Hey girl, today let's chat about the best summer activities for 10-year-olds to keep your kiddo away from a screen.
With summer right around the corner, I bet you are looking for top summer activities for 10-year-olds that will keep your kiddo from being bored.
As a mom of 4 kids who are 7, 9, 11, and 13, (a daughter and 3 sons) I am all about finding summer activities for 10-year-olds to keep my kids busy. Of course, I look for summer activities for all ages but the 10-year-old activities work well for all my kids.
Get your kiddo involved and make a “summer activities for 10-year-olds bucket list” together and he will be more likely to want to do these activities.
And tell me girl, what are your plans for the summer with your kiddo? We have so many things on our summer bucket list like boating, fishing, water fun, vacations, sports, and so much more. I hope we can squeeze it all in.
Let's jump into the best summer activities for 10-year-olds that your kiddo is going to have a blast doing.
My post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure.
Best Summer Activities for 10-Year-Olds
1. Ride Bikes
Riding bikes is a great way to get exercise and burn off some of that energy, even if it is just up and down your street.
My kids are out on their bikes all the time.
2. Go on a Nature Hike
Let your kiddo get closer to nature by going on a nature hike. It is amazing the things kids point out in nature that adults just don’t notice.
3. Read Outside
Just because it is summer doesn’t mean your kiddo shouldn’t be reading. Go to your public library often to change up the selection.
Tell your kiddo to read on a swing or grab a towel or blanket and lay in the grass to read.
I have my kids read for 30 minutes every day during the summer and they never complain about it.
4. Science Experiments
This is something you'll need to include. Trust me, your kiddo is going to go bonkers over it.
I used to be a home daycare provider and during summer, we had a science experiment day every week. They all told me it was the best day of the week.
Pinterest has a lot of science experiments but I also found a lot of good ones in this book.
5. Play
Tell your kiddo every day has to have unstructured and screenless playtime. This could be inside or out and range from Legos to football to basketball to playing in the backyard.
Your kiddo is still a kid with an imagination, so let her use it.
6. Eat Ice Cream
What is summer without a cool treat? Eat ice cream!
What is your favorite flavor? Cookie Dough is one of my favorites.
If you want to be creative with your kiddo, buy this amazing ice cream maker and make homemade ice cream with your kiddo. It is so easy and delicious!
You can even make a bunch and freeze it for later, not that it will last long.
7. Write a Story
Help your kiddo stay creative this summer by suggesting writing a story.
Just writing 20 minutes every day will make a great story by the end of the summer. And sometimes they want to write longer than 20 minutes, which is great!
8. Go to the Beach
After eating all that ice cream, head to the beach to burn off some calories.
Is it just me or does time just slip away when you go to the beach?
9. Water Fun
If you don’t have a beach nearby, do some water fun in your yard.
Water blasters, a sprinkler, water balloons, and more will keep your kiddo entertained and cooled off.
10. Have a Picnic
Girl, I know it is so easy to just eat at the table but think of the memories you are building. Pack that picnic. It doesn’t even have to be much – a sandwich will do.
Check out this soft-sided cooler. I have been using it for a few years now and I can pack food and drinks for a family of 6 with room to spare.
The best part is that it collapses down for slim storage.
11. Build a Bird Feeder
There are so many guides online for how to build a bird feeder from materials you can find at home. She will be so excited when she sees birds eating from it.
12. Fly Kites
Kids love flying kites and there are some pretty cool ones you can buy on Amazon.
Thankfully we live near an open grass space so we go often. My kids will run and run to keep that kite up in the air.
13. Board Games
There are so many amazing board games these days. And there are also a lot of solo games too. They are a fantastic way to pass the time.
We love Trouble (not just for young kids when you play in battle mode), Sorry, and Chinese Checkers, which is new for us but wow, it is a hit.
14. Create Art
Bust out those art supplies and let your kiddo get creative.
We have way too many art supplies to name here but it is amazing what your kiddo will come up with only using stickers, a pencil, and paper.
My boys love using Super Mario stickers to create scenes from the game and movie.
15. Scavenger Hunt
Are you a bit creative? Create clues to send your 10-year-old on a scavenger hunt in your house and yard.
If you are not that creative, make a list of things that they should see around your neighborhood and go for a walk together.
16. Outdoor Movie
Ok, I know this technically has a screen but what a memorable way to watch a movie together.
We do this with our neighbors and the kids can’t get enough.
17. Star Gaze
See which constellations your 10-year-old can find in the night sky.
My favorite is Orion.
18. Go Camping
Even if it is just in your backyard, go camping. Let your kiddo take charge of setting up (with your help) and stocking the tent.
My kids are always jazzed to camp in the backyard.
19. Have a Campfire
Campfires can happen any time of the day. Get hot dogs and s’mores fixings to make it extra special.
20. Go Fishing
Take your kiddo fishing. It is so relaxing and can be so exciting.
All of my kids love fishing and want to go every chance they can. It is one of my favorite things to do with them too.
21. Go Boating
You don’t have to buy a boat to go boating. Nope, you can rent one.
Luckily, we have one and my kids want to be on it multiple times a week during the summer.
22. Visit the Zoo
Explore the zoo together. There is so much to see there.
Look into a year pass. We have one and it makes going to the zoo so pleasant – not having to cram everything into one day and have worn-out kids at the end. I highly recommend looking into it.
23. Watch a Baseball Game
Grab some snacks and hit up a local baseball game. It is even better if your kiddo can bring a friend or 2.
24. Research Something New
I know I mentioned that this list is to reduce screen time but there can always be an exception. Research something new on your computer or tablet.
We have looked up new recipes, new places to visit, and how things are made.
25. Visit Somewhere New
There are so many places to visit around the world but stay as local as you like.
I like to take my kids to visit towns near us to see what we can discover.
26. Visit a National Park
If you haven’t taken your kiddo to a national park yet, this summer is THE summer to do it. These visits will be something your kiddo will never forget.
27. Go to a Theme Park
If you think your 10-year-old will like roller coasters and lots of other rides, go to a theme park.
Tell me, girl, how does your stomach handle roller coasters since you had kids? My stomach no longer agrees with those rides, boo!
28. Mini Golfing
Anyone can go mini golfing and you all will have a blast.
It is on our bucket list this summer.
29. Go to a Car Race
Take your kiddo to an amateur race car track. You will be surprised how much your kiddo will like it because I sure know I was.
Just don't forget your earplugs and that is no joke.
30. Go to the County Fair
What is summer without visiting a county fair? It is not summer in this house.
Your kiddo can enjoy animals, machinery, rides, and of course, the food!
31. Plant a Garden
Let your kiddo gain responsibility and pride by planting a garden. It doesn’t even have to be a big garden.
That food tastes so good.
32. Visit a Museum
Beat the heat and gain some knowledge by visiting a museum.
We have plenty in our area from a science museum to a children’s museum to a World War II planes museum and more.
33. See an Airshow
Take your kiddo to an air show. Wow, these are impressive to experience.
Bring water and extra sunscreen. No one wants to end a fun experience only to have to doctor sunburn.
34. Explore a Cave
Cool off by exploring a cave. Your kiddo is going to be amazed!
I have only been in 1 but we want to visit a different one this summer with our kids.
35. See Fireworks
And last but certainly not least, watch fireworks with your kids.
I challenge you to watch your kids while they watch the fireworks. Seeing that excitement is contagious and will warm your heart.
This post was all about the best summer activities for 10-year-olds.
So, what do you plan to do with your kiddo this summer? Before you know it, it will be time for school to start again.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.