Looking for fun activities for kids this summer? Most parents won’t easily admit to this, but summer is a time of panic. After months of routine, there’s suddenly a wide open space in the kids’ calendar; and if it isn’t filled with summer workshops, the dreaded lament echoes through the house: “Mommy, wala akong magawa!”
Mommy, who herself doesn’t get a summer break, has to scramble for playdates and activities, as she wrestles with the guilt of letting the kids have too much screen time in the absence of giving them something better to do.
Our advice? Go old school. Let the kids go out and play.
Here are 15 easy and fun activities that cost next to nothing
There are plenty of fun and affordable activities to keep kids entertained during the summer months. Here are some ideas:
Make flower crowns
Pick blooms from your garden and string them together to make flower crowns. All you need extra is a roll of thin, bendable wire! See this video for a DIY tutorial.
Image from Shutterstock
Have a family photo/video shoot!
Now that you’re all dolled up, why not whip out the camera and take a family portrait? The kids can help with the set-up and styling, and we’re sure everyone will have fun when it’s time to go “wacky”.
You can also take videos to capture the feel of the moment. You’ll have fun looking back at these silly clips when the kids grow up!
Invent a new game using things around the house
Breathe new life into an old toy by using it as a prop! If adults can find hula-hoops fun again, your kids will surely be able to come up with creative ways to reuse toys they haven’t played with in years.
A photo posted by Luisa Jimenez (@worldofpatterns) on
Activities for kids: Go camping!
Spend a night under the stars, even if it’s just in your own backyard. The kids will have a blast setting up the tent and telling spooky stories at night. Make the experience extra special and just a bit more authentic by making s’mores using this easy recipe.
What to do if you don’t have a tent lying around the house?
Build a tepee!
A photo posted by @ixaescario on
3 poles and a large blanket or bed sheet are all you need to create a tepee. If you can’t find poles that are long enough, bind shorter ones together or be creative and go all-out makeshift by strategically clipping the cloth onto a clothesline!
Make a dreamcatcher
Keep to the Native American theme and hang a dreamcatcher or a similar project like wind chimes, outside your tepee. They’re inexpensive (most of the materials you’ll need are already in your crafts drawer) and fun to make! We bet you can’t stop at just making one.
Spend time with the family pet
When the family first gets a pet, all its members can’t wait to get home to play with the cute little thing. Sadly, as time goes by, the family pet becomes neglected and playing time gets lost in the hustle of everyday life.
Summer is the perfect time to spend quality time with these extra special members of the family. Tummy rubs incoming! You can also find time in the morning to have a walk with your pet and kids!
Image from Shutterstock
Activities for kids: Get to know the neighbors
You’ve lived beside them for years and exchanged Christmas presents, but there’s never really been time to sit down and have a chat with your neighbors. Invite them over for a cup of coffee as the kids play together. You might just find lifelong friends next door.
Nature scavenger hunt
Create a list of items for kids to find in your backyard or a nearby park, like specific leaves, flowers, or insects. It’s a great way to explore nature and keep them engaged.
DIY crafts
Set up a crafting station with supplies like paper, markers, glue, and recycled materials. Kids can get creative and make their own art projects, from homemade cards to paper masks.
Activities for kids: Water play
If you have access to a sprinkler or kiddie pool, water play can provide hours of entertainment. Add some water toys or balloons for extra fun.
Outdoor games
Organize classic outdoor games like tag, kickball, or relay races in your backyard or a local park. These games are not only fun but also great for keeping kids active.
Activities for kids: Picnic in the park
Image from Shutterstock
Pack a simple picnic lunch and head to a nearby park for a day of outdoor dining. Bring along a frisbee or ball for some post-picnic playtime.
DIY science experiments
Look up simple science experiments that use household ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and food coloring. Kids will have a blast while learning about science concepts.
Activities for kids: Library visits
Many libraries offer free summer programs and activities for kids, such as storytime sessions, craft workshops, and reading challenges. It’s a great way to encourage a love of reading while staying cool indoors.
Bike rides
Image from Shutterstock
Take a family bike ride around your neighborhood or on a nearby bike trail. It’s a fun way to explore the outdoors and get some exercise together.
Activities for kids: DIY obstacle course
Set up a DIY obstacle course in your backyard using items like hula hoops, cones, and jump ropes. Kids can race against each other or try to beat their own best time.
These activities are not only budget-friendly but also promote creativity, learning, and family bonding during the summer months.
Updates by Jobelle Macayan
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