My kid (8) isnt enrolled in any summer camps, and we’ve been doing our best to keep him active and entertained both at home/outdoors. But we’re always looking for ideas for new fun stuff to do.
How do you and your kids do for fun summer break activities?
My kids are still young, so some of my list might not work for OP’s 8 year old, but if it’s an all ages discussion, I’ve got a few, some of which might translate to more ages.
Free stuff when weather is nice (relatively speaking, in this unusually hot summer):
- Playgrounds/parks, including splash parks and swimming pools.
- Scavenger hunts on a walking loop: give a list of things to find, either by just seeing and checking off, or things that can be collected (e.g., acorns falling from trees). Combine with farmer’s market or other street markets to make the journey slightly more productive.
Free stuff when weather isn’t as nice:
- Free Museums, if you have any nearby.
- Cooking at home together. (This is free in the sense that it doesn’t cost any more than feeding yourself by cooking without the kids.) Things involving dough or batters are often fun for kids: pizzas, muffins, pancakes, etc. My daughter loves “whipping” cream by putting heavy cream in a mason jar and just shaking it for a few minutes, until her arms are too tired. I also like dishes where they understand every step, even if they can’t perform every step involving high heat or sharp objects: fried foods that get battered/breaded before frying, ravioli or dumplings that need to be filled/assembled before boiling, etc. Some steps are more about them watching than them doing anything, but if they take an interest at a young age you might be able to introduce teaching them how at the appropriate age. My kids obviously aren’t allowed to touch the controls on the stove/oven, much less the open flame of the outdoor pizza oven, smoker, or charcoal grill, but always like watching me light up some fires. Little pyros.
- Photography. An old unused cell phone might be good enough, but kids can learn the basics of capturing a moment or composition/framing just from the lives around them. My kids have standing permission to take my (locked) phone to take pictures, and I’m probably going to buy a dedicated kid-friendly/rugged point and shoot for them soon.
Low cost activities:
- Art projects at home: markers and crayons, sure, but one-off projects that involve sculpting or assembling or gluing something 3D can sometimes mix it up.
- Some sort of fun musical instrument where the kids can be creative with audio: toy keyboards/xylophones, kid-oriented electronic beat machines or drum kits, etc.
- Museums or other fun places with one-time memberships where you pay once per season/year to go for free each time. Some parks/pools/playgrounds might be privately run, but could sometimes be worth the cost of a season pass.
- Car camping overnight in state/national park areas. Work in a few day hikes and other outdoor activities, make a thing out of setting up the shelter/tents, maybe starting a fire (weather and location dependent), making smores or other camping friendly food, etc.
Higher cost activities:
- Hotel or house rental near a beach or lake, with beach activities during the day.
- Sending them off to visit out-of-town grandparents and other family (or hosting family to come visit). A big part of the fun of summer camps is the people anyway, so giving the opportunity to interact with loved ones they don’t normally get to see is often a fun break from the routine. Depends on the people in your family, though.
- Big theme parks or water parks with higher cost of admission (and often more involved travel logistics).
I’m probably missing a bunch. But that’s what I can think of right now.
OP, how about you? You mentioned you’ve already got some things going on, maybe we can compare notes.
Thank you so much for the long detailed list! These are great ideas! I was hoping to get a discussion going where everyone chimes in with activity ideas, all ages. Anything!! Helping each other out with ideas to prevent summer cabin fever haha
Here are a few things not on the list:
-papercrafting: we have been printing out papercraft train patterns and other objects (buildings etc). Combine that with construction paper and cardboard, weve been making all kinds of stuff. Video game levels, train stations, an animal crossing island, etc.
-polymer clay: we bought a big multicolour kit on the internet (no name brand) and its been lots of fun
-obstacle courses at the park
-picnics - we got a heavy duty picnic blanket, and found a park nearby that has nice shady spots. We go there with a picnic lunch, books, gameboys and spend long stretches (if its not too hot)
-trying to learn how to sew, I sew a lot so I have lots of fabric. Ive been cutting out shapes for puppets and simple stuffies, but Ive seen some excellent craft kits around with precut shapes/stuffing that would be great too.
-indoor camp out sleepover, we have a pop-up tent that we set up in the living room since it doesnt need staking. Maybe less fun for older kids but my son enjoys it :)
I highly recommend actually going camping if you can find the time. We don’t do it as often as we should but every time we do it’s so great.
There’s a campground near us (an hour or two to get there) that’s only $15 per night and is safe enough that our only rule for the kids is they have to stay where we can see them… and it’s a big clearing so they don’t need to stay close to follow that rule.
Our kid loves being able to do whatever he wants, sometimes on his own, or playing with us, or with other kids at the campground. He can’t have that freedom at home - there are too many things he wants to do that he’s not allowed to do. Plus we like getting out of the house too - it’s not all about the kids! You can be a better parent if you’re enjoying yourself.
Backyard Camping: Set up a tent in the backyard and have a mini camping adventure with storytelling, stargazing, and s’mores.
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items found in nature like flowers, leaves, rocks, and insects, and go on a scavenger hunt in a nearby park or nature reserve.
Water Balloon Fight: Cool off on hot days with a fun water balloon fight in the backyard.
DIY Science Experiments: Engage in simple and safe science experiments using household items, like making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar.
Obstacle Course: Design an outdoor obstacle course with hula hoops, cones, and other items you have at home.
Art in Nature: Take some art supplies outside and let your child create drawings or paintings inspired by nature.
Bike Rides: Explore local bike trails or ride around the neighborhood together.
Picnic in the Park: Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a day at the park with games and snacks.
Create a Garden: Let your child help you plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs in a small garden patch.
Movie Under the Stars: Set up a movie night in the backyard with a projector and enjoy family-friendly films under the open sky.
DIY Craft Projects: Get creative with crafts like making friendship bracelets, creating paper airplanes, or building a birdhouse.
Mini Olympics: Organize your version of a mini Olympics with fun games like sack races, relay races, and frisbee throwing.
Visit the Library: Encourage reading by taking regular trips to the library and let your child choose books they’re interested in.
Outdoor Science Observations: Observe bugs, birds, or cloud formations and encourage your child to ask questions and learn about the world around them.
DIY Ice Cream: Make your own ice cream at home using simple recipes or with an ice cream maker.
Remember, the most important thing is spending quality time together and creating lasting memories. Have fun exploring new activities and interests with your child!
