Must-Try Fun Summer Ideas to Make This Your Best Summer Ever

My kids get out of school tomorrow, and we were talking in the car about making a summer bucket list. The main rule of the list is that it can’t be something that we’ve done before. My daughter started naming off ideas instantly and then asked if it was okay to list something that she hasn’t done yet, but someone else in the family has. Sure, I told her, why not? Summer is a time when the rules are relaxed. Summer is the perfect time to make memories, relax, and have a blast with family and friends. Whether you’re planning a staycation or looking for new adventures in your backyard, there are plenty of fun summer ideas to keep everyone entertained. Here are some super fun activities that are sure to make this summer one to remember.

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24 Fun Summer Ideas Your Kids Will Love

Backyard Camping

Camping doesn’t always require a long drive to the wilderness. Set up a tent in your backyard and create a mini camping experience at home. Roast marshmallows over a portable fire pit, tell spooky stories, and enjoy a night under the stars. It’s an easy way to introduce kids to camping without the hassle of packing for a big trip.

Water Balloon Fight

When the temperatures soar, a water balloon fight is a fun and refreshing way to cool down. Fill up a bunch of water balloons and let the battle begin. This activity is not only great for kids, but adults can join in too. It’s an easy setup and guarantees a lot of laughs.

DIY Outdoor Movie Night

Transform your backyard into an outdoor movie theater. Hang a white sheet, set up a projector, and bring out all your cozy blankets and pillows. Pop some popcorn, grab some snacks, and enjoy a family movie night under the stars. It’s a simple yet magical way to spend a summer evening.

Visit a Local Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s markets are bustling with fresh produce, homemade goods, and local crafts. Spend a morning exploring the stalls, tasting samples, and picking out fresh ingredients for a summer meal. It’s a great way to support local businesses and enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere.

Summer Fun Idea: Create a Backyard Obstacle Course

Challenge your family and friends to an obstacle course in your backyard. Use items like pool noodles, hula hoops, and cones to create different stations. Time each participant to see who can complete the course the fastest. It’s a great way to get everyone moving and having fun together.

Have a Fun Summer Picnic

Pack a picnic basket with your favorite summer foods and head to a local park. Spread out a blanket and enjoy a relaxing meal in nature. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can plan a themed picnic with special dishes and decorations.

Ice Cream Social

Nothing says summer like ice cream. Host an ice cream social in your backyard with a variety of flavors and toppings. Let everyone create their own sundae masterpieces. This is a simple and sweet way to bring people together and enjoy a cool treat on a hot day.

DIY Fun Tie-Dye Summer Shirts

Tie-dyeing shirts is a classic summer activity that’s fun for all ages. All you need are plain white shirts, fabric dye, rubber bands, and some creativity. Spend an afternoon creating colorful designs and showing off your unique creations.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

A nature scavenger hunt is a great way to explore the outdoors and learn about local plants and animals. Create a list of items to find, such as a specific type of leaf, a rock, or a flower. Head to a local park or nature reserve and see who can find everything on the list first.

DIY Bird Feeders

Invite some feathered friends to your yard by making homemade bird feeders. Use items like pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed to create simple feeders that you can hang in trees or on fences. This activity is not only fun but also teaches kids about local wildlife.

Lemonade Stand

Running a lemonade stand is a fun way for kids to learn about entrepreneurship and make a little money. Set up a stand in your front yard, make a big batch of lemonade, and get ready to serve thirsty neighbors. It’s a classic summer activity that never goes out of style.

Water Park Day

If you have a local water park, spend a day splashing around on the slides and in the wave pools. It’s a great way to stay cool and have a blast. If a water park isn’t nearby, you can create your own water park experience at home with sprinklers, slip ‘n slides, and kiddie pools.

Plant a Garden

Start a small garden in your backyard or on your balcony. Choose a variety of vegetables, herbs, or flowers to plant. Gardening is a rewarding activity that teaches patience and responsibility. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor all summer long.

Outdoor Art Projects

Set up an outdoor art station with supplies like paints, chalk, and clay. Encourage everyone to get creative and make their own masterpieces. Whether it’s painting rocks or drawing with sidewalk chalk, outdoor art projects are a great way to express creativity and enjoy the sunshine.

Host a Summer BBQ

Summer and BBQs go hand in hand. Invite friends and family over for a fun summer backyard cookout. Grill up some burgers, hot dogs, and veggies. Set up games like cornhole or horseshoes to keep everyone entertained. It’s a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon or evening.

Stargazing

On a clear summer night, lay out some blankets and pillows and look up at the sky. Use a stargazing app to help identify constellations and planets. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring activity that can spark interesting conversations and a sense of wonder.

Bike Rides: Fun Summer Ideas

Take advantage of the longer days by going on a family bike ride. Find a local trail or park and enjoy the scenery. It’s a healthy and fun way to spend time together and explore your surroundings.

DIY Slip ‘N Slide

Create your own slip ‘n slide with a plastic tarp, water, and a bit of soap. Find a gentle hill in your yard, lay out the tarp, and let the fun begin. It’s an exciting way to beat the heat and bring out the kid in everyone.

Explore Local Attractions

Check out local museums, zoos, or historical sites. Many places offer special summer programs or discounts. It’s a great way to learn something new and spend a day exploring your community.

Idea to Make Fun Homemade Summer Popsicles

Get creative in the kitchen by making homemade popsicles. Use fresh fruit, juice, and yogurt to create delicious and healthy treats. It’s a fun cooking project that results in a cool snack that everyone will enjoy.

Play Outdoor Games

Classic games like tag, hide and seek, and capture the flag never get old. Organize a game day with family and friends and spend the day playing outside. It’s a simple way to stay active and have fun.

Beach Day

If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, plan a day trip. Pack up the beach toys, sunscreen, and a cooler with snacks and drinks. Spend the day swimming, building sandcastles, and soaking up the sun. It’s a quintessential summer experience.

Visit a Splash Pad

Many communities have splash pads that are perfect for younger kids. They can run through the water features and cool off on a hot day. It’s a great alternative to a pool and is usually free or low-cost.

Fun Summer Reading Challenge Idea

Encourage a love of reading with a summer reading challenge. Create a list of books to read over the summer and set goals for how many to finish. Visit the library together to pick out new books and enjoy quiet reading time each day.

Summer 2024 Fun Ideas

Summer 2024 will have 94 days, beginning on June 20, 2024, and ending on September 22, 2024. That means 94 opportunities to fill each day with fun and memorable activities. Whether you’re planning staycations, day trips, or simple backyard fun, here’s a comprehensive list of 94 fun summer ideas to make the most of every single day.

Outdoor Adventures

1. Backyard camping
2. Nature scavenger hunt
3. Stargazing
4. Build a sandcastle
5. Bike ride
6. Plant a garden
7. Fly a kite
8. Beach day
9. Go fishing
10. Play mini-golf
11. Water park day
12. Visit a splash pad
13. Go on a nature hike
14. Visit a botanical garden
15. Go fruit picking
16. Try geocaching
17. Go paddle boating
18. Take a pottery class
19. Go horseback riding
20. Go roller skating
21. Visit a theme park
22. Try stand-up paddleboarding
23. Visit a national park
24. Go kayaking
25. Try zip-lining
26. Go tubing on a river
27. Go whale watching
28. Try rock climbing
29. Try indoor skydiving
30. Go snorkeling

Family Fun

31. Outdoor movie night
32. Water balloon fight
33. Sidewalk chalk art
34. Lemonade stand
35. Family game night
36. Host a BBQ
37. Have a photo scavenger hunt
38. Have a yard sale
39. Family talent show
40. Have a craft day
41. Have a tea party
42. Have a karaoke night
43. Have a paint night
44. Play frisbee golf
45. Have a water gun fight
46. Have a garden tea party
47. Create a scrapbook
48. Bake cookies
49. Ice cream sundae bar
50. Make homemade pizzas
51. Make homemade ice cream
52. Make homemade popsicles

Educational and Cultural Activities

53. Visit a local farm
54. Visit a museum
55. Go to the zoo
56. Library reading challenge
57. Visit an aquarium
58. Visit a science center
59. Visit a historical site
60. Go on a train ride
61. Visit an art gallery
62. Visit a planetarium
63. Visit a lighthouse
64. Visit a wildlife sanctuary
65. Visit a butterfly garden
66. Try a cooking class
67. Try a pottery painting class

Social and Community Events

68. Attend a local festival
69. Go to a drive-in theater
70. Visit a farmer’s market
71. Attend a concert
72. Go to a car show
73. Go to a county fair
74. Visit a flea market
75. Take a scenic drive
76. Go to a beach bonfire
77. Take a yoga class in the park
78. Visit a local brewery (adults only)
79. Go to a petting zoo
80. Visit a vineyard
81. Take a ferry ride
82. Go to a sports game
83. Visit a trampoline park
84. Go to an escape room
85. Go to an indoor water park

Adventure and Thrill-Seeking

86. Go to a theme park
87. Try stand-up paddleboarding
88. Try zip-lining
89. Go to an escape room
90. Go to an indoor water park
91. Try rock climbing
92. Try indoor skydiving
93. Go snorkeling
94. Go whale watching

With these 94 fun summer ideas, you’ll have plenty of activities to fill each day of Summer 2024 with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re staying close to home or exploring new places, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts on Fun Summer Ideas

These fun summer ideas are sure to keep you and your family entertained all season long. Whether you’re staying close to home or exploring your community, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the sunny days and warm nights. So, grab your sunscreen, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a summer full of fun and unforgettable memories.