Fun Things To Do In The Summer With Kids – 15 Outdoor Activities For
The final school bell rings, and suddenly you have months of long, sunny days to fill. It’s easy to feel the pressure to make every moment magical, but the constant pull of screens and the “I’m bored” chorus can be a real challenge.
We promise this guide is your antidote to summer boredom. We’re moving beyond generic lists and diving into meaningful outdoor adventures that do more than just pass the time. This is your roadmap to building your kids’ confidence, teaching them real-world skills, and creating the kind of family memories that last a lifetime.
In this guide, you’ll discover a treasure trove of fun things to do in the summer with kids, from simple backyard basecamp setups to their very first overnight camping trip. We’ll cover how to get started, the essential gear you need, and the safety best practices that will let you explore with peace of mind.
The Backyard Basecamp: Starting Adventures at Home
You don’t need to travel far to start building outdoor skills. Your own backyard can be the perfect training ground for bigger adventures, offering a low-stakes environment to learn and play. This is a fantastic Fun Things To Do In The Summer With Kids guide for absolute beginners.
1. Build a Debris Hut or Tarp Shelter
Forget the pop-up play tent. Teach your kids basic shelter-building principles using a simple tarp, some rope, and a few trees or fence posts. Or, go even more primitive and build a debris hut from fallen branches and leaves.
This activity teaches knot-tying (try a taut-line hitch!), problem-solving, and the fundamentals of staying protected from the elements. It’s a hands-on lesson in resourcefulness.
2. Master Campfire Cooking (Safely!)
Cooking over an open flame is a core outdoor skill. Start with a backyard fire pit or a portable option like the Solo Stove. Begin with the basics: roasting hot dogs or marshmallows on sticks.
Graduate to foil packet meals. Let the kids chop veggies (with supervision), add a protein, and wrap it all up in heavy-duty aluminum foil. It’s a delicious way to learn about heat management and fire safety.
3. Become Backyard Stargazers
Once the sun goes down, the adventure continues. Lay out a blanket and look up. Download a stargazing app like SkyView Lite to help identify constellations, planets, and satellites.
Talk about how ancient explorers used the stars to navigate. This simple activity fosters a sense of wonder and connects kids to the vastness of the universe. For a clearer view, a simple pair of binoculars can make a world of difference.
Local Park & Nature Preserve Explorations
Your local green spaces are incredible resources for low-cost, high-impact adventures. These outings are perfect for a morning or afternoon and teach kids the joys of discovery and observation.
4. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of things for your kids to find: a Y-shaped stick, a smooth stone, a feather, three different types of leaves, something a squirrel might eat. This turns a simple walk into an engaging mission.
It sharpens observation skills and teaches them to pay attention to the small details of the natural world. This is one of the easiest eco-friendly Fun Things To Do In The Summer With Kids.
5. Try Geocaching: A Modern-Day Treasure Hunt
Geocaching is an amazing way to blend technology and nature. Using a GPS-enabled device (your smartphone works perfectly), you navigate to specific coordinates to find hidden containers, or “geocaches.”
Sign up for a free account on Geocaching.com to get started. It’s an exciting way to practice navigation and explore new corners of your local parks.
6. Become Junior Ornithologists (Bird Watchers)
Birds are everywhere, and learning to identify them is a skill that can last a lifetime. Grab a pair of binoculars (the Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars are a great, affordable starter option) and a local bird identification guide or the Merlin Bird ID app.
Start by identifying common birds like robins and sparrows. The challenge of spotting and identifying a new species is surprisingly addictive.
Water-Based Fun: Staying Cool and Learning Skills
When the summer heat is at its peak, heading to the water is a must. These activities are not only refreshing but also teach respect for our waterways and important water safety skills.
7. Go Creek Stomping
Find a shallow, slow-moving creek and let the kids explore. Equip them with sturdy water shoes (like Keen Newport H2 Sandals) to protect their feet. They can look for crayfish, minnows, and interesting rocks.
This is a sensory experience that connects children directly with an aquatic ecosystem. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and return any critters you find to their home.
8. Try Paddling a Kayak or Canoe
Renting a tandem kayak or a canoe for a few hours on a calm lake is a fantastic introduction to paddling. It teaches teamwork, communication, and the basics of water navigation.
Always ensure everyone wears a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD). This is a non-negotiable safety rule. This is one of the key benefits of Fun Things To Do In The Summer With Kids—learning critical safety habits early.
9. Learn to Fish Ethically
Fishing teaches patience, persistence, and a deep connection to the food web. Start with a simple spin-casting rod and some worms at a local stocked pond.
Check your state’s regulations for licensing requirements (kids often don’t need one) and catch limits. Teach them to handle fish gently and practice catch-and-release to foster a conservation mindset.
Hitting the Trail: A Guide to Your First Family Hike
Hiking is the quintessential outdoor activity. It builds resilience, offers incredible views, and is a fantastic workout for the whole family. Success lies in proper planning.
10. Choose the Right Trail
Don’t overwhelm your kids with a long, steep trail. Use apps like AllTrails and filter for “kid-friendly” hikes. Look for trails with interesting features like a waterfall, a lake, or a cool rock formation as a destination.
A good rule of thumb for distance is about half a mile for every year of age. A 6-year-old can likely handle a 3-mile round trip.
11. Pack the “Ten Essentials” for Kids
Even on a short hike, teaching kids to be prepared is vital. Get them a small, comfortable daypack (like the REI Co-op Tarn 12) and help them pack their own kid-sized essentials:
- A reusable water bottle
- High-energy snacks
- A rain jacket
- A whistle for emergencies
- A small first-aid kit
- A headlamp (even for a day hike!)
12. Make it Fun with Trail Games
Combat trail fatigue with engaging games. Play “I Spy” with nature-themed objects, sing songs, or create a story together where each person adds a new sentence.
The goal is to focus on the journey, not just the destination. This is one of the most important Fun Things To Do In The Summer With Kids tips for avoiding meltdowns.
The Ultimate Overnight Adventure: A Family Camping Trip
Camping is the culmination of many outdoor skills. It can seem intimidating, but a well-planned first trip will build a foundation for a lifetime of adventure.
13. Do a Test Run at a State Park
Choose a state park campground with amenities like flush toilets and running water for your first trip. This provides a safety net while you get comfortable with your gear and routine.
Book your site well in advance, especially for popular summer weekends. Look for sites that offer a bit of shade and a flat spot for your tent.
14. Get Kids Involved in Setup
Give your children age-appropriate tasks. They can help unroll sleeping bags, inflate sleeping pads (a pump like the Flextailgear Tiny Pump makes this fun), and organize gear inside the tent.
This sense of ownership makes them feel like a valuable part of the team. A good family tent like the Coleman Skydome 6-Person Tent offers plenty of room to get organized.
15. Master One Great Camp Meal
Don’t try to be a gourmet chef on your first trip. Master one simple, crowd-pleasing meal like campfire tacos or “hobo” stew in foil packets. Having a reliable meal plan reduces stress significantly.
And of course, end the night with campfire stories and s’mores. It’s a classic for a reason!
Essential Fun Things To Do In The Summer With Kids: Best Practices for Safety & Sustainability
Knowing how to Fun Things To Do In The Summer With Kids safely and responsibly is paramount. These principles apply to every activity, from the backyard to the backcountry.
Addressing Common Problems
The most common problems with Fun Things To Do In The Summer With Kids outdoors are easily preventable. Always be prepared for:
- Dehydration: Everyone needs their own water bottle. Make frequent “water breaks” a rule.
- Sunburn: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before you leave and reapply every two hours. Wear hats and sun-protective clothing.
- Bugs: Use an appropriate insect repellent. Check for ticks thoroughly after spending time in wooded or grassy areas.
- Getting Lost: Teach kids what to do if they get separated: “Hug a Tree” and stay in one place. Equip them with a whistle.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Practices
We have a responsibility to care for the places we play. Instill these sustainable Fun Things To Do In The Summer With Kids habits early:
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: Whatever you bring with you must leave with you. This includes apple cores and banana peels.
- Leave What You Find: Take pictures, not souvenirs. Leave rocks, flowers, and pinecones for others to enjoy.
–Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Never feed wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fun Things To Do In The Summer With Kids
What is the best age to start taking kids camping or hiking?
You can start at any age! For infants, a comfortable carrier like the Ergobaby Omni 360 is perfect for short hikes. Toddlers can manage short, flat trails. The key is to adjust your expectations and the difficulty of the activity to their age and ability.
How do I keep my kids from getting bored or complaining on a long outing?
The secret is engagement. Pack plenty of their favorite snacks, play trail games, give them a “job” like being the navigator or photographer, and choose destinations that are exciting for them. Frequent breaks are also essential.
What are the absolute must-have safety items for a family day trip?
At a minimum, every family should carry a well-stocked first-aid kit, extra water, extra food/snacks, sun protection (sunscreen, hats), and a fully charged cell phone. For trail adventures, add a map of the area and a whistle for each family member.
The goal of getting outside with your family isn’t to conquer epic peaks or paddle raging rivers—at least, not at first. It’s about disconnecting from the daily grind and reconnecting with each other and the natural world.
Start small, be prepared, and focus on the fun. These shared experiences will build a foundation of confidence, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors that will benefit your children for the rest of their lives. Now get out there and start exploring!
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