Long summer days at home with the grand-kids can feel like a challenge when energy is high, boredom sets in, and screens start to look like the easiest solution. I often find myself searching for simple ways to keep everyone busy and happy without spending a fortune. While I want the summer to feel relaxed and fun, I also know how quickly the days can slip away if you don’t have a plan.
Getting creative with activities can go a long way toward turning summer break into something the kids remember in a good way. When I mix up indoor and outdoor ideas, use what we already have around the house, and encourage a little independence, my grand-kids not only stay busy, they often stumble upon new interests and hobbies, too.
This guide covers practical ideas for keeping kids occupied this summer, from simple crafts and outdoor play to learning projects and routines that make life easier. Everything here is based on what has worked well for my family and friends, as well as expert advice from parenting sources. Mixing these ideas with your own family’s rhythm will help everyone get more from the summer months without stress.
Get Creative with DIY Projects
DIY crafts and projects are a go-to solution in my house when the whining of “I’m bored” There’s nothing to do, what can I do? Not only do they keep kids away from screens, but they also help them develop fine motor skills and creativity. You don’t have to be an art teacher or have special supplies, either. Simple items like paper, old magazines, cardboard boxes, and glue can become the foundation for hours of fun. If you’ve got pipe cleaners, empty bottles, or leftover fabric, even better – it all can find a new purpose.
Easy DIY Activities to Try
- Make homemade playdough with pantry ingredients like flour, salt, and water.
- Use old newspapers to create paper Mache bowls or masks.
- Collect rocks or leaves outside, then paint them at the kitchen table.
- Turn recycled containers into planters or fairy houses.
- Set up a crafting station with colored paper, scissors, tape, and markers for all kinds of creations.
- Make friendship bracelets from yarn or string you already have.
- Try simple origami or paper airplanes for quiet, focused fun.
For more crafty inspiration, check my Facebook page or get the Sanity Saver Activities assistant.
Encourage Independent Play
I’ve learned that not every moment needs to be scheduled. Giving kids time for independent play is really important, even in the summer months. Independent play helps kids build problem-solving skills, confidence, and imagination. Setting up simple zones around the house or yard can invite kids to play on their own without much adult intervention. Plus, it gives parents a chance to get some tasks done.
Ideas for Independent Play
- Set up a reading area with books, beanbags, and a small lamp.
- Put together a bin of LEGO bricks, blocks, or other building toys.
- Fill a box with puzzles, Printable activities or card games kids can play solo.
- Lay out costumes for dress up or create a “pretend restaurant” using kitchen tools and stuffed animals.
- Place art supplies in a caddy for easy grab-and-create time.
- Offer a set of musical instruments like shakers, a keyboard, or toy drums for creative musical sessions.
I often rotate toys and books every couple of weeks to keep things fresh. Adding something new, or putting away an activity for a while, brings renewed interest. Encourage siblings to come up with their own pretend games together for added fun.
Get Outside and Burn Off Energy
Spending regular time outdoors is one of the best things you can do for the kids this summer. Outdoor play brings new energy to the day. I make it a habit to mix structured activities with open outdoor play. That way, kids can run, explore, and get into nature. Don’t overlook classic games like tag, hide-and-seek, or catch – they’re simple but never get old.
Favorite Outdoor Activities
- Set up a backyard obstacle course using sticks, chairs, and ropes.
- Organize a bug hunt or scavenger hunt, write down or draw what to look for, and send them exploring.
- Bring out sidewalk chalk for drawing, hopscotch, or making life size board games.
- Have a picnic lunch on a blanket outdoors, even if it’s just in the front yard.
- Fill buckets with water and sponges for a casual water fight or car wash for toys.
- Plan a nature walk and collect interesting leaves, flowers, or stones.
- Try shadow tracing during sunny mornings – kids can draw around their own shadow with chalk and watch how it changes.
Organize Simple Science and Learning Projects
Learning doesn’t have to stop over the summer. I find that kids are naturally curious, and science experiments or educational kits can turn free time into discovery time. There are plenty of easy experiments that don’t require buying anything new. Everyday household items can be turned into cool demonstrations or hands-on projects. Encourage kids to keep a summer discovery journal for added writing practice and reflection on what they experience.
Learning Activities to Try at Home
- Grow bean sprouts in a cup or start a small herb garden on a windowsill.
- Make a homemade volcano with baking soda and vinegar.
- Use kitchen items like oil, water, and food coloring to make a density jar.
- Track the weather or chart the phases of the moon on a large poster.
- Write and mail letters to friends, cousins, or grandparents for real life writing practice.
- Build simple structures with toothpicks and marshmallows for STEM fun.
- Try sink-or-float experiments in a large bowl or tub.
Websites like Science Bob are filled with easy, safe experiments you can do with what’s already at home. Look up live science shows online for even more interactive ideas.
Establish a Flexible Summer Routine
As much as my family enjoys the freedom of summer, I’ve found that kids do better with a little structure in their day. A loose routine helps prevent the post-lunch meltdowns and keeps everyone on the same page. I write up a simple daily schedule and post it somewhere the kids can see, but I keep it flexible enough to allow for spontaneous playdates or trips. Building in quiet time after lunch is a great way to give everyone a break, including You.
Sample Summer Day Schedule
- Morning: Breakfast, get dressed, independent reading or puzzle time.
- Mid-morning: Craft or science project.
- Lunch: Help prep and clean up together.
- Early afternoon: Outdoor play or family walk.
- Late afternoon: Free play or a movie.
- Evening: Dinner, family time, showers, and bedtime routine.
Keeping a routine makes it easier to manage everyone’s expectations and reduces the number of times you get asked “what can I do now?” Adjust the timing as needed for your family’s style, and remember – flexibility is key in summer.
Common Summer Challenges and How to Handle Them
What if my child gets bored easily?
Boredom isn’t always a bad thing. I remind myself that it can actually help kids become more creative over time. If boredom turns into restlessness, offering two or three clear activity choices often helps kids move forward. Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes, whether it’s moving to another room or going outdoors for a while.
How do I manage screen-time without constant battles?
- Set up screen free times or blocks during the day ahead of time.
- Use screen time as a reward after outdoor play or chores.
- Pick a short family movie for late afternoons when everyone needs a break.
- Model healthy habits by putting your own devices away during active play or meals.
- Let kids create their own short videos as a creative screen time option, but always supervise for safety.
What if I’m working from home?
If I need focused work time, I explain to my kids in advance and prep some quiet time activities. Audiobooks, podcasts for kids, or building sets can buy me an hour or so of uninterrupted time. A timer can help children know when parent time is available again, reducing interruptions.
Making Memories Without Breaking the Bank
Summer fun doesn’t have to be expensive. Some of my family’s favorite days are the ones spent with simple activities and a bit of planning. Local libraries often run free summer reading programs, and many parks have special events for kids. Even just a backyard campout or a homemade ice cream party can feel special at very little cost. Host a toy or book swap with friends to refresh play options for everyone without spending money.
Budget Friendly Summer Fun Ideas
- Use grow work play resources for printable games, scavenger hunts, and coloring sheets.
- Create a summer bucket list together, then check off each one as you go.
- Try a neighborhood toy or book swap with friends to refresh play options.
- Visit museums or community centers on their free or discounted days.
- Check local event calendars for festivals or concerts designed for families.
By mixing up paid and free activities, I keep summer affordable and filled with good memories. Sharing these ideas with friends can help everyone expand their summer fun list, and group activities often make things easier for parents, too.
Your Summer Family Action Plan
- Pick three new activities to try this week – one outdoor, one craft, and one learning project.
- Post a simple daily schedule somewhere everyone can see so kids know what to expect.
- Rotate activities to keep things interesting without overwhelming yourself or your kids. Don’t forget to ask your children what activities sound most exciting, so everyone has input.
With a little preparation and a flexible mindset, this summer can be full of fun, discovery, and time together that everyone remembers forever. The bottom line: small efforts to mix things up and make room for creativity will help your family create great memories.