Creative & Fun Summer Activities for the Whole Family

1. Get Outside 

Summer activities for kids are the perfect way to make sure your little ones are entertained, engaged, and having fun all season long. With warm weather, longer days, and no school to worry about, the possibilities for summer activities for kids are seemingly endless. From outdoor adventures to indoor projects, we will provide you with some great ideas to keep your kids busy and having fun all summer long.

1. Get Outside 

What better way to spend a summer day than outside? Here are some of our favorite outdoor summer activities:

• Backyard camping - This is a great outdoor activity for the whole family! Set up a tent in the backyard and spend the night under the stars. Kids can help plan meals, build a fire, and help set up camp. It's a fun way to unplug and connect with nature.

• Hiking - Head out for a hike with the kids and explore your local trails. Let them take their time, look for wildlife, and find interesting plants and rocks. Bring along a magnifying glass so they can get a closer look at things they find.

• Be one with nature - Encourage your kids to get their hands dirty and help in the garden. Plant some vegetables or flowers, then let them help water, weed, and pick what grows. They’ll learn valuable lessons about how things grow and how to care for them.

• Picnic lunch - Pack up a picnic lunch and head to a nearby park or beach. Enjoy some quality time together while exploring the outdoors. Kids can help plan the menu and gather supplies so they can feel involved in the adventure.

While being in the sun is great for your kids, protecting them from the harsh rays is equally as important. Make sure your children are prepared with UPF clothing that is both comfortable and cute! Your kids’ skin will thank you. 

2. Visit Local Spots

Exploring your local area can be a great way to spend time with your kids this summer. Visiting local parks, playgrounds, and museums are all great ways to enjoy a hot summer day and learn more about where you are from. 

• Farmers Market - Local farmers' markets can be a great way to introduce your kids to fresh fruits and vegetables while having fun. Bring some money along and allow them to pick out some of their own treats to sample. Make sure to check the market’s website before heading out to see if they have any special events happening that day.

• Local Attractions - If you live near a zoo, aquarium, or theme park, consider taking a trip there as well. These kinds of attractions can be expensive, so it’s worth looking into group discounts or special offers. 

3. Continue to Learn

It is important to keep kids' brains active during the summer months. Whether it's reading, math games, or science experiments, there are plenty of ways to get their minds moving. Here are a few summer learning activities your kiddos will enjoy:

• Reading - Encourage your children to read books this summer, whether it's for fun or for a summer reading program. Try hosting a family book club or setting up a quiet reading spot in the house.

• Math Games - Have your children play math-based board games, such as Monopoly and Battleship. These types of games can help sharpen their basic math skills while having fun at the same time.

• Science Experiments - Science experiments are a fun way to keep kids engaged and using their brains this summer. Try experimenting with kitchen items, like baking soda and vinegar, or head outdoors to explore nature. Look up some simple experiments online that you can do with your kids.

4. Get Artsy

Creativity is key to keeping kids engaged over summer vacation. Arts and crafts can be both fun and educational, providing a great opportunity for kids to express themselves and develop their skills. Here are some great artsy activities to keep kids occupied over the summer:

• Drawing and painting - If you don’t have any art supplies, you can always make your own! Collect items from nature like leaves and rocks and use them to create interesting patterns on paper. If your kids are willing to get dirty you could even consider water gun painting in the backyard.

• Sculpt with clay - Clay is an excellent material for creativity and artistic expression. Buy some clay at a craft store and let kids experiment with different shapes, sizes and colors. Once their sculpture is finished, the clay can be air-dried or baked in an oven.

• Take photos - Photography is a great way to get creative with the world around us. Let kids take pictures of plants, animals, buildings and anything else they find interesting. You can even make a scrapbook or photo album with their best shots.

5. Stay Active

Summer break is a great time for kids to get outside and get active. If you want to keep your kids entertained, there are lots of fun activities that will help them stay in shape, including: 

• Obstacle courses - Organize a backyard obstacle course or a relay race with your children. This is a great way to get them moving, as well as a fun challenge for them. You can also turn chores into games. For example, see who can rake the most leaves in 5 minutes. 

• Friendly competitions - If your family loves sports, why not organize some friendly competitions? Whether it’s a game of soccer, basketball or kickball, everyone will have a blast while getting exercise.

• Outdoor games - Frisbee, hula-hoops and jump ropes are also great ways to stay active. Everyone can get involved for some summer family fun.

• Swimming - You can’t forget about swimming and girls' bathing suits are a must for the occasion. If you have access to a pool, why not host a pool party? Come up with some fun pool party ideas for kids and invite all your friends and family, and make sure everyone has their family matching outfits, including girls' and boys’ bathing suits, ready. Not only will swimming keep your kids active, but it also provides a great opportunity to cool down in the hot summer weather. Don’t forget their swimming accessories!

6. Make Fun Treats

Summer is a great time to get creative in the kitchen and make delicious treats! Here are some easy summer treats and drinks to make with kids:

• Ice Cream - Making your own homemade ice cream is an easy and fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a few hours of patience while it’s in the freezer.

• Popsicles - Popsicles are another easy treat that you can make with your kids. Whether you choose to buy a popsicle mold or use disposable cups, popsicles are easy to customize with different flavors and shapes.

• Smoothies - Making smoothies is an easy way to get kids to eat their fruits and veggies. Try adding bananas, mangoes, spinach, kale, and other healthy ingredients to get creative with different flavor and color combinations.

Be Prepared For Summer with RuffleButts

These fun summer activities with your family are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. But whether your kids are getting artsy or visiting local spots, you’ll want them wearing sun-protective clothing that ensures they stay sunburn-free throughout the summer months. 

At RuffleButts, our sun-protective clothing, including stylish and comfortable toddler summer clothes, and UPF 50+ swimwear are made with your little one’s protection in mind. Not only will your children be protected throughout the summer, but they will also be looking stylish. Shop our collection today.