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Summer is officially here, and you know what that means: it’s time to get out of the school runs and busy schedules and get serious with some family bonding. But let’s be real for a sec. It’s a real challenge to keep everyone entertained for three whole months without hearing the dreaded “I’m bored!” every five minutes.
So you’re looking at a blank calendar for the summer right now. Don’t panic. We’ve gathered five activities that are super fun, engaging and budget-conscious; all you need to keep the kids active, get their creative juices flowing and enjoy some quality time together.
Here are five family-friendly activities you’re sure to love this summer.
1. Plan Your Dream Sun-Soaked Coastal Getaway
Which is why the classic coastal trip is the quintessential summer tradition. The beach is a giant, natural playground for kids to build sandcastles, hunt for seashells and splash in the waves while parents can finally sit back and read a good book.
For a truly stress-free trip, browse curated travel deals that take the guesswork out of booking. Check out the beach vacation packages for family-friendly resorts with large rooms, pools for kids, and easy access to the sand without spending a fortune.
Here are a few quick tips to improve your beach day game:
- The Freeze-Frame Game: Freeze water bottles overnight to use as ice packs in your cooler. When they melt, you get ice-cold drinking water.
- A DIY Sun Station: Set up a dedicated tent or pop-up canopy so the kiddos will have a cool, shaded spot to nap or snack.
- The Post-Beach Secret Weapon: Carry a bottle of baby powder in your car. Rub it on sandy legs and feet, and the dry sand just slides off, saving your car seats from a gritty mess.
2. Spread the Joy of Music with Children
Summer is a great time to try new hobbies without the pressure of school grades or strict homework schedules. Looking for something to give your children a boost in brainpower, hand-eye coordination and a fantastic creative outlet? Why not introduce them to a musical instrument?
It is very rewarding to learn to play a stringed instrument such as the violin, viola or cello. But buying a brand-new instrument can feel like a big financial gamble for a growing child. The good news is there’s no need to buy anything up front. Choosing affordable violin rentals gives your child a chance to try out a high-quality instrument without a large investment.
Summer is a win-win for music exploration:
- Flexible learning: Children can learn at their own pace without competing with their everyday school projects.
- Size adjustments: With rental programs, you can swap out instruments as your child grows, so they always play the right fit.
- Creative Expression: On rainy summer afternoons, music is a great outlet for children to use up their energy and express their feelings.
3. Host a Backyard Camp-In Under the Stars
You don’t have to venture deep into the wilderness or pay for pricey campsites to enjoy the great outdoors. Some of the best summer memories can actually happen right in your own backyard. If your kids aren’t quite ready to do a wilderness trek, then a backyard camp-out is a great low-stakes adventure for families with younger kids.
Here are some easy steps to creating the perfect backyard campsite:
- Set Up Together: Make setting up the tent part of the fun. Let the kids help roll out the sleeping bags, fluff up the pillows and hang up some battery-powered fairy lights for a warm glow.
- No Electronics. Make the backyard a screen-free zone for the night. Swap out the tablets for flashlights, board games and deck cards.
- Easy fire-free snacks: If you don’t have a fire pit, you can easily make oven-baked s’mores or set up a DIY trail mix bar with pretzels, chocolate chips and dried fruit.
- Stargaze and Tell Stories Spread out a big blanket on the ground and look up. Use a stargazing app to find constellations or take turns telling silly ghost stories.
4. Do a Kid-Friendly Backyard Garden Project
There is nothing like getting your hands dirty in the garden to give children a wonderful sensory experience and teach them valuable lessons in patience and nature. Plus kids are much more likely to eat their veggies if they actually helped to grow them!
Even if you don’t have a massive green thumb, starting a small family garden is super easy:
- Choose fast-growing plants: Radishes, sunflowers, cherry tomatoes and bush beans grow fairly quickly and will keep kids involved and excited.
- Try container gardening: If you have a small yard, grow fresh kitchen herbs such as basil and mint in colorful pots or wooden crates on your patio or balcony.
- DIY plant markers: Spend an afternoon painting smooth river stones or wooden craft sticks to label your growing veggies.
5. Plan a “Tourist in Your Own Town” Scavenger Hunt
When was the last time you actually went exploring the historic spots, local museums or nature trails in your own zip code? We see the cool spots in our backyards every day, but we often forget about them.
To begin your hometown adventure:
- Check list: Make a list of 10 local landmarks, unique murals, or parks you’ve never been to.
- Let one child be the official map reader, one be the lead photographer, and one be the clue solver.
- Support local shops: Turn the hunt into a trip by stopping for lunch at a quirky diner or ending the day with a visit to a local ice cream parlor you’ve wanted to try.
