The key to a balanced summer is spending those “chilling out” (as my son calls them) days at the house. But, let’s be honest, kids are still going to need something if you don’t want them playing video games all day.
We created a list together of things my kids can do at home so when they ask the inevitable question, “What can I do?” I can point to the list.
Here is a list of fun things to do at home (inside and outside):
Outside
Water Balloon Fights
Water balloon fights are so easy for us parents now. There is a single point of entry, and instantly, twenty water balloons are filled. Long gone are the days of spending hours filling up the balloon for a few mere minutes of fun.
Pro Tip: don’t do it in your yard! The pieces of the balloon make a mess, so pick a place that’s easy to pick up the pieces.
S’mores Night
Pick a cooler night with clear skies to start up the ol’ firepit to take a moment and transport your child to the camping trip they are always begging to go on. This is a nice, relaxing evening for the whole family.
Pro Tip: Unwrap everything and put it on a plate. Make sure to teach your kids not to fling the stick when the marshmallow catches on fire! Wipes are helpful as fingers get sticky.
Camping in the Backyard
My oldest son has been begging for this for weeks now, but we never have the time with all our activities on the weekends during the school year. So, it’s on the summer list! I’m interested to see if they last all night.
Night Swimming / Movie in the Pool
We recently got a pool, and these were some hits last summer! Even if you don’t have a pool, you can still have a “Movie in the Backyard” night.
Pro Tip: Summer nights go late, so make sure your kids don’t have anything pressing the next day and can stay up later. For a Movie in the backyard – BUG SPRAY! We just pulled a smaller TV we have out into the backyard for this (nice when everything is streaming!).
Chalk Day
Get that jumbo pack of chalk and roll it out on the driveway. Hours of fun!
Pro Tip: Chalk gets everywhere, so make sure they shower afterward or play in the water hose!
Family Bike Ride/Bike Wash
Ride bikes to a local park or go for a morning breakfast treat or an evening ice cream. When you get home, set up the hose, buckets, sponges, and soap, and wash all the bikes!
Pro Tip: Go early morning or late evening because, again – it’s hot!
Water Day
This can be coupled with the water balloon fight, but you can add the water hose (on a trampoline if you have one) or some smaller water pools and tables for the younger kids. Water and hot summer days always go together!
Pro Tip: Bucket of water by the door to clean off those muddy feet before coming inside.
Scavenger Hunt
It takes some pre-work, but my boys loved a homemade scavenger hunt at a friend’s party last weekend. Starting with a clue from mom, the kids then hunt down each clue that leads them to the next until the prize at the end. Depending on your prep and dedication this could lead to hours of fun time for the kids. You can also end this with a Chalk Day or something else on the list.
Inside
Portrait Painting
Get your kids to paint portraits of one another or cue up Bob Ross’ “The Joy of Painting” on YouTube and have them create a “masterpiece!”
Supplies you’ll need (which can all be purchased at Michael’s or another craft store):
- Palette paper to mix/blend paint colors
- Washable paint pots (for the younger kids)
- Oil paints (for the older kids)
- Paint brushes
- 8 x 10 canvases (can be purchased in a 10-pack)
Bathtub Popsicles
Crying for no reason?? Popsicles in the tub!! (Shaving cream if I’m feeling bold!) This activity NEVER loses its charm! Plus, it’s a win-win – everyone gets clean, and the chaos stays confined!
Sensory Bins
Stuck inside on a rainy or really hot day? Sensory bins to the rescue! Give your child a chance to use their hands and explore different textures. A favorite among the PMC team kiddos is scissors and cooked spaghetti!
Fort Building
It may destroy what little aesthetic we have in our homes, but building pillow forts is always a fun activity! You can even turn the task of reassembling the couch into another enjoyable activity!
Homemade Ice Cream
You can also make snow cones if you have a machine (which I do; don’t ask me why) or homemade pizza—really anything your kids want to cook or make.
Pro tip: Get all the materials out first, have a prep area, and make sure the water hose is ready when they are done eating outside, whether it is ice cream or snow cones!
Cooking
Try a new recipe (kids seem to be willing to try new foods if they help prepare them), or if you have older kids, let them take over the kitchen for the night! Let the kids make their own charcuterie, or for a healthy snack, get the frozen açaí packs from the grocery store and let them choose their own toppings!
Pizza and a Movie Night
Personally, we do this all year, every Friday Night. It’s something that brings us together at the end of the week, no matter what. The movie is a family pick, and we all watch it together.
Pro Tip: Don’t start too late, and be mindful of the movie’s length. Also, if you have kids of varying ages, set a rating limit before you discuss movie options. I mostly give a few options, and we vote as a family.
Family Game Night
Check out my Family Game Night article for more information on various games that are great to play, but overall this is about doing something together at home.
Read a Book
This is more of a goal that everyone in the family has to have over the summer. If you’re looking for a good starting place for around 3rd grade, pick “My Life as a Book.” It’s about a summer reading list! You can also check out this list of books for kids of all ages. And if you’ve got tweens, you can get some great recommendations here. And, of course, Mom needs a good book, too!
Pro Tip: Take them to the library to pick out a book to get them excited. Establish “Family Reading Times” where everyone is working on their goal. Or even designate a “pajama morning” every week for reading time! When it’s raining, you could even make it a “pajama day!”
Bonus Idea: Mom CO-OP
One of our contributors, a parent with grown children, shared this brilliant idea with us! Gather your mom friends and take turns hosting the kids at your homes, giving each other a well-deserved morning off. Of course, make sure the number of kids is manageable, but this strategy is a fantastic way to share the load and enjoy some personal time.