12 Fun Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids
Summer is the perfect time for kids to enjoy the outdoors and have fun in the sun. As a stay-at-home mom of three little ones, getting outside is a must for all of us. I love exploring new ideas to keep them busy! With a little creativity and some simple materials, you can keep your kids entertained and happy all summer long. Here are 12 easy and fun outdoor summer activities that will provide hours of fun and excitement.
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1. Backyard Car Wash
Materials Needed: Dollar store sponges, brushes, kitchen supplies, bucket of soapy water, hose, towels.
This is one of our FAVORITE outdoor family fun activities to do during the summer! Set up a mini car wash station where kids can wash their play cars, bikes, and riding toys. Use sponges and brushes to scrub the toys clean, then rinse with the hose and dry with towels. I get all my brushes and sponges from the dollar store– you can find so many ones there which the kids like! This activity combines fun with a bit of responsibility and will keep them entertained for hours.
2. Water Balloon Fight
Materials Needed: Water balloons, buckets or baskets for storage.
Fill up a bunch of water balloons and divide them among the kids. Set up teams or let them have a free-for-all water balloon fight. This is a great way to cool down on a hot summer day and get some exercise. I personally love how you can now fill 100 balloons in just minutes with Bunch O Balloons! It makes it way easier than filling each one individually!
3. DIY Obstacle Course
Materials Needed: Pool noodles, cones, hula hoops, rope, and other dollar store finds.
Create an obstacle course in your backyard using items from the dollar store or around the house. Kids can crawl under ropes, hop through hula hoops, weave through cones, and balance on pool noodles. Time each child to see who can complete the course the fastest or let them go at their own pace.
4. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Materials Needed: Printed list of items to find, bags or baskets to collect items.
Create a list of nature items for the kids to find in your backyard or a nearby park. Include things like a rock, a flower, a leaf, and an insect. Kids can collect the items in their bags and check them off the list as they go. Grab this free printable below!
5. Outdoor Art Station
Materials Needed: Sidewalk chalk, large rolls of paper, washable paint, paintbrushes, sponges, and water cups, easel
Set up an outdoor art station where kids can express their creativity. Use sidewalk chalk to draw on the pavement, or lay out large sheets of paper on an easel and let them paint with brushes and sponges. The outdoor setting means you don’t have to worry about making a mess, and kids will love the freedom to creating artwork outside! Check out this fun paint brush set!
6. Backyard Camping Adventure
Materials Needed: Tent, sleeping bags, flashlights, snacks, and books.
Set up a tent in your backyard and let the kids have a camping adventure. They can bring their sleeping bags, tell stories, read books, and enjoy some snacks. You can even set up a small campfire (or a pretend one) and make s’mores. This activity gives them the thrill of camping with the convenience of home.
7. DIY Bubble Station
Materials Needed: Bubble solution, various bubble wands, kiddie pool.
Create a bubble station in your yard. Use a kiddie pool filled with bubble solution and let the kids use bubble wands to make all kinds of different bubble shapes and sizes. This activity is simple but always a hit with kids.
8. Backyard Waterpark
Materials Needed: Sprinklers, slip ‘n slide, inflatable pool, water guns, pool noodles, water tables, water balloons
Transform your backyard into a mini waterpark. Set up a series of sprinklers for kids to run through, lay out a slip ‘n slide, and fill an inflatable pool for splashing and cooling off on a hot day. Create a water battle zone with water guns and use pool noodles to set up barriers or create an obstacle course. This activity will keep kids cool and entertained with endless water fun!
9. Frozen Ice Rescue
Materials Needed: Ice tray, small toys or plastic animals, water, small tools (toy hammers, spoons, or safe kitchen utensils).
Create a frozen ice rescue by filling an ice tray with small toys or plastic animals and covering them with water. Freeze the tray until the toys are encased in ice. Give the kids small tools to chip away at the ice and rescue the toys. You can add a bit of warm water to help melt the ice faster or let them use salt to speed up the melting process. This activity combines sensory play with problem-solving and keeps kids engaged as they work to free their trapped toys.
10. Treasure Hunt
Materials Needed: Small treasures (like toys or candy), clues, and a treasure map.
Think of Easter egg hunt– but summer edition! Organize a treasure hunt in your backyard and hide small treasures around the yard and create clues to lead the kids to each one! You can make a simple treasure map to add to the adventure. This activity encourages problem-solving and teamwork while being lots of fun.
11. Yard Games
Materials Needed: Baseballs, kickballs, soccer balls, corn hole set, large tumble tower.
Organize a yard games day with activities like baseball, kickball, soccer, corn hole, and a large tumble tower. Set up teams for a family or neighborhood baseball, kickball, or soccer game. Use a corn hole set for a fun bean bag toss game, a big game of connect 4, or a large tumble tower for a game of skill and strategy. These classic games promote teamwork, friendly competition, and lots of laughter.
We have been loving this batting tee and stand! Check it out here!
12. Outdoor Movie Night
Materials Needed: Projector, white sheet or portable screen, blankets, pillows, snacks.
Set up an outdoor movie night in your backyard. Hang a white sheet or set up a portable screen, and use a projector to play a favorite movie. Spread out blankets and pillows for comfortable seating, and provide popcorn and other snacks. This cozy activity is perfect for winding down after a day of play.
13. Chalk Obstacle Course
Materials Needed: Sidewalk chalk.
Create a fun and colorful obstacle course using sidewalk chalk. Draw lines for kids to walk on, circles to hop between, arrows for directions, and challenges like “spin three times” or “hop on one foot.” This activity encourages physical movement and creativity as kids navigate the chalk-drawn course. My kids also enjoy making chalk roads and to use their trucks on!
With these fun and simple activities, your kids will have a blast this summer while staying active and engaged. From backyard car washes to thrilling waterparks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, gather your supplies and get ready for an unforgettable summer filled with laughter and joy. These outdoor summer activities for kids are perfect for creating lasting memories and ensuring endless summer family fun.
