50 fun things to do with the kids this summer

Does summer promise you lazy days, relaxing picnics and afternoon naps under a shady tree? No? You’re seeing bloated swim diapers, stained tank tops and melted ice cream on the couch? Hello, young parents. Summer greets you with open, sticky arms.
There, there. With a little creativity, those long-long-OMG-long days of summer will fly by in smiles. So stock up on Popsicles and bust out the plastic shovels—the sun’s about to shine.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores.
Play in the water
Don’t worry—everything dries out, sooner or later.
- Bring out the hose and make puddles. There’s almost always an out-of-the-way spot in the yard, flower beds or…apartment building lobby?
- Sprinkler time! Squirt-gun time! Squirt-guns-in-the-sprinkler time!
- Give kids sponges to “wash” the car with tear-free baby shampoo.
- Fill up a bucket—or your kitchen sink—and hand out whisks, cups, tiny shovels and floating ducks. Stay close by—even a bucket can be a drowning hazard. (I’m a mom. I worry a little.)
- Spit fountains! Mouthfuls of water to spit, spray or drool down your chin. The four-year-old who gets to spit in your face is a happy four-year-old.
Bask in the sun
Break out the SPF 55—it’s the warmth you’re after, not the UV rays.
- Have a picnic in your front yard…or better yet, a tea party!
- Lie in the grass and look for cloud animals.
- Look at bugs. Careful with that magnifying glass in the sun!
- Try something new with sidewalk chalk.
- Eat Popsicles. Make your own frozen treats. Eat those, too.
- Jump, run, yell, scream, giggle and get those ya-yas out. See just how loud and crazy you can be.
- Treasure hunt! Scout the neighborhood for pretty rocks, bottle caps, coins, pop-tops and other ad hoc collectibles. Or hide surprises around the house for little seekers to find. Why should Easter have all the fun?
- Somewhere nearby, there’s a creek. In that creek, there are rocks. And in those rocks, there’s fun. Build dams. Find tadpoles, fish and other friends. Get muddy; get sloppy; get summer-ized.
- Jump rope.
- Play hopscotch.
Take a trip
A change of scenery is oh-so good for everyone now and then.
- Zoo! Once a year might be enough. But less than that might not be.
- Find a new park…or visit an old favorite.
- Find a new swimming pool…or make the old one a daily stop.
- Visit every library in town. They can’t throw you out.
- Art museum! They can throw you out, but strollers are usually welcome.
- Visit Grandma!
Be cool
On scorching summer days, air conditioning rocks.
- Finger-paint.
- Use stickers.
- Dance.
- Play “Simon Says.”
- Build with clay.
- Dress up in silly costumes.
- Make blanket forts! Crawl in to read, tell stories or even nap.
- Have little hands “help” bake cookies.
- Make cute houses for stuffed animals out of boxes.
- Have lunch with the teddy bears.
- Make up a story.
- Put on a play.
Get crafty
Creating together is a sweet way to pass the time.
- Make rocks into animals by drawing faces on them.
- String noodle necklaces.
- Trace hands and color them.
- Draw each other’s portrait. Now do it “wrong-handed.” Fun!
- Glue magazine pictures into a collage.
- Use ink pads to make fingerprint art.
- Hang a tree swing.
- Build a clubhouse.
- Plant flowers along a path.
Have adventures
With little ones, just about anything qualifies!
- Play with a friend’s puppy.
- Fly a kite.
- Pack some bread and go feed the ducks.
- Temporary tattoos!
- Run outside to catch the ice cream truck.
- Chase lightning bugs.
- Hunt for fairies.
- Blow bubbles! Pop them. Blow more bubbles!
All this may seem obvious, but when you’ve spent months trying to entertain a tot or two, it’s easy to forget the fun that’s right under your nose, in your cabinets or just outside the door.
And remember, one day those little people of yours will be running off on adventures of their own, and you’ll wonder how the time went by so quickly. While they’re here, make them wish these summer days would never end.
You may also like
See more-
Congratulations Rewards for Kids: 10 Parents Share Their Tips for Celebrating Achievements
One of the most important tools parents have to shape their kids’ behavior is the power of positive feedback. But as ...
-
Congratulations How to Say Congratulations (Even When You'd Really Rather Not)
Congratulating others is easy and fun, right? Like when your friend worked really hard and got that awesome job ma...
-
New Year's New Year's Resolution Ideas for Groups
New Year’s resolutions are pretty lonely deals. It’s just you and that thing you have to live up to. Ack! No wonde...
-
Christmas Baby’s First Christmas Ideas
Baby's first Christmas means more fun, more cuteness, more joy...and definitely more wonder as you see the holiday se...
-
Mother's Day What to Write in a Mother's Day Card
Tell her just how much she means using this guide from Hallmark writers.
-
Thank You What to write in a thank-you card
Express your gratitude with these thank you messages and ideas from Hallmark card writers.
-
Mother's Day How to Write an Appreciation Letter for Mom
No one has loved you (or put up with you) like Mom has. Or let’s say it wasn’t “Mom”—maybe it’s been a stepmom, grand...
-
Valentine's Day What to Write in a Valentine's Day Card
Hallmark writers offer up inspiration to help you find just the right loving words to add when you sign a valentine.
-
Birthday What to Write in a Birthday Card
When it comes to signing birthday cards, there are people who have no problem picking up a pen and adding a warm, per...
-
Christmas Christmas Wishes: What to Write in a Christmas Card
Get sample messages, tips and watch our new video guide to write the perfect Christmas card.
-
Anniversary What to Write in an Anniversary Card
Here’s to lasting love! From still-newlyweds toasting with wine glasses they opened on their weddin...
-
Lifestyle How to journal: 5 reasons, 3 ways, and 9+ styles
Start journaling today with our easy guide on how and why to journal
-
Card Ideas Envelope Addressing Etiquette for Weddings and Formal Occasions
When you address wedding invitations or another piece of formal correspondence, traditional etiquet...
-
Family How to Support Foster Families
It’s so exciting when someone you know welcomes a child into their lives, whether by birth, adoption, or fostering...
-
Faith How to Start a Prayer Chain
Praying is one of the most ancient of human practices, and to this day, billions of people still believe in its po...
-
Encouragement Comforting Words: What to Say and Do in Tough Times
When someone we know suffers a loss or is going through a difficult situation, we’re often not sure what to say. S...
-
Kwanzaa Kwanzaa Wishes: Connect with a Kwanzaa Card
Kwanzaa, a festival of lights rich in African symbolism, takes place each year from December 26th through January ...
-
Hanukkah Hanukkah Wishes: What to Write in a Hanukkah Card
Hanukkah is a lighthearted festival filled with rich traditions, many of which include food, fun, family and frien...
-
Kids Share the Love: Teaching Kids about Kindness
As parents, we want our children to understand concepts like empathy and kindness. We want to
-
Care & Concern To Care is Human: Why and How to Show You Care
What motivates any one of us to care about others? And of all the ways there are to care for people, why do we choose...