders, and than wait for the birds to retrieve the treats.  This is an excellent way to have them engage with nature.

Sea Shell Hunt – If you live close to the beach, set up a day to go on a sea shell hunt. You can use the shells to make crafts or to use in your decor.

Garden –  Start a flower or vegetable garden with your kids.  A few pots on the patio or deck is a great place to start.  Carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes are great vegetables.  Petunias and marigold are great flowers to plant.

Write Letters to Soldiers – Our troops are always receptive to hearing about what’s happening at home.  Making a Pen Pal can be a great experience for the soldier and child.

Organize a Care Package Drive for Soldiers – Our soldiers always need items when they are overseas.   Organize a neighborhood care package drive.  As a result, be sure to add this one to your summer activities for kids.

Volunteer for Day Camps –   This is a great job for a teen.  It helps with leadership, communication and problem-solving skills, which look great on your college resume.  Colleges appreciate students who volunteer.

Roast Hot Dogs and Making S’mores – My grandchildren love hot dog roasts and making s’mores.  I never got around to building one.  Although it is currently unavailable, I purchased this fire pit several years ago.  It’s a great addition to the backyard.  Building one is still on my list though.

Volunteer to Read at the Nursing Home – Interacting with our elderly is so important.  Reading can be a great pass time for our senior, and a great way to knock out the books on your kids reading list.

Volunteer at the Local Boys and Girls Club – Many boys and girls clubs help under privileged children participate in sports and learn other skills to help them overcome any disadvantages.  It’s a great way to meet other children and enhance skills.

Camp In the Back Yard – If your children have never been camping, start in the backyard.  It’s a great way to bond with dad too.

Volunteer at Your Local YMCA – Volunteering at the YMCA is a great way to give back to the community, and help children learn new skills.  Additionally, they offer swimming lessons.  If you want to strengthen your child’s swimming skills, the YMCA is a great place.

Assist at a Local Food Bank –  Sorting and putting together boxes for those in need is fulfilling.  It gives kids a chance to see and appreciate what they have at home.

Horseback Lessons –  Last, many equestrian centers offer summer activities for kids.  Many offer riding lessons during the summer months.  Additionally, it’s a great way to learn about horses and their care.  So, be sure to check with private farms/ranches for activities too.

Finally, we hope that you find a few of our summer activities for kids inspirational.  Start planning with your kids, and get your kids off to a great summer. What activities do your children like to do or participate in during the summer?