Unique Summer Activities for Kids

We may be home this summer, but staycations can be just as fun! From art to camping to competitions, we think you’ll find something in this list to give these sunny days some extra smiles!

Here are 10 unique summer activities for you and your kids to do together

1. Camp Out in Your Backyard or Living Room

Grab your sleeping bags and tent! Set it up in your backyard or living room. Grab your favorite camping treats like s’mores, hot dogs, chips, and more. While you settle into your new outdoor spot, you can sing your favorite songs, tell camping stories, or even put on a flashlight shadow puppet show

2. Make a Bird Feeder

There are many easy kid-friendly ways to make a bird feeder. One way is to purchase wild bird food from your local pet store, from your local grocery store buy gelatin, a cookie cutter, and string. Sprinkle 1 pouch of unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup (50mL) cold liquid. Let stand for 1 minute. 2. Add 1/4 cup (50mL) boiling water, and stir constantly until granules are completely dissolved.  Now you can mix the bird food. Pour the mixture put into your cookie cutters. Let them sit for a few hours at room temperature. Once the bird seed mixture has fully hardened, create a hole in the top. Pull your string through the hole you’ve created. Once done, your kids can hang them on trees and have a blast bird watching!

3. Plan a Bike Ride and Picnic

See what trails or bike paths are near your home. Find one that has an easy stopping point like a nearby park. Pack some of your favorite snacks and drinks, grab your bikes, and go!

4. Watch a Movie Outdoors

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your favorite family flicks outside. You can rent a projector from your local library or grab your computer. Be sure to grab some comfy outdoor blankets and pillows. Enjoy from the comfort of your own backyard!

5. Send Your Kids on a Scavenger Hunt

Hide candy, fun presents, or little things around the house and backyard. You can even use items you already own like stuffed animals or toy cars. Try giving your kids a document or notes with hints and clues so they can locate all of the hidden items around the house!

6. Make Homemade Goop

This homemade concoction is easy, inexpensive, and oh-so-fun! You will need cornstarch, water, a bucket, and colored dye. Set up a large container such as an under-bed tub. Pour one 16 oz. container of cornstarch into the tub. Add 1 part water to 2 parts cornstarch. Pour almost all of the water on the cornstarch, around 3/4 cups. Mix the water and cornstarch together with your hands. Add the rest of the water to make the consistency more liquid. Play with the ratio. Add food coloring or liquid watercolors to make it colorful. This can be something that your kids can constantly play with.

7. Paint Rocks

When at the park, on a walk, or even in your backyard, have your kids pick up a favorite rock they see with a promise to paint. You can use paint and paintbrushes you may already have at home, or purchase some new ones. Set up a newspaper or a barrier to keep the area clean, and go to town with all of the colors. See what artwork your kids create! They can display them inside the house or leave them in the front yard for the neighborhood to admire.

8. Create a Bug Journal

Give your kids a journal and a magnifying glass. Have them go on a bug hunt, journaling what they see as they go. To help identify the different bugs, order a bug book for your kids to look up the variety of bugs they see.

9. Make a Time Capsule

Each person in your family can grab something that they want to put into the time capsule. Your kids can even create their own time capsule with a shoe box and stickers or paint. You can create a map of where you have buried the time and return in a couple of months or years to rediscover the treasures you’ve hidden away.

10. Build an Obstacle Course

Couches, chairs, mats, stuffed animals, and even your outdoor playset can make for great obstacles in your new obstacle course. You can play your kids’ favorite songs while timing them on your phone. See who has the most creative solutions and who has the fastest time!