25 Fun Summer Outdoor Activities for Kids (with a FREE bingo board printable)
Am I the only parent who feels nervous about filling summer with epic memories? I don’t want to fall into the screen time trap and miss out on opportunities to spend time with my kids. That’s why I made this summer bucket list. It’s full of fun summer outdoor activities for kids and adults to make the most of their summer.
These activities can be done anywhere. Hopefully, some of these will encourage you to explore new places near your home where you haven’t been before. Best of all? Many of these summer outdoor activities for kids are free or super budget friendly.
Be sure to download the FREE summer activities bingo board for an added fun challenge! Try to cross off five activities in a row, or if you’re feeling extra ambitious, go for a blackout. These children’s summer activity ideas are easy to mix and match to add some fun to summer.
Summer Fun Activities for Kids: Your Go-To List
If you’re looking for summer fun ideas for kids that get them outside, engaged, and moving, this list has you covered:
Spend a Day at the Lake
Find a lake near you and make a day trip out of it. Pack a lunch and plan to stay for a while. Many times, you can rent kayaks, canoes or paddleboards, if you don’t have your own. You can also swim, make sandcastles, play card games and just enjoy the time on the beach together.
Many state parks have lakes and beaches and oftentimes they are free. The free beaches near us tend to be more basic, but there are ones with paid admission too. They typically have nicer facilities.
Go Swimming
Swimming is a classic summer activity and one that is always popular at our house. Go to your neighborhood pool, community center, city pool, backyard etc. Blowup pools can count too! Now that my kids are good at swimming, I enjoy relaxing in a pool chair while watching them. Or if you want to be a fun parent, get in and splash around with them!
Make this challenge extra fun, by checking out a new-to-you pool or aquatic center. Sometimes we need a little push to get out of our routine, so consider this a push for you to explore more!
Make a Backyard Obstacle Course
One of the easiest summer outdoor activities for kids is setting up a backyard obstacle course. You don’t need fancy equipment—just pool noodles, cones, jump ropes, or even chalk to mark off areas. Create tunnels to crawl through with cardboard boxes, hurdles to jump over, and balance beams using a simple 2×4 board. My kids love the challenge, and I love how it burns off energy without even leaving home.
The beauty of a DIY obstacle course is that it can be changed up as often as you’d like, so it never gets boring. On hot days, add sprinklers or water balloons for a refreshing twist. You can also add a timer and let them compete against their best time, which makes the activity exciting while encouraging goal setting.
Play in a Creek
My kids love playing in the creek! Find a shallow creek and let the kids splash, explore, and cool off. We like to bring butterfly nets and see if we can catch tadpoles and other creatures. Kids can search for pretty rocks, observe tiny fish, and watch water bugs skitter across the surface. Just be sure to bring water shoes for slippery rocks and always supervise near water.
I love that this is a free activity. Plus, creeks are usually shaded, which is nice on those extra hot days.
Try Fishing
Fishing is a slower-paced but rewarding option for families looking for relaxing summer outdoor activities for kids. A morning at a local pond or lake gives kids the chance to learn patience, practice fine motor skills, and spend time surrounded by nature.
If my kids get tired of fishing, I let them explore along the shoreline, skip rocks, or play in the sand. Usually the day starts with fishing, but ends with us just having fun exploring outside.
There are kids fishing classes at our local Department of Conservation. You might want to check local nature centers and see if there are any near you. Our library also has fishing poles for check out or you can get your kid’s fishing reel.
Visit a Splash Pad
For younger children or non-swimmers, splash pads are an easy, safe way to enjoy the water. Many city parks now have them, and they’re often free to use. Bring towels, snacks, and maybe a change of clothes for the ride home.
We have a splash pad near us that is across the street from a library and Dairy Queen. It has become a fun tradition to start at the library, go to the splash pad, and then get ice cream.
Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
A nature scavenger hunt combines fun and learning, making it one of the most versatile summer outdoor activities for kids. I print or handwrite a list of items to find—like a pinecone, a feather, a heart-shaped rock, or something yellow—and head out to a park, trail, or even just a neighborhood walk.
To make this activity leave-no-trace, encourage kids to take photos of what they find rather than collecting everything. We even add in STEM learning by identifying plants, discussing ecosystems, or using a magnifying glass to observe bugs up close. My kids and I always have more fun on a walk when it is turned into a scavenger hunt.
Visit a U-Pick Farm
I was shocked when I looked up u-pick fruit farms near me and learned there were so many! We can pick strawberries, blackberries, peaches, cherries, and more all within 30 minutes of my house. Be sure to do a little research and you might be able to find lots of options near you as well.
My kids love getting hands-on with the picking process, and there’s nothing quite like tasting a fresh piece of fruit right from the field. This outing is not only fun but educational, too. Kids see where food comes from and learn about how crops grow, making it a built-in farm-to-table lesson. You can take home your fruit and use it in your homemade popsicles!
Go Camping
Depending on where you live, summer may be one of the best times to camp or one of the worst. For me, I like camping in early summer, but tend to avoid it in the later, more humid months. Camping is one of the classic summer outdoor activities for kids because it combines adventure, independence, and plenty of fresh air. Even simple moments, like listening to crickets or spotting constellations, feel magical.
Backyard camping is a great option for younger kids or families just starting out. It gives kids the experience of camping without the stress of being far from home. My kids always love an excuse to make s’mores and play outside. I love that when we camp we’re usually disconnected from electronics and more in tune with nature and one another.
If you’re in or around Kansas City, check out my 10 Best Camping Spots near Kansas City.
Create a Treasure Hunt
Hide small toys or treats and draw a map. It’s one of those children’s summer activity ideas that works in any backyard. You can make it even more exciting by adding riddles or clues that lead to the next location.
We do this a few times a year and my kids think it’s the best thing every time! I usually bring out popsicles and watermelon at the end and we end up playing outside in the backyard. I use this as a tactic on those days where my kids say they don’t want to do anything or need a reset outside of the house.
Explore a New Playground
Exploring a new playground is an easy but exciting addition to your list of summer outdoor activities for kids. My kids love the novelty of new slides, climbing structures, and swings. I love exploring new playgrounds and getting out of our playground-of-the-month rut. Sometimes we even visit two or three in a single day to add extra fun and variety.
Sometimes we invite friends along. If you’re really ambitious, you can even make a “playground passport” and let kids check off each new playground you visit during the summer.
Catch Fireflies
Catching fireflies is a nostalgic summer activity that feels almost magical. My kids love running around our yard and putting fireflies into jars. It’s a fun way to wind down the day and one of those iconic summer memories I am glad my kids will have.
Kids can observe the fireflies up close and learn about bioluminescence. We let our kids stay up late and look at the stars after letting the fireflies go.
Go to the Beach
I live just about as far away from the ocean as it is possible to get, but we still have multiple beach days each summer. If you don’t live near the ocean, don’t worry. You likely have some lakes near you with beaches!
A beach day is a family-favorite among summer outdoor activities for kids. My kids love to swim, build sandcastles, dig holes, and bury each other in sand. We usually pack lunch so we can make it a full-day adventure.
If you’re going to a beach, be sure to check the prices. Many lakes charge admission to their beaches or may be closed on certain days. Do your research before heading out.
Make Popsicles and Eat Them Outside
My kids love any activity that involves a sweet treat. We choose our favorite juice, yogurt, or fruit combinations, then pour them into molds like this one and freeze them. Popular flavors for our family are strawberry-banana or orange creamsicle, but don’t be afraid to experiment!
Afterwards we enjoy the treats outside where sticky hands and drips don’t matter. Bonus: eating popsicles outside means no mess in the kitchen!
Plan a Day Trip
I love day trips because I get the adventure of a trip without having to pack! We visit state parks, nature centers, and small towns with unique shops and attractions. Day trips are versatile summer outdoor activities for kids.
The change of scenery makes even ordinary activities like hiking, playground visits, or picnics feel new and exciting. My kids love the mini-road trip experience, and I appreciate the flexibility of being home by bedtime.
If you’re in or around Kansas City, check out my 10 Best Day Trips from Kansas City.
Set Up a Lemonade Stand
Ok, I am going to be honest, this is something my kids and I haven’t gotten around to doing yet, but it’s on my own list! My kids are always asking about ways they can make money. A lemonade stand is a classic way to combine summer fun with a touch of entrepreneurship. I want to get my kids to help make the lemonade, decorate signs, and set prices.
I think it will help teach them some good skills, like customer service and how to count money. What I love about lemonade stands is that they’re simple, classic, and give kids a sense of independence. Plus, they’re a great excuse to connect with neighbors on a sunny afternoon.
Cook Dinner Over a Campfire
Some of my favorite summer memories are cooking dinner over a campfire with my kids. I’d love to tell you that I make deluxe meals, but most of the time, this is a meal I “make” when I am feeling lazy. Usually we just keep it simple with hot dogs on sticks. My kids think I am being a fun mom, when really I just didn’t feel like cooking dinner that night. We have a propane grill like this, so we can instantly start it and put it out.
My kids go wild for s’mores. Each of my kids insists they have the “perfect roasting technique,” which usually ends up with at least one marshmallow catching fire. Those little moments of laughter are what make campfire meals so special. For us, cooking outside isn’t just about food, it’s about slowing down, being together, and making memories.
Set Up a Lemonade Stand
Ok, I am going to be honest, this is something my kids and I haven’t gotten around to doing yet, but it’s on my own list! My kids are always asking about ways they can make money. A lemonade stand is a classic way to combine summer fun with a touch of entrepreneurship. I want to get my kids to help make the lemonade, decorate signs, and set prices.
I think it will help teach them some good skills, like customer service and how to count money. What I love about lemonade stands is that they’re simple, classic, and give kids a sense of independence. Plus, they’re a great excuse to connect with neighbors on a sunny afternoon.
Stargaze Together
One of the most peaceful summer outdoor activities for kids in our family is stargazing. We spread out blankets in the backyard, lie down together, and just look up. Sometimes we bring a stargazing app to help us identify constellations, but often we just make up our own stories about the stars.
When my kids are older I hope to take them out to watch a meteor shower. I love how stargazing slows everything down and gives us time to be in awe of the sky. This is a particularly good summer outdoor activity with kids if you’re on a road trip or camping trip in a more remote area with dark skies. You can see so many more stars with less light pollution and the milky way is brighter too.
Go on a Rainbow Walk
Whenever I want to make an ordinary walk feel more exciting, I turn it into a rainbow walk. My kids love the challenge of finding something for every color—red stop signs, yellow flowers, green leaves, purple chalk drawings. It’s amazing how a simple twist makes them notice so many little details along the way.
These nature scavenger hunt cards are lightweight and easy to carry when your hikes need a little fun added to them. They have colors to find, but they also have other elements like textures.
Rainbow walks are also one of my favorite ways to slow us down and keep everyone engaged. Instead of asking, ‘how much longer’ my kids are on the lookout for what’s next. It’s colorful, playful, and makes even a short neighborhood walk feel like an adventure. It’s one of the most peaceful summer outdoor activities for kids.
Hike and Grab Ice Cream
One of my secret parenting tricks is combining a hike with ice cream. My kids know that if they make it through the trail without too much complaining, there’s a scoop of something sweet waiting at the end. Some may call it bribery, and I am okay with that.
To be honest, hiking is one of my favorite summer outdoor activities for kids, but getting my kids to do it is a struggle. Once they are on the trail, they are happy and have fun, but getting them going is hard. However, when I offer ice cream at the end my kids are usually eager to go. I love that it keeps things fun and motivates them to get outdoors and be active.
Paint and Hide Kindness Rocks
Painting and hiding kindness rocks is a creative and uplifting activity that combines art with outdoor fun. Start with smooth rocks, then decorate them with colorful designs or positive messages.
We got this glow rock painting kit for my kids. We figured whoever found the rocks would have a fun surprise when they took them home and realized they glowed in the dark.
The best part is hiding them. We tuck them along trails, near playgrounds, or at the library, and my kids get so excited imagining the person who will find them. It’s a small way we spread joy, and it makes my kids think about how simple acts of kindness can brighten someone else’s day.
Go for a Family Bike Ride
Bike rides are one of the best summer outdoor activities for kids because they combine exercise, exploration, and family bonding. That’s why I was so excited this summer when my twins learned to ride a bike! However, we have been going on family bike rides since my twins were two, but then I was either pulling them in a trailer or walking beside them on their balance bikes.
My kids love racing down the sidewalk in front of our house, but our favorite days are when we pack up and head to a trail. We’ve biked to playgrounds and creeks and explored new trails on our bikes. It’s just a fun way to switch things up and get outdoors with kids.
Have a Water Balloon Fight
A water balloon fight is one of the most playful and refreshing summer outdoor activities for kids. It’s the easiest way I know to cool off on hot days, and it never fails to get everyone running around and laughing.
Sometimes we make it into a competition—kids versus parents—or play games like water balloon toss to see who can last the longest without popping theirs. We’ve recently switched to reusable water balloons, which has made it even easier to do this again and again without the cleanup. My kids also love playing with these in the pool!
Go to a Baseball Game
Baseball games are one of those classic summer outings we look forward to every year. My kids love the excitement and by excitement, I mean hot dogs and cotton candy. We love guessing if ketchup or relish will win in the races and all the traditions the fans do during the game.
We actually have more fun at the minor league games, and they are more affordable, but the major leagues near us (GO ROYALS!) have family days on Sundays. They offer family discounts and family fun activities on those days. You may want to check and see if the major leagues in your town have something similar.
Summer Bingo Board
Download this free Summer Bingo Board, where you can track your summer adventures. We hang ours on the fridge, so we keep it top-of-mind throughout the season. This turns it into a fun challenge to either get a bingo or a black out.
Get More Ideas
Looking for more seasonal fun? Check out 25 Spring Activities for Kids and 25 Fun Winter Outdoor Activities. Or, if you live in Kansas City, check out 26 Fun Summer Activities in Kansas City with Kids. All of these come with a free downloadable bingo board to track your adventures.
Final Thoughts
Summer doesn’t have to be filled with expensive trips or elaborate plans. Sometimes the best summer outdoor activities for kids are the simplest—like catching fireflies, making popsicles, or setting up a backyard obstacle course.
This list has become a guide for how we spend our summers, and it’s made such a difference in helping me feel more intentional and less overwhelmed. I hope it inspires you to slow down and create great summer memories. Keep the bingo board nearby, check off activities as you go, and most of all—enjoy the season with your family. That’s what summer is all about.
