Ten Fun Activities Your Kids Will Love
- Do a tie-dye project.
Make something wild and fun that you can wear all summer long! First, grab some white t-shirts and a tie-dye kit from Amazon or your local craft store. Warning: you’ll want to tie-dye everything. Next, set up a space outside (it can get messy) and have fun! There are so many different patterns and techniques you can follow, too. Let everyone pick their favorite pattern and colors!
2. Make summer-themed water bead bins or sensory bins.
Water bead and sensory bins are great all times of the year for kiddos to play in, but check out these summer ideas! You could do beach and sea shells, watermelon, rainbow sky, garden, construction site, or ice cream themed bins. First, to get started, grab some water beads, kinetic sand, toy figurines, sea shells, hand tools, and activity trays. Your littles will want to play with these for hours!
3. Make a backyard obstacle course.
Ready, set, go! Time for a backyard obstacle course with the whole family! You can use hula hoops, jump ropes, or chalk. Ideas for different set-ups can be found on Pinterest. Kids will love these fun challenges!
4. Create a lemonade stand.
Next is a family favorite from years past. Have your kids help create a sign, make the lemonade, and set up the stand in your front yard. They’ll have a great time creating everything from scratch and watching the money come in from thirsty customers!
5. Do a backyard campout.
Another fun idea is backyard camping. Who else has fun memories of camping out in the backyard? Your kids will love camping out underneath the stars! Put up the tent, make s’mores, and tell bedtime stories.
6. Make DIY chalk bombs.
Next up is good, colorful, outdoor fun! To make your own, just use a clean soap-dispenser pump to fill water balloons with a washable chalk mixture. First, mix 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and a few drops of food coloring. Draw targets on the ground with chalk and fire away!
7. Collect rocks to decorate with paint.
Occasionally, you may have seen decorated rocks out on a walk outdoors. This kindness-spreading treasure hunt is a fun activity for the whole family. First, head outdoors to collect some rocks and then paint them up! Enjoy the fresh air and paint outdoors, there’s no need to worry about making a mess. Then, head out to a park or trail and place the rocks in different spots. Someone may spot your rock and it may just brighten their day.
8. Create your own backyard scavenger hunt.
During these gorgeous summer days, spend some time in your own backyard! Print out a scavenger hunt list from online or make your own. This is a fun activity for kids of all ages. Make a scavenger hunt with riddles, rhyming, colors, and patterns! Additionally, try a sensory motor hunt, nature hunt, a photo hunt, or even a Dr. Seuss themed hunt. Likewise, Pinterest has many free printable lists available.
9. Go geocaching.
Did you know Geocaching is known as the world’s largest treasure hunt? There are over 1,000 geocaches in the Lansing area! Geocaching is a great way to spend time outside. You’re given coordinates to a geocache box, and these boxes come in all shapes and sizes. Usually they are metal, wooden, or plastic. Also, there are usually small treasures inside and a log with a pencil to record your adventure. It’s all about the thrill of discovery!
10. Participate in a local summer reading program.
Finally, a reading program, like the Capitol Area District Library’s, encourages reading, helps kids retain and enhance their reading skills, and keeps the mind engaged.
These are very nice tricks for kids to make them creative.