Creating Summer Fun with Kids Now That School Is Out
Written by: Brandi Salters
The final bell has rung, the backpacks are (finally) tucked away, and summer has officially arrived. For parents, this is both a sigh of relief and a call to action. With no school schedules to follow, the question becomes: What do we do now? If you’re anything like me, it’s hard to let go and let flow!
Whether you’re working with wide-open days or juggling summer camps and family vacations, summer is the perfect time to press pause on the usual routine and create meaningful moments with your kids. Here’s how to make this summer full of fun, connection, and memory-making no matter their age.
1. Embrace the Freedom of Unstructured Time
Kids thrive when they have space to just be. Try balancing planned activities with stretches of unscheduled time where creativity and curiosity take the lead.
Build a fort in the living room (one of my toddler’s favorite things to do!)
Let them dig in the dirt, splash in a sprinkler, or daydream in the shade
Set up a simple art station with supplies and no rules (we have bracelet making and art stations)
Alot of time outside with neighbors
The best part? Unstructured time is free, flexible, and often where the most fun begins.
2. Create a Summer Bucket List (Together!)
Get your kids involved by sitting down as a family to brainstorm what everyone wants to do before summer ends. Let each person add their top 2- 3 ideas big or small.
Display your list somewhere visible and check things off as you go. It gives summer a sense of excitement and shared purpose. My kids have asked to go to Paris and South Africa…lol!
3. Travel Near or Far
Summer is the season of adventure, and travel doesn’t have to mean plane tickets or packed suitcases. Whether it’s a weekend road trip, a day or week at the beach, or exploring a new neighborhood in your own city, the change of scenery creates new memories. Don’t be afraid to take these trips in groups – the more, the merrier, and the kids will have a blast socializing with their peers.
Even a local “staycation” with hotel pool access and room service can feel like a mini-vacation to kids.
4. Make Everyday Moments Special
Summer fun doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate. A lot of the magic comes from turning the ordinary into something a little more memorable.
Turn dinner into a picnic in the backyard with a bonfire
Have themed nights like Taco Tuesday, Pajama Sunday, or Water Wednesday
Create a family reading series (hoping this keeps my kiddos engaged in reading over the summer)
These small tweaks make your summer days feel festive without the stress of constant planning.
5. Keep Kids Engaged with Purposeful Play
Whether your kids love being active, creative, or hands-on, giving them something to “build” or “do” can bring structure without pressure. Our kiddos are active with their seasonal sports teams over the summer and participate in local camps (STEAM, plus sports)
Ideas for different interests:
Active kids: backyard obstacle course, bike rides, or dance-offs
Creative kids: journaling, drawing challenges, or DIY crafts
Curious kids: science experiments, Lego engineering, or gardening
Social kids: playdates, game nights, or neighborhood scavenger hunts
6. Don’t Forget the Downtime
Sometimes, summer feels like a race to do everything. But rest is just as important as activity.
Give your kids (and yourself) permission to slow down. That might look like:
Afternoon naps or quiet reading time
Lazy mornings with no alarms
A no-plan weekend where pajamas are welcome all day
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Perfection
No summer is ever picture-perfect. There will be messy days, bored moments, and melted ice cream. But the heart of summer is in the togetherness. In the freedom to explore, connect, and enjoy each other’s company without the school-year hustle.
So go ahead chase fireflies, plan that weekend getaway, or just spend an hour on the porch talking with your kids. Whatever you choose to do, you’re building the memories they’ll carry for a lifetime.
