23 FUN KIDS ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM OCCUPIED THIS SUMMER

This post is one that I really hope helps all of you who are looking after younger kids this summer, with a variety of fun kids activities to keep them occupied.

After all, the summer holidays are just around the corner, and with them come a mass of free days waiting to be filled – so rather than hear the cry of “I’m bored” all the time, why not have a few of these up your sleeve instead!.

I have also tried to give a variety of fun kids activities that vary on time needed, budget etc…. so there should be something for everyone.

So – let’s get going shall we! – As always, if you have any ideas that aren’t listed here, please leave a comment at the bottom as that may be the exact idea that someone else would love to do with their children.

#1 CREATE CANVAS ART

This is a great and pretty inexpensive way to make something that lasts a lot longer than paper.

I did this with my daughter a couple of years ago as I wanted to put some art above her bed but was worried about a heavy frame with glass falling on her – a canvas ** is lightweight and looks great – and it really gets their creative juices flowing! You can also get them in a variety of sizes so you could do a set of three or one larger one – whatever takes your fancy!

Give them a blank canvas **, paints, stickers, glue and craft supplies ** and let their minds go!

#2  NATURE WALK

Get outside in the fresh air and explore a new place in your local area. It could be a park, a footpath or even around a beach if you are on holiday – but get them looking at whats around them more closely.

What about having a list of things to find, or taking photos of interesting things? You can make a simple walk much more interesting by creating a nature walk.

#3 CHALK ON THE PATIO

A great and really inexpensive way to get kids busy is to get a pot of coloured chalks** and let them create their own masterpieces on the patio.

The beauty of this is that the art can be washed off at a later stage, but will also add some summer colour to your outside!

#4 PAINT THE PATIO

For those who prefer not to get so messy outside, what about the oh so simple yet oh so effective painting the patio instead!

Get a pot of water and a paintbrush and kids can spend hours painting pictures that last until the sun dries them up…

#5 TEA PARTY WTH TEDDIES

Why not invite all the teddies and dolls outside for a tea party!

Grab a blanket and get everything set up – you could even ask their friends to come over with their favourite teddy to join in.

Have a cake, some sandwiches etc… for the kids to eat, and make a really fun afternoon tea or even a lunch.

#6 LEARN A NEW SKILL

Whether it be time to get that bike riding cracked, or learning to swing by themselves – the summer is a great time to learn a new skill.

There’s no school to tire them, and children love to learn (you don’t have to make it obvious though;o) )

#7 KARAOKE

One of the most surprising things I have found over the years I have had my daughter is that Karaoke is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon, and for so many reasons.

I already had a karaoke machine** as it’s good fun for adults too – but one day tried it with my daughter and now it’s a regular addition to our activities!.

Its fun, it gives them confidence, and it also teaches them how to read! Having to follow the words and keep up with the music is a challenge, but it really works as each word is highlighted as they need to sing it. My daughter loves singing along to various disney tracks!

#8 CAMP OUT!

For slightly older children you could have a camp out in the back garden. Whether you camp with them or not depends on how safe and secure your garden is, but it’s a great way to get a feel for camping without straying far from home!

#9 BAKING

Most kids love to bake, so why not have a baking day! Get children to look at recipes they want to try, and maybe take them shopping for the ingredients which will get them involved in every part of the activity.

#10 PICNIC

Why not take lunch outdoors! – go to your local park, or even just in your garden. Get the children to help make all the food and then enjoy a lovely lunch in the sun.

#11 PJ DAY

There will be days of rain – living in the UK this is inevitable – but planning something good for these days can really help to keep enthusiasm and stop boredom setting in.

Why not have a pyjama day and cosy up under a blanket on the sofa watching a DVD, playing games, reading etc……

For young children this can also be a way to have fun while letting them have some down time as doing activities that use up their energy every day can be exhausting!

#12  DRESS UP DAY

Why not let their imaginations run riot and have a dress up day!

Create outfits from bits around the house (there’s always a ghost from a sheet if you’re stuck!), and let them create a play or a game from their characters.

#13 SPORTS DAY!

Have a few friends over and create a mini sports day in the garden.

Create a circuit of simple “races” for them to do, for instance, egg and spoon race – running race – obstacle course. All that running about will hopefully make them sleep really well and give you an easier evening!

Loads to think about, and most of them are totally free which is always an added bonus!. 

Have you got any fun kids activities to add? – maybe they are in the next group….