It’s summer! We have some long, hot, and FUN days ahead of us. I feel like we have a 3-month party ahead of us.
I have put together some of my favorite summer fun ideas to do with your kids. Some of these summer activities and crafts are classics and others are unique, new, and creative ideas that you should try this summer.
Water Balloon Pinata
Image Source – Scrap Happy Heather
This water balloon pinata game looks like a fun activity for a summer afternoon or water party. Clever, simple, and loads of fun.
Sidewalk Chalk on Tramp
Coloring with chalk on the tramp is a fun alternative to creating masterpieces on the sidewalk. The dark, contrasting tramp makes the colors of the chalk pop.
Lemonade Stand
This lemonade stand is almost too beautiful to use. I love the details and distressed, vintage look of it. This mom definitely deserves the “fun mom” award.
Water Balloon Fights
Water balloon fights are one of my happy’s. Water balloon fights are the summer equivalent of a snowball fight and classic summer fun for kids.
Colored Marshmallows
Have you ever opened a bag of marshmallows, only needing a few marshmallows? A couple weeks later, you go back to the bag of marshmallows and the marshmallows are hard? This clever craft is a perfect solution to old, stale marshmallows. Turn them into colorful art with your kids!
Cornstarch Sidewalk Paint
Image Source – Pink and Green Mama
Anything colorful and that makes a mess outside is a win in my book. This activity would be fun for kids of every age.
Clothespin Butterfly
Image Source – sunnydaytodaymama
Creating a clothespin butterfly is a simple craft that kids of all ages can participate in. Use scrapbook paper or old books for unique colors and textures.
Yarn Obstacle Course
Image Source – Pinterest Joy O
When I was growing up, we made forts when it was too hot or rainy outside. Kid friendly obstacle courses are an engaging activity you can do with your kids on days when it is rainy or extra hot and you want to play indoors.
Wooden Spoon Puppets
Sock puppets are fun to make, but I think I like this idea of using wooden spoons for puppets more. When my daughter and I made a sock puppet last summer, I ended up doing a lot of the work on it because it required hot glue or sewing. The wooden spoon looks like it would be easier to work with and something the kids can make from start to finish.
Plastic Cup Marshmallow Shooter
Image Source – Come Together Kids
I’ve seen marshmallow PVC guns, but I think I may like this marshmallow shooter made from plastic cups and balloons a bit more. What a clever idea!
Bubble Painting
Image Source – Housing a Forest
What kid doesn’t love bubbles? Create unique art with your child using colored bubbles.
Puppet Rings
When I was in junior high, I had a silly ring with two eye balls that wrapped around my finger. I loved it. It looked just like these puppet rings from Fave Crafts. These look easy to make and super fun.
Crepe Paper Tent
Image Source – Green Wedding Shoes
A tent made from crepe paper?! How pretty and whimsical. This would be a fun alternative to forts made from blankets and sheets.
Ninja Balloons
Image Source – Sweet Craft Cakes (site no longer registered)
These ninja balloons would be a fun way to get the wiggles out and wear the kids out before a nap.
Masking Tape Toy Car Track
Image Source – Pinterest Heather Mann
I love the idea of creating a car track using masking tape. Masking tape is non-permanent and allows you to mix-up the route.
PVC Kids Car Wash
Kids love to play in the water during the summer and this PVC pipe bike wash is a fun way to let the kids get wet.
Sponge Water Balls
Image Source – One Charming Party
Water balloons are a fun summer activity, but they require a continual supply of balloons to keep the action going. This alternative is a great way to keep the action going without having to reload every few minutes.
Watercolor Butterfly Art
Image Source – Meg Duerksen – Whatever
This punched butterfly canvas is a craft is so beautiful you can hang it on your wall when complete.
Scrap Fabric Monogram Craft
Image Source – Cluck Cluck Sew
Any craft that utilizes leftover craft supplies is a win in my book. Kids love anything that is personalized to them. Decorating a large letter from their name is a sure way to thrill them and occupy a summer afternoon.
Noodle Ball
Balloons and noodles!? Say no more. This would be a simple to setup, outside activity the kids could play with their friends.
Paper Towel Butterflies
Image Source – Make It Love It via Skip To My Lou
Sometimes it’s the simple things that are the most beautiful. This easy butterfly craft is something that everyone can participate in.
Sidewalk Chalk Art
How beautiful is this chalk art? I Heart Faces has some stunning pictures of sidewalk chalk art. They are a great source of inspiration for this classic summer fun activity.
I hope you have some fun summer activities and crafts planned!
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Thanks for stopping by!
What a great list of summer fun ideas! Thank you so much for including our clothes peg butterfly. 🙂
You’re welcome! Such a cute idea.
XOXO,
Camille