75 Fun Activities to Try With the Family This Summer
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Sometimes the promise of summer vacation can be so exciting that you forget to make specific plans altogether. Just the idea of having three whole months of family time filled with summer recipes and outdoor activities can be enough to make you think that you don’t need specific family summer activities on the calendar. But making sure to have at least one outing per week planned can be a great way to keep the entire family entertained, active, and most importantly, bonded. Plus, it'll avoid the dreaded, "I'm bored!" exclamation being heard throughout the house by week five or six of summer vacation. Whether your family is more into physical activities or they’d prefer to do a craft outdoors, finding fun activities for the summertime doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.
There are countless family games, outings, and activities for both kids and adults that will keep everyone entertained and happy. Just remember — when in doubt, go outside, get some fresh air, and go for a walk with the whole group. But if that’s not an option, or you’re looking for something more involved, here are 75 summer activity ideas for your family this summer.
Have a field day.
Create a competition in your backyard using items you have at home. Make it a friendly competition with homemade ribbons as rewards, or just have some cool treats waiting for everyone when they're done competing.
Try a new sport together.
Want to try skateboarding? Roller blades? Scooters? Try a new sport and activity together. Take a lesson or learn from easy YouTube videos. Just make sure everyone wears the right safety equipment!
Make a flower arrangement.
Go out into your garden and pick some fresh flowers together, then arrange them outside. This combines a great physical activity in gardening with a more creative one in flower arranging, and it's fun for the whole family.
Go kayaking.
Borrow or rent a kayak and explore a nearby body of water for some fun physical activity that the whole family will enjoy.
Have a tea party.
Set up some snacks, drinks, and guests (in the form of stuffed animals) and have a tea party picnic outdoors on a gorgeous summer day. For little ones, this will be particularly fun.
Go fishing.
Fishing can be a perfect activity if you live near a river, lake, or pond. It can be exciting for kids and adults alike and provides a great opportunity to appreciate the stillness and peace of nature.
Go to the park.
One thing about summer activities is that anything mundane can seem extra special on the perfect summer day. Make a trip to the playground or the park feel special by bringing money for the ice cream truck, or a wireless speaker to play music.
Go to a fair.
A summer fair can be a perfect event for the family — there's food, rides, games, and lots to look at. Plus, you might be able to catch a concert or a fireworks show at the end of the night.
Have a watermelon party.
Nothing says summer quite like watermelon. Host a watermelon party and feature a ton of watermelon recipes, like this watermelon salad recipe.
Camp at home.
Pull out the tent, find the sleeping bags, and prepare the scary stories for the best sleepover ever. Camping at home can be fun, inexpensive, and will be something that the whole family will remember for years to come.
Go see some sunflowers.
Sunflowers are the happiest-looking flower around. If you're lucky enough to live near sunflower fields, go visit them with your family so everyone can marvel at the tall plants. This would also make for a great family photo op.
Go play mini golf.
It might not be fancy, but it sure is fun. Bring the family out for a game of mini golf on a Friday night and follow it up with grilling dinner outside or just picking up some pizza — winner gets to choose the toppings!
Install a rope swing.
There's something magical about a rope swing hanging from a tree limb. Install one this summer and make a day of it with the whole family, from buying the necessary tools and materials to the first inaugural rides on the swing.
Build a sandbox.
If you have toddlers or younger children in your house, a fun activity could be to build a sandbox. You could explore the yard for things like sticks and shovels to add to the sandbox, and when it's all done you'll have something that can provide entertainment for the rest of the summer.
Play a game of HORSE.
A friendly game of horse is fun, competitive, but doesn't run the risk of anyone getting hurt or overheated, either. Plus, it's a great way to practice your form if you have any future basketball players in the family.
Stargaze in your backyard.
Lie on the grass or make your kiddie pool work overtime by filling it with pillows and blankets, and host your first family stargazing night.
Host an outdoor relay race.
Who needs the summer Olympics when you can come up with your own summer games at home? Round up some supplies around the home like clothes hampers, pool noodles, and hula hoops, and turn your backyard into the best summer event it’s ever seen.
Mix up some fun summer cocktails and mocktails.
You almost can’t imagine a perfect summer without thinking about a fruity drink in hand. Whether it’s a colorful sangria or a fruity spritzer, go wild working on some new creations.
RELATED: 28 Delicious Mocktail Recipes Perfect for Every Reason and Season
Have a blind taste test.
Think you can pick out your favorite foods in a massive line up? Put it to the test. Round up the family and your favorite desserts, drinks, or condiments, get a blindfold and see if you can properly identity some summer treats without looking. No peeking!
Host a potluck.
Gather a group of friends and family in your backyard or a local park and ask them to each bring something different to the dinner table for a fun, festive afternoon.
Fly a kite.
When the winds are heavy, take your kids outside and teach them the secret to flying a piece of fabric in the air for hours at a time.
Go hiking.
You don’t have to live near the woods to experience the beauty of walking through nature. Many towns have notable trails worth exploring — check out Trailfinder to find one near you.
Roast marshmallows.
No summer is complete without a round of ooey gooey marshmallows smooshed between chocolate and graham crackers. Buy a fire pit for your backyard and get roasting.
Run in the sprinklers.
You can’t let the plants and grass have all the fun. Let loose and jump for joy through the water!
Decorate the pavement.
Crack open the box of chalks and get to work creating colorful designs on your driveway or sidewalk. Draw creative designs or use the chalk to play games such as tic-tac-toe or hopscotch.
Experiment with grilling corn.
Sure, corn is delicious any time of year, but it's really a summer food staple. Get creative with corn toppings and seasonings, like pesto, bacon, and buffalo sauce. You might discover your next barbecue hit!
Dance it out.
Put on a playlist of your favorite songs and get the family together to bust your best moves.
Practice your florist skills.
If you've got a garden full of flowers (or a local flower shop nearby where you can get inexpensive blooms), try your hand at putting together some bouquets. Display them in your home or drop them on the stoop of your local friends who could use a bit of color to brighten their day.
Make homemade ice cream.
There's nothing quite like cold ice cream on a hot summer day, and if you're looking to make your ice cream experience more unique, try making it yourself.
Have a beach photoshoot.
There’s no way you can go to the beach without taking advantage of the perfect wave backdrop. Take a few props to make the photo look official, and maybe it’ll make the cut for your new Facebook profile picture.
RELATED: 70 Best Beach Captions to Post While You're Chillin' in the Sand
Make a travel inspiration board.
Maybe you can't splurge on a family vacation this summer, but that shouldn’t stop you from dreaming about them. Keep fantasizing about where you’ll go next and save photos of them on a poster board.
Work out outside.
Take the weights and exercise mat on a patio to switch up the monotony of your fitness routine. The change of scenery just might provide some more focus and motivation to get it done.
Look for faces in the clouds.
If you haven’t identified a bunny or dinosaur in the sky, you’re missing out. Allow yourself to feel like a kid again and use your imagination for something other than figuring out how to stretch your budget.
Go for a scenic drive.
Even your home town may have some undiscovered sights worth seeing. Take a lazy Sunday drive and pay attention to the different plants and building architecture you pass by.
Plant an herb garden.
Not only is planting an herb garden cost effective as it can shave some money off your grocery bill, it’s also a great way get the kids involved in what they eat and learn a new skill.
RELATED: 54 Best Gardening Gifts for the Plant People in Your Life
Play water balloon baseball.
Even teens will have trouble resisting the silly, giggle-inducing task of trying to hit a wobbly water balloon with a plastic bat. Your yard will be littered with broken balloon pieces afterward, so entice your crew to clean up by offering a popsicle to each kid who helps out.
Make lemonade.
Store bought lemonade is great, but nothing compares to homemade lemonade made from fresh lemons and a little love.
Make a bird feeder.
Learn more about nature and which birds are native to your area by making a bird feeder. A few simple household items and a little craftiness can turn your backyard into a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Do a DIY Backyard Makeover
Find some inspiration on HGTV and get to work building your personal summer oasis. Experiment with pops of color and different elements to create a one-of-a-kind backyard project that will make you proud.
Take a virtual museum tour.
Even if you don't have a lot of nearby museums in your area, that doesn't mean you can't learn and see something new via a virtual museum tour.
Run for a cause.
Whether it’s for diabetes prevention, autism awareness, cancer research, or another cause close to your heart, it feels good to hit the pavement for a good cause. Look for 5k runs in your area and start training so you can make a difference.
Wash your car.
You can easily turn the task of washing your car into a fun activity by simply making a game out of it. Try a contest on who can clean one side of the car the fastest. Or put on some music and show off your best moves while scrubbing to the beat.
RELATED: 28 Genius Garage Organization and Storage Ideas
Stage a play in the backyard.
Why be limited to Shakespeare in the park when you can have it at home, too? Find a family movie favorite and act out your favorite scenes. Or take it a step further and do a little improv to keep the laughs rolling.
Make a time capsule.
Gather all your favorite memorabilia, write a meaningful note to your future self, and pick a spot under a tree to bury it. Years from now the nostalgic feeling when opening it will be pure bliss.
Paint a picture.
Get crafty by harnessing your creative abilities to paint a picture.
Play Uno under the stars.
Uno has always been a family game night staple, but playing it under the stars makes it even more memorable. The full moon might be exactly what everyone needs to finally agree on the rules of the game!
Make a summer playlist.
Christmas has music, so why can’t the summer? Make a compilation of your favorite summertime songs and play it whenever the mood strikes.
Go camping.
How often do you really look up at the night sky? The simple reminder that there's a whole universe beyond Earth makes stargazing so awe-inspiring. Camping, whether at a free or cheap site, or in your own backyard, is one way to reacquaint yourself with the constellations.
Make a backyard game.
The best outdoor bars have giant outdoor games. It’s time you recreate some of those fun nights at home! Make it a family project and try your hand at building a giant Connect Four or cornhole game.
Splash in a puddle.
Summer shower? Throw on a raincoat, bring out your brightest umbrella and go wild. And if you’re in the mood, you can start singing in the rain.
Can and pickle something.
Pickling your favorite fruits and vegetables isn’t just a fun hobby, it’s a delicious one at that! Preserve your favorites now and enjoy a yummy treat later.
Jump rope.
With moves like crisscross, high knees, side swing, and more, it’s tough to get bored with this activity.
Bake an apple pie.
The only thing better than having your pie and eating it too, is being able to make it yourself. Find various apple pie recipes (or pecan pie, if apple isn't your thing) and try your hand at mastering them.
Play flashlight tag.
It only makes sense to turn a regular game of tag into an extraordinary game of flashlight tag when you’ve got the warmth of summer nights on your side.
Build a sandcastle.
Whether on the beach or in a drained kiddie pool in the backyard, building a sandcastle is a creative way to take advantage of the summer sun.
Climb a tree.
Don’t think you can get past the first branch? Aim for a higher branch and make it a goal to reach it by the end of the summer.
Set up a slip and slide.
No pool, no problem. There are plenty of fun water activities you can set up in your yard with the help of a hose or some sprinklers.
Make your own popsicles.
Popsicles are the perfect summer snack. Try your hand at making your own this summer thanks to some fun popsicle recipes.
Take a nap outside.
It may not be the most high-energy summer activity, but it’s an activity that's so enjoyable. Pull out a soft blanket, lay it on the grass or in a hammock, and take advantage of what some have dubbed the laziest season of them all.
RELATED: The Best Hammocks for All Your Relaxation Needs
Build a bonfire.
Throw a great bonfire bash with family at the beach, park, or even in your own backyard.
Watch the sunset.
Few things are more perfect than the sun setting after a beautiful summer day. Lay on the blanket and savor the moment. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to capture the essence of it in a photo to relive the moment over and over again
Try scrapbooking.
Some memories deserve an extra special touch when preserving. Relive the magical moments of your life and dress them up in a scrapbook complete with glitter, bright colors, and washi tape.
Make an aquarium.
Can't make it to the beach? Bring the beach to your backyard by making these cute mini-aquariums with blue food coloring, plastic toys, plants, and rocks. You'll just need mason jars and some fun aquarium accessories.
Shop at a farmers' market.
Spend an afternoon supporting your local farmers. Treat the family to locally grown foods and let your little ones pick out the freshest berries and veggies for the week ahead.
Make a wreath.
All you need is a pile of patriotic fabric scraps and a wreath form, and you and the kids can create this festive wreath for the upcoming 4th of July holiday.
Plan a photo scavenger hunt.
Make a list of items your family or friends can find outside, like "something red" or "three types of flowers." Whoever snaps photos of the most items on the list wins! Rainy day? Set up an indoor search with these scavenger hunt riddle ideas.
Host an outdoor movie night.
Rent (or better yet, borrow) a movie projector, pop some popcorn, and break out those inflatable mattresses and pool floats for seating. A white sheet anchored to PVC pipes can serve as an easy DIY movie screen.
RELATED: How to DIY the Best Backyard Movie Night Ever
Jump on a bicycle.
If you don't own one, visit rentabikenow.com and click on your state for a list of bike shops in your area that offer rentals (typically around $36 per day).
RELATED: The 13 Best Places to Buy a Bike in 2023
Blow some bubbles.
Pick up some cheap bubble mix from the dollar store or try making your own homemade bubble solution and then get in the backyard and go wild.
Have a water-gun race.
Anyone with a playful competitive streak will love this game: Punch holes in at least two plastic cups, string them up, and see who can propel them the fastest and farthest using a squirt gun.
Build your own disc-golf course.
In this game, players take turns throwing Frisbees at various targets. Lay out a course around the lawn by marking trees and large rocks in chalk (or use chairs, buckets, or baskets). Then designate a "par" for the number of throws players have to hit each target. Keep a tally as you do in golf.
Read together.
On days when it's too hot or rainy to play outside, load up on books from the library, get cozy with a pile of blankets and pillows, and spend the afternoon reading.
Play balloon tennis.
You probably already have all of the makings for this game: paper plates, paint sticks, and a balloon. It's a fun distraction (indoor or outdoors) for younger kids. And the kids can play in the house without you worrying about what they might break when they hit it with the "ball."
Celebrate half birthdays.
Kids with December birthdays often get overshadowed by Christmas, so give them a true day in the spotlight with a half-birthday party. Keep it budget-friendly by hosting a simple backyard barbecue with cupcakes, a few friends, and some of the aforementioned games.
Find more free fun.
Check your grocery store, pediatrician's office, or local library for regional parenting publications, which often list free, family-friendly summer events in your area.
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