Hey girl, today let's chat about the best summer activities for families that you need to try before your kids leave the nest.
Summer is right around the corner and if you are anything like me, you want to pack in as many fun summer activities for families as you can.
As a mom of 4 kids who are 6, 8, 10, and 12, we love to create a summer bucket list and see how many things we can get crossed off it.
You are going to hear all about the best summer family activities that your kids will ask to do again and again.
I would love to hear all about what summer activities for families you have planned in the comments below.
Let's jump into the top summer activities for families you can’t forget about.
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Best Summer Activities For Families
1. Beach Day
Of course, this list of summer activities for families has to start with the ultimate classic – a family day at the beach.
It is a fantastic way to cool off and spend some quality time with your kids.
But is it just me, or does time seem to fly by when you are at the beach? Like, fly right on by! I always lose track of time when we are there.
We are fortunate enough to have a beach in our town but growing up we had to drive at least 30 minutes to hang out at the closest one. You know what though, I never did mind that drive!
2. Go to a Pool
If you are just too far away to cool off at the beach, what about a nearby pool? Since we have a beach, our town does not have a community pool. Thankfully 2 neighborhood towns have a pool, and we are not afraid to use them.
Your kids will be dying to show you all the neat tricks they can do there. I can’t even tell you how many times I hear “Mom, watch this” when we are at a pool.
And get in the water with them. Oh, I know, you want to be in a swimsuit just as much as I do but your kids want to share this fun time with you.
I am going to try out this swimsuit this summer.
Swim shorts leave me feeling way comfier than the traditional women’s swimsuit.
3. Check out a Water Park
Look for deals! They usually have a discount night.
Last summer, we were lucky enough to visit my sister and her family. They took us to their water park and now my kids are determined to find one near us, even if we only go 1 time.
I must admit, it was a blast!
4. Build an EPIC Sandcastle
Whether you are at the beach or have a fantastic sandbox in your backyard, as we do, help your kids build an epic sandcastle.
5. Camping
Plan a camping trip, even if it is just in your backyard.
Are you a camping family, like sleeping in a tent and the whole 9 yards? We are and my kids can’t get enough of it.
Even though we have been doing it for a while now, I am still on the fence about liking it or not. If we didn’t have the whole setup and takedown process, I think I would enjoy it a whole lot more. Any tips for this?
When you are camping, don’t forget to include a puppet show. I think this is my kids’ favorite part because they make sure to do it every trip!
Since there are 6 of us, we bought a huge tent. You can stand up straight in the corners of it.
And we also have multiple queen-air mattresses.
I know nothing screams nature more than the sound of an air mattress being blown up but that is the 1 thing I will not negotiate on when it comes to camping.
6. Star Gaze
You can go star gazing when you are camping or just in your backyard.
Now that my kids are older and can stay up later during the summer, they want to check out the stars as much as possible.
They are amazed by them and I love listening to how excited they get over finding constellations.
7. Fishing
Try fishing once and you will be hooked. See what I did there😊. But honestly, if you haven't tried fishing already with your kids, it is a must.
This is another thing my kids are just bananas about and want to go as often as they can.
I grew up fishing and can’t get enough of it. My husband did not but it is growing on him (slowly!)
8. Boating
Owning a boat can be expensive no matter what kind you buy.
But did you know you can rent one, or better yet – sweet talk a friend that has a boat so a family afternoon on the water.
I promise you won’t regret it!
9. Flying Kites
I think so many people forget about flying kites and how much fun they can be. It is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise.
My youngest will just keep on running to make sure his kite stays in the air.
We have these 2 kites and have used them a bunch.
10. Visit the Zoo
Everyone loves to see and watch animals at the zoo.
If there is an option, and you live within decent driving distance, get a year membership to your zoo.
It will pay for itself and you will all have more fun not trying to cram everything into 1 visit.
11. Watch a Baseball Game
Baseball – America’s Pastime.
We are not the biggest baseball players around here but we always manage to catch a local game or 2 every summer.
When I say local, I don’t mean professional. I don’t even want to imagine what that would cost for a family of 6.
12. Have a Campfire
Whether you are making s'mores or roasting hotdogs, having a campfire is a relaxing way to spend an evening with your kids. (It is one of my favorites!)
Nope strike that, you can have a campfire any time of the day. And you know this is true if you have young kids!
13. Watch an Outdoor Movie
Our neighbors have an outdoor movie area set up at their house and we get invited multiple times a summer to hang out and watch a movie.
They have this outdoor movie projector and screen. I was surprised at how good the movie quality is.
14. Visit A National Park
I had to look up how many National Parks there are around the U.S. – there are 63. And each one has something unique to see.
How many have you been to? I have only been to 10 but there are more that I want to visit with my kids.
If you can't make it to a national park, try a state park. They are everywhere!
15. Go to the Park
You can go to the park on your schedule and kids love them.
The best ones for kids are the ones with playgrounds. Put your phone down and get out there with your kids!
Even my 12-year-old still enjoys going to play at the park with her brothers.
16. Visit your Public Library
Keep your kids reading all summer long with frequent trips to your local library.
We go to the library every week during the summer and my kids read and reread all the books that they pick.
If you are having a hard time getting your kids interested in reading during the summer, try a book-reading challenge with them. Make sure to include some rewards that you know they will love.
17. Try a Science Experiment
Holy smokes, have you done any science experiments with your kids? It is amazing to watch their reactions to them.
I used to be a home daycare provider and all summer long we did 1 – 2 science experiments a week. The kids always asked for more!
Elephant toothpaste was the top experiment.
18. Play Ball
It doesn’t matter what kind of ball you play, just get out there with your kids and play it.
Right now, the favorite around here is football and I don't mind one bit playing catch until my arm is sore.
19. Have a Picnic
I know it is so much easier to just eat inside at your table but put the dang picnic together and get your butt outside.
You can even have a picnic in your backyard if you don’t want to go far.
I love this cooler for picnics. It fits food and drinks for 6 people with room to spare.
20. Go to a Theme Park
Bust out your wallet for this one.
I am not sure if we are going to get to this one. A few of my kids are afraid of rides and I feel like it would be a waste of our money.
If it was just my husband and me though, we would go and have a blast.
21. Play a Board Game
Board games are a great way to spend some family time at home. If you have a table outside, take the game out and play.
These are our 3 top board games right now - Ticket to Ride, Mall Madness, and Sorry.
22. Get Ice Cream
Kids will never turn down ice cream and I don’t blame them. It is delicious!
Enjoying some ice cream is also a great way to cool off during the summer.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? I can’t pass up Extra Chunky Cookie Dough.
23. DIY Ice Cream
If going out for ice cream might be too big of a hit on your wallet, yes, I have noticed those prices on the rise, try making your own ice cream at home.
Let your kids take charge and you be their helper.
This is a fantastic ice cream maker.
If I had to choose, I would take homemade ice cream over store-bought every time. There are so many toppings you can add as well.
24. Eat Freeze Pops
Here is the best advice I can give you for your kids and summer – invest in Freeze Pops.
They are cheap, will cool your kids off, and they will hydrate them too.
25. Mini Golfing
I have gone mini golfing in the past and would love to take my kids but there isn’t any close to us. It is so much fun.
However, if you have mini golfing near you then you should take your kids.
26. Go for a Bike Ride
Biking is a fantastic way to get some exercise. If your kids are a bit older, try a bike trail.
My 6-year-old is still a bit young for that so we practice up and down our block.
27. Cool Off with Water
There are 2 fantastic and cheap ways to let your kids cool off with water this summer.
You can let them have a water fight. These water squirters are so great.
You can also let them run through a sprinkler. This sprinkler is pretty decent even though it was pretty cheap.
28. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
You can make a scavenger hunt for things at your house, around your neighborhood, places you vacation at, and so much more.
From simple to complex, I have surprised myself by coming up with some fantastic scavenger hunts for my kids and they have loved all of them.
29. Have a Cookout
This is one of my favorite summer activities for families.
A cookout is such a relaxing way to spend a lazy weekend afternoon around the house.
It is even more fun when you invite some friends over (minus the extra cleaning you feel obligated to do).
My kids love a good fish fry with homemade potato chips, and we only do it on the deck due to the mess and lingering smells.
30. Go to a Car Race
There is a mini speedway not overly far from here and they have races multiple a summer. We took our kids once, not knowing what to expect, and they have wanted to go back ever since.
Important tip – if you try this, do NOT forget hearing protection. Thankfully we had it but it was still loud.
31. Go to the County Fair
Oh, I know this is going to cost you but hit up your county fair!
But with all the rides, animals, good fair food, and more to see and do, your kids will be entertained the entire time you are there.
My boys love doing bumper cars the most. My daughter hasn’t found her favorite ride yet, but she is having fun trying them all out.
32. Plant a Garden
Before you get all excited about planting a garden, please know that it takes a crazy amount of work all summer long. It also takes up a lot of space.
However, the food that comes out of your garden is so delicious.
33. Visit a Museum
If it is just way too hot out to be outside for long but you are going crazy in your house, check out a children’s museum or science museum. Make sure it has something interactive for your kids or they will be bored!
We have been to a few different ones and my kids have told me every time that they loved it.
34. Have a Dance Party
This is a great way to get your kids moving and grooving.
Get this Bluetooth speaker and crank it up.
Don’t be shy about joining in either. Dancing is a fantastic mood lifter.
35. Explore a Cave
I keep hearing that I should take my kids cave exploring but we haven’t done it yet. My husband has done it and says it is amazing.
36. Visit a New Place
We are looking for somewhere new in the U.S. to explore.
Let me know in the comments below what you would suggest for my family.
This post was all about the best summer activities for families.
Let me know in the comments below which summer activities for families you want to cross off your list.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.
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