Whether you’re staying close to home or exploring new places, there are countless fun summer activities for kids that can keep your family entertained and engaged. From outdoor adventures to creative indoor projects, we’ve compiled a list of exciting ideas that will make this summer unforgettable for you and your kids.

Summer Fun: Creative Ideas for Young Families

When we were kids summer never felt long enough. Fast-forward to parenthood: this boy mom life is giving me a run for my money and I find myself wondering (on the daily 😅) why September is taking so damn long to arrive. Can you relate?! Even if you are managing the unstructured schedule and endless snack requests like a pro (teach me your ways!) a little extra inspiration never hurts. Keep these ideas in your back pocket as you navigate the summer months with your kiddos.

Beach Day Adventures

Nothing says summer like a day at the beach! Pack up your sunscreen, snacks, and sand toys, and head to the nearest shore. Building sandcastles, playing in the waves, and searching for seashells are classic fun summer activities for kids.

Picnic in the Park

For a simple and fun outing, pack a picnic and head to your local park. Lay out a blanket, break out the juice-boxes and make lunch a little more fun. Depending on your park, it could be a great place to explore nature or an easy way to burn off some energy on the swings!

Backyard Water Fun

When it’s hot outside, nothing beats cooling off with some water fun in the backyard. Set up a sprinkler, fill up a kiddie pool, or have a water balloon fight. I discovered reusable water balloons this summer and they are a game-changer. Say goodbye to filling, tying (and picking up all those insanely tiny pieces!) after your kids throw and destroy an entire bucket of balloons in a mere 30 seconds. We got ours on Amazon and they are *chef’s kiss* Best Reusable Water Balloons for Kids

Community Events and Festivals

Check out your local community calendar for festivals, fairs, and other family-friendly events. These outings often feature kid-friendly activities like face painting, rides, and games. It’s a great way to spend the day and introduce your children to the fun and culture of your community.

Get Crafty

Rainy day or just hanging indoors? No problem! Get creative with arts and crafts. Try painting, make homemade playdough, or create collages from leaves and flowers you found outside. It’s a great way to keep little hands busy and imaginations active. Alternative idea (if you have wild ones like me and traditional crafting sometimes feels like more trouble than it’s worth)…head to the bathtub. Bathtub fingerpaints are a favorite in our house!

Outdoor Movie Night

How about a movie night under the stars? Set up a projector and screen in your backyard, lay out blankets and pillows, and enjoy a family-friendly film. Don’t forget the popcorn!

DIY Science Experiments

Turn your home into a mini science lab with easy experiments. Make a baking soda and vinegar volcano, whip up some slime, or explore static electricity with a balloon. These fun summer activities for kids are both cool and educational.

Gardening Together

Gardening is a wonderful way to teach children about nature and responsibility. Plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables together and watch them grow over the summer. Kids love getting their hands dirty and will feel a sense of accomplishment as they see their plants grow.

Visit the Library

Visit your local library for a treasure trove of books and summer reading programs. Many libraries also host storytime sessions, craft workshops, and other fun activities for kids. It’s a great way to foster a love of reading and learning

Get Moving

Keep your kids moving with sports and recreational activities. Sign them up for a local soccer league, swimming lessons, or just have a game of catch in the backyard. Staying active is key to a fun and healthy summer.

Spend Time Together and Have Fun

No matter what you do, the most important thing is to spend time together and have fun. With these fun summer activities for kids, you’re all set to make this summer awesome and full of great memories. So grab your shades, get creative, and enjoy all the summer fun!

Looking For A Boston Family Photographer?

Let me guess…just the thought of taking family photos has you starting to sweat (and not because we’re in the middle of a heatwave). Planning everyone’s outfits, getting your partner on board, wrangling toddlers…hello, overwhelm. Sound familiar? Would you believe me if I told you taking your family photos could be easy and dare I say enjoyable?! Because it can be. I believe in taking care of every detail of the portrait experience so YOU don’t have to. Review My Portfolio and if you can see yourselves in images like these, I’d love to connect: Send Me A Message.

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• 10 Cute Baby Outfits for Photos
• Outdoor Photography Locations in Boston

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed my “Fun Summer Activities For Kids” feature.

Molly Katherine is a newborn photographer serving families in Boston and MetroWest MA. Molly provides a full-service experience ideal for busy Boston moms and their modern families. With a curated wardrobe, light-filled studio space and custom heirloom artwork design, Molly serves her clients well every step of the way. If you are drawn to simplistic, connection-filled images and are searching for a Boston maternity or newborn photographer, we may be a great fit.

I’d love to connect and share more about my process with you! To reserve your 2024 maternity, newborn or family portraits, visit Molly Katherine Photography or send an email to mollykatherinephotography@gmail.com.