Summer is one of my favorite times of year. I love all the BBQs, swimming parties and beach days. It’s the best time to explore and have fun with your kiddos since most of the time the weather is nice and the kids are out of school. However, sometimes I run out of fun ideas for getting us outside. Here is a list of 13 great outdoor activities to do with your kids this summer.
1. Picnic At The Park
Instead of eating lunch or dinner at home pack the food up and take it outside! The kids will love being able to run around and play after they’re done with their food. Plus, after all the running around they’ll definitely be tired and ready for bed and shouldn’t put up too much of a fight when that time comes.
2. Water Balloon Games
When it’s hot outside kids love playing in water and water balloons are a great way for kids to cool down in the heat. There are so many games you can play with water balloons that will your kids will not only love, but will keep them busy for a while. Just keep filling up those balloons and they’ll be happy!
3. Have A Lemonade Stand
I don’t think I’ve ever known a kid that hasn’t, at some point in their childhood, dreamt of having a lemonade stand. It’s not only a great way to pull the neighborhood together by supporting your lemonade stand, but also a great way to teach your children about money, working, and making delicious lemonade.
4. Go On A Nature Walk Or Hike
Taking the kids for a walk is an easy activity to do and doesn’t have to be fancy by any means. You can walk around the neighborhood, take a nature walk in a local park, or go on a more intense hike. Either way you will get out of the house, get some exercise, and create a learning experience for your kids. You can point out native plants, teach them what to do if they ever got lost, tell them the importance of keeping hydrated while walking/hiking, etc.
5. Backyard Campout
As you’ve probably learned by now, kids love the opportunity to sleep anywhere but their bed, so they will definitely jump at the idea of having a campout in the backyard. Set up your tent, play games, tell stories, and stay up late. It’ll be a nice change from the normal nightly routine, and will definitely be something they’ll always remember.
6. Take A Bike Ride
If your family doesn’t already have bikes, it may be something you’ll want to invest in for the summer. They are a great way to get some family time, exercise, and some time outdoors. I’m sure your kids will be begging to go on more bike rides after you do your first one. If you’re concerned about their safety on the streets, just take the bikes to the park and ride the bikes around the park. No matter where you take them, they’ll be sure to have fun.
7. Visit The Farmers Market
The farmers market is a great place for the whole family to go to. You can sample fresh fruits, taste delicious treats, listen to live music, and learn a lot about local companies in your neighborhood. It’s the perfect activity for a week night or saturday morning.
8. Outdoor Movie
Often times, cities will play movies outdoors in local parks during the summer. People bring their children, camping chairs or blankets to sit on, and food. Sometimes there are even dessert stands where you can buy candy, popsicles, or ice cream sandwiches. Just check out yours, or your neighboring city’s website to see if they do anything like this.
9. Fly Kites
Growing up, my dad had a kite that we would take to our local park on beautiful days and fly around. It was always such a treat when he suggested to go fly the kite because we loved watching how amazing it was that something could fly so high in the air. You can buy a simple, inexpensive kite, or get a fancy, more expensive one. Either way it will be a fascinating site to see and I guarantee your kids will love seeing it.
10. Concert In The Park
A lot of cities have free concerts in the park during the summer, and when I say concert I don’t mean a head banging, crazy rocker concert. Since it’s put on by the city, it’s usually family friendly bands like Beach Boys or The Beatles impersonators. Not only is the music family friendly, but it’s a great way to spend the evening outdoors. The kids can dance to the music, run around in the park, and enjoy their dinner either from the concession stands or the picnic dinner you brought from home. Either way, it’ll be fun for the whole family.
11. Have A Bonfire
We all know how intrigued kids are by fire. It’s definitely something that they love to watch and be around, but as parents we need to make sure it’s safe. Having a safe bonfire either in the mountains, or on the beach, is an incredibly fun activity. You can make s’mores, foil dinners, roast hot dogs, sing campfire songs, play games, and create lasting family memories.
12. Play In The Sprinklers
When it gets hot during the summer and you don’t have a pool, kids (and us moms) will do anything to cool off. I remember running through the sprinklers as a kid and having a blast! We would play for hours in the water and even though the water was cold, we didn’t mind. We were outside, playing with friends and family, and cooling off. It was definitely one of my favorite activities as a kid. Just flip the sprinklers or, if you don’t have sprinklers, get an attachment to place on the hose that will spray the water out in fun ways.
13. Family Car Wash In Swim Suits
For some reason kids love washing the car, and what better way to have fun with your family, and get some work done too? Washing the car is a great family activity that kids of all ages can help out with. You can all jump in your swim suits, wash the car, splash each other, play in the puddles, and teach your kids how to properly wash a car!
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Mary Mulroney
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