Summer is here, which means it’s time to find fun activities to keep the little ones entertained without losing your sanity. As a mom of three, I’ve mastered the art of finding engaging and fun options that can capture their attention and create lasting memories – all while giving you a chance to breathe. Here are five fantastic ideas for summer fun that will keep your kids busy and happy. And to make your life even easier, I’ve included some Amazon links so these items can be on your doorstep faster than your kiddo can say, “Mom, watch this!”
1. Backyard Camping Adventure: Turn your backyard into a magical campsite for an unforgettable overnight adventure! Set up a tent, gather some sleeping bags, and enjoy a night under the stars without the hassle of actually leaving home. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and enjoy the “great outdoors” while still being within WiFi range. Plus, no worrying about packing up the car or forgetting the essentials—everything’s right there!
Essential Camping Gear:
1. Pop-Up Tent – Because wrestling with tent poles is not part of the fun.
2. Sleeping Bags – Cozy enough to make you forget you’re just steps away from your own bed.
3. LED Camping Lanterns – Safe and fun lighting
Bonus Tip: Use glow sticks for added fun and to keep an eye on the kids when it gets dark.
2. Water Play Day: Beat the heat with a water play day right in your own backyard. Set up a kiddie pool, splash pad, or even just a sprinkler, and let the kids go wild! Add some water toys and you’ve got hours of entertainment. Supervise from the comfort of a lawn chair with a cold drink in hand—parenting win!
Water Fun Essentials:
1. Inflatable Kiddie Pool – Perfect for young children to splash around in without turning your yard into a swamp.
2. Sprinkler for Kids – A surefire way to ensure everyone gets soaked, including you.
3. Water Toys Set – Because “A pool without toys is just a big bath” (I may or may not be quoting one of my kids here)
Bonus Tip: Lay down some towels around the water play area to prevent a muddy mess.
3. DIY Craft Day: Unleash the creative potential of your mini Picassos with a DIY craft day. Gather a variety of craft supplies and let their imaginations run wild. You can make everything from homemade playdough to painted rocks and paper plate animals. This keeps them busy and gives you a chance to finally finish that cup of coffee or tackle that never-ending laundry pile.
Craft Supplies:
1. Assorted Craft Kit – Includes everything you need for various crafts, and then some.
2. Non-Toxic Washable Paints – Safe for kids and, most importantly: easy to clean up
3. Kids’ Scissors and Glue – Essential tools for all sorts of crafts and inevitable sticky fingers.
Bonus Tip: Use an old sheet as a drop cloth to contain the mess.
4. Home Science Experiments: Who says you need a lab coat to do science? Turn your kitchen into a mad scientist’s laboratory with some fun and simple home science experiments. From baking soda volcanoes to homemade slime, your kids will be both entertained and educated. Just be prepared for a bit of a mess and a lot of “Wow, look at this!”
Science Kit Essentials:
1. Kids’ Science Experiment Kit – Packed with everything needed to blow your kids’ minds (safely).
2. DIY Slime Kit – Because every kid needs to make slime at least once (or a hundred times).
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar – Basic ingredients for endless scientific fun and fizzy explosions.
Bonus Tip: Use a plastic tablecloth (or even a few trash bags!) to cover surfaces for easy cleanup.
5. Baking Fun Day: Get the kids involved in the kitchen with a baking fun day. Choose simple recipes like cookies, cupcakes, or even homemade pizzas. Kids love to help with measuring, mixing, and decorating. Not only do they learn valuable cooking skills, but they also get to enjoy their delicious creations.
Baking Must-Haves:
1. Kids’ Baking Set – Sized just right for little hands and includes all the essentials, minus the mess.
2. Silicone Baking Mats – Reusable and easy to clean, because who has time for scrubbing?
3. Colorful Cupcake Liners – Adds a fun touch to your baking projects and makes cleanup a tad easier.
Bonus Tip: Pre-measure ingredients to avoid the inevitable flour explosion.
There you have it! Whether you’re camping in the backyard, splashing in the water, crafting, experimenting, or baking, these ideas are all tried and true ways to keep the kids busy, give you a moment to sip your coffee while it’s still hot, and help you avoid tearing your hair out by mid-July. Let me know if you give any a try!
1. Backyard Camping Adventure: Turn your backyard into a magical campsite for an unforgettable overnight adventure! Set up a tent, gather some sleeping bags, and enjoy a night under the stars without the hassle of actually leaving home. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and enjoy the “great outdoors” while still being within WiFi range. Plus, no worrying about packing up the car or forgetting the essentials—everything’s right there!
Essential Camping Gear:
1. Pop-Up Tent – Because wrestling with tent poles is not part of the fun.
2. Sleeping Bags – Cozy enough to make you forget you’re just steps away from your own bed.
3. LED Camping Lanterns – Safe and fun lighting
Bonus Tip: Use glow sticks for added fun and to keep an eye on the kids when it gets dark.
2. Water Play Day: Beat the heat with a water play day right in your own backyard. Set up a kiddie pool, splash pad, or even just a sprinkler, and let the kids go wild! Add some water toys and you’ve got hours of entertainment. Supervise from the comfort of a lawn chair with a cold drink in hand—parenting win!
Water Fun Essentials:
1. Inflatable Kiddie Pool – Perfect for young children to splash around in without turning your yard into a swamp.
2. Sprinkler for Kids – A surefire way to ensure everyone gets soaked, including you.
3. Water Toys Set – Because “A pool without toys is just a big bath” (I may or may not be quoting one of my kids here)
Bonus Tip: Lay down some towels around the water play area to prevent a muddy mess.
3. DIY Craft Day: Unleash the creative potential of your mini Picassos with a DIY craft day. Gather a variety of craft supplies and let their imaginations run wild. You can make everything from homemade playdough to painted rocks and paper plate animals. This keeps them busy and gives you a chance to finally finish that cup of coffee or tackle that never-ending laundry pile.
Craft Supplies:
1. Assorted Craft Kit – Includes everything you need for various crafts, and then some.
2. Non-Toxic Washable Paints – Safe for kids and, most importantly: easy to clean up
3. Kids’ Scissors and Glue – Essential tools for all sorts of crafts and inevitable sticky fingers.
Bonus Tip: Use an old sheet as a drop cloth to contain the mess.
4. Home Science Experiments: Who says you need a lab coat to do science? Turn your kitchen into a mad scientist’s laboratory with some fun and simple home science experiments. From baking soda volcanoes to homemade slime, your kids will be both entertained and educated. Just be prepared for a bit of a mess and a lot of “Wow, look at this!”
Science Kit Essentials:
1. Kids’ Science Experiment Kit – Packed with everything needed to blow your kids’ minds (safely).
2. DIY Slime Kit – Because every kid needs to make slime at least once (or a hundred times).
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar – Basic ingredients for endless scientific fun and fizzy explosions.
Bonus Tip: Use a plastic tablecloth (or even a few trash bags!) to cover surfaces for easy cleanup.
5. Baking Fun Day: Get the kids involved in the kitchen with a baking fun day. Choose simple recipes like cookies, cupcakes, or even homemade pizzas. Kids love to help with measuring, mixing, and decorating. Not only do they learn valuable cooking skills, but they also get to enjoy their delicious creations.
Baking Must-Haves:
1. Kids’ Baking Set – Sized just right for little hands and includes all the essentials, minus the mess.
2. Silicone Baking Mats – Reusable and easy to clean, because who has time for scrubbing?
3. Colorful Cupcake Liners – Adds a fun touch to your baking projects and makes cleanup a tad easier.
Bonus Tip: Pre-measure ingredients to avoid the inevitable flour explosion.
There you have it! Whether you’re camping in the backyard, splashing in the water, crafting, experimenting, or baking, these ideas are all tried and true ways to keep the kids busy, give you a moment to sip your coffee while it’s still hot, and help you avoid tearing your hair out by mid-July. Let me know if you give any a try!
