Fun Things To Do With Kids In The Summer – Your Guide To Unforgettable
That familiar summer chorus of “I’m bored!” is about to begin. You see the long, sun-drenched days stretching out, and you know you want to fill them with more than screen time and trips to the mall. You want to create memories, teach valuable skills, and connect as a family in a meaningful way.
We promise this guide will show you exactly how. Forget generic lists of activities—we’re diving deep into practical, skill-building, and genuinely fun things to do with kids in the summer that will build their confidence and ignite a lifelong love for the outdoors.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from turning your backyard into a basecamp and discovering hidden gems in your local area to planning your first family camping trip. You’ll get actionable tips, gear recommendations, and the safety know-how to explore with peace of mind.
Why Getting Outdoors is the Best Summer Plan
Choosing to spend time outdoors isn’t just about escaping boredom; it’s an investment in your family’s well-being. The benefits of fun things to do with kids in the summer, especially in nature, are immense and long-lasting.
When kids swap screen time for trail time, they build physical strength and coordination. They learn to navigate uneven terrain, assess risks, and trust their bodies. This builds a foundation of physical confidence that serves them for life.
Beyond the physical, nature is the ultimate classroom. It teaches resilience when a sudden rain shower pops up, problem-solving when they have to figure out how to cross a creek, and a deep sense of wonder when they spot a deer on the trail. These experiences foster a connection to the natural world, which is the first step toward creating future stewards of our planet.
Backyard Basecamp: Easy Adventures Right at Home
You don’t need to travel far to start your adventure. Your own backyard can be the perfect training ground for bigger trips and a fantastic place to build core skills. This is the ultimate starting point for our fun things to do with kids in the summer guide.
Master the Art of Tent Pitching
Setting up a tent for the first time in a dark, windy campground is stressful. Setting one up in your sunny backyard is a fun puzzle. Let the kids lead the way, helping them match color-coded poles and figure out where the rainfly goes.
A simple, reliable dome tent like the Coleman Sundome is perfect for this. Lay out all the parts, walk them through the instructions, and let them get hands-on. This single activity teaches teamwork, problem-solving, and the basics of shelter.
Backyard Campfire & S’mores Safety
A fire is mesmerizing, but safety is paramount. Use a portable fire pit like a Solo Stove Ranger for a contained, low-smoke experience, or use a designated, clear spot far from any structures. Before you even strike a match, establish the rules:
- The “Circle of Safety”: Define a clear boundary around the fire that no one can enter.
- Water is Ready: Always have a bucket of water or a hose nearby.
- Never Leave a Fire: An adult must supervise the fire from start to finish.
- Douse, Stir, Douse: Teach them the proper way to extinguish a fire completely.
Once the safety briefing is done, break out the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Perfecting the golden-brown marshmallow is a rite of passage.
Stargazing 101: Your First Night Sky Tour
After the sun goes down, lay a blanket on the grass and look up. The night sky is an incredible source of wonder. You don’t need a fancy telescope to start; a good pair of binoculars can reveal craters on the moon.
Use a free app like SkyView Lite on your phone to identify constellations, planets, and satellites passing overhead. Tracing the Big Dipper or finding Orion’s Belt connects your kids to the vastness of the universe right from the safety of home.
Local Explorations: Discovering Nature in Your Neighborhood
Adventure is often closer than you think. Your local parks, forests, and trail systems are packed with opportunities for exploration without the commitment of a long trip. This is how to fun things to do with kids in the summer without breaking the bank.
Geocaching: The Real-World Treasure Hunt
If your kids love treasure hunts, introduce them to geocaching. It’s a global game where people hide containers (“caches”) and post the GPS coordinates online. All you need is a smartphone with the official Geocaching® app.
This activity brilliantly transforms a simple walk in the woods into an exciting mission. It teaches basic navigation, observation skills, and the quiet joy of finding a hidden secret that thousands of others have shared.
Nature Scavenger Hunts & Journaling
Give your hike a purpose with a scavenger hunt. The goal isn’t to collect items, but to find and observe them. This is a core tenet of eco-friendly fun things to do with kids in the summer. Your list could include:
- Find something smooth (a river rock).
- Find something rough (tree bark).
- Spot three different kinds of birds.
- Find a Y-shaped stick.
- Point out a plant the deer might have nibbled on.
Pair this with a simple, durable notebook like a Rite in the Rain journal and some colored pencils. Encourage them to draw what they see. This slows them down and helps them notice the incredible details of the world around them.
A Guide to Fun Things to Do with Kids in the Summer: Day Trips & First Overnights
Once you’ve mastered the backyard and explored your local haunts, you’re ready to level up. A well-planned day trip or a first overnight camping trip can be the highlight of the summer, creating memories that will be talked about for years.
Planning Your First Family Camping Trip
Car camping at a state or national park with amenities like running water and bathrooms is the perfect first step. Here’s a simple plan:
- Choose Your Spot: Look for campgrounds that are known to be family-friendly. Check reviews and book well in advance, especially for popular parks.
- Gear Up (Simply): You don’t need everything at once. Borrow gear from friends or rent from an outdoor store if you can. Your essential list includes your tent, sleeping bags (like the Kelty Kids Mistral for a great kid-specific option), sleeping pads, a cooler, a camp stove (a classic Coleman Propane Stove is foolproof), and headlamps for everyone.
- Plan Easy Meals: The first trip is not the time for gourmet cooking. Think hot dogs, pre-made chili, foil-packet “hobo dinners,” and instant oatmeal. The goal is easy and fun.
A Day at the Lake or River: Water Safety Essentials
Water activities are a summer staple, but they require serious attention to safety. The number one rule is that everyone, especially kids, wears a properly-fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when on or near the water. Look for trusted brands like NRS or Stohlquist.
Beyond PFDs, think about sun protection with UPF-rated clothing and wide-brimmed hats. Water shoes are a must to protect feet from sharp rocks. And always, always pack more water and snacks than you think you’ll need.
Overcoming Common Problems with Summer Adventures
Even the best-laid plans can hit a snag. Addressing the common problems with fun things to do with kids in the summer head-on is the key to a successful outing. A little preparation goes a long way.
“I’m Bored!”: Keeping Kids Engaged
The dreaded phrase. The best defense is a good offense. Give kids jobs and responsibilities to foster a sense of ownership. One can be the “Trail Navigator” (with adult supervision, of course), another the “Snack Captain,” and another the “Wildlife Spotter.”
Manage expectations. A 5-mile hike might be too much. Start with a 1-mile loop and celebrate that success. The goal is a positive experience, not a forced march.
Battling Bugs, Sun, and Scrapes
Physical discomfort can ruin a trip fast. Here are some fun things to do with kids in the summer best practices for care:
- Bugs: Use an insect repellent with Picaridin, which is effective and generally considered safe for kids. Treating clothing with Permethrin (for adults to handle) before your trip is a pro-level tip for tick-heavy areas.
- Sun: Apply sunscreen before you even leave the house and reapply it often, especially after swimming.
- First-Aid: Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit. Pre-made kits from Adventure Medical Kits are excellent. Be sure to add fun, character-themed bandages—they have almost magical healing powers for minor scrapes.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Summer Fun: The Leave No Trace Ethos
Part of living outdoors smarter is learning how to protect the places we love. Teaching kids the principles of Leave No Trace is a gift to them and to the future of our wild spaces. This is the heart of sustainable fun things to do with kids in the summer.
Frame the 7 principles in simple, easy-to-understand terms:
- Know Before You Go: We check the rules and the weather so we’re prepared!
- Stick to the Path: We stay on the trail to protect the plants and animal homes.
- Trash Your Trash: Pack it in, pack it out. We leave the place cleaner than we found it.
- Leave What You Find: Take pictures and memories, but leave rocks, flowers, and sticks for others to enjoy.
- Be Careful with Fire: We only use fire pits and make sure our fires are completely out.
- Respect Wildlife: We watch animals from a distance and never feed them. This is their home.
- Be Kind to Others: We use quiet voices so everyone can enjoy the sounds of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fun Things to Do with Kids in the Summer
At what age can I start taking my kids camping?
You can start as soon as you feel comfortable! A backyard campout is perfect for infants and toddlers. For a real campground, once a child is a reliable sleeper and you have a solid plan for naps and feeding, you’re ready. Start with a one-night trip close to home.
What’s the most important piece of gear for hiking with kids?
While good footwear is crucial, the most impactful “gear” is a positive attitude and tons of snacks. But for a physical item, a small, well-fitting daypack for your child (like the Osprey Daylite Kids) is fantastic. Letting them carry their own water, snack, and jacket gives them a huge sense of independence and responsibility.
How do I keep my kids safe from wildlife like bears or snakes?
Education is key. Teach kids to never approach or feed any wild animal. On the trail, make noise by talking or singing to avoid surprising animals. In bear country, learn and follow all food storage regulations religiously. For snakes, teach them to watch where they step and to freeze and slowly back away if they see one.
These simple outdoor adventures are more than just ways to pass the time. They are foundational experiences that build resilient, confident, and conscientious kids. The goal isn’t a perfect, flawless trip; it’s about embracing the small moments of discovery, overcoming minor challenges together, and creating a bank of memories that will warm you for years to come.
So pack a bag, grab the snacks, and head out the door. The outdoors is waiting. Explore safely, and make this a summer your family will never forget.
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