UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE PLANS

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As we slide into the summer months, there's always pressure on how we should spend our summers especially when we have kids in tow.

Some choose to spend their summers in exotic destinations, some in another town, in another state with family and friends, and some choose to spend some family time at home.

The bottom line is that we all want to spend quality time with our kids and we want them to have fun. Going away for summer is great and you'd probably have all their daily activities lined up for them. Everybody is excited and ready to go to a new place and experience new things.

The tricky bit is when you choose to stay home. Coming up with ideas that would have the same impact as going away is a bit tricky and quite frankly, takes a little bit more effort.

In this post, we'll explore a mix of indoor and outdoor summer activities that will keep your kids entertained and create lasting memories.

Indoors

Indoor activities are great not only when it's too hot outside, but even when the weather is not permissible. It could be raining or even when you want to just spend your days in and not have bored kids.

Apart from the conventional card or board games, these activities are great for keeping your kids entertained for hours.

1. Indoor Treasure Hunt

Create a treasure map and hide small treats or toys around the house for the kids to find. How long this treasure hunt takes depends on how elaborate you plan it.

If you have teenagers, they can help you plan it!

2. Bring the Outdoors In

Create a camping atmosphere in your living room - pitch your tents and build blanket forts. Make it extra special by throwing together an indoor picnic as well!

3. Cooking Together

Spend a weekend teaching your kids how to make their favorite dishes. Whether it's baking a cake, cupcakes or making macaroni and cheese.

Instead of just one weekend, you can make it a regular one-day-a-week activity cooking different dishes.

This is the kind of memory that will stay with your kids forever.

4. Movie Marathon

Get your kids to pick out their favorite movies and pick a day or two and make it into movie marathon nights. They would love it if you made their movie marathon nights go past their bedtimes.

Remember to set the atmosphere with pillows, blankets (if needed), and definitely snacks. If you have one of those mini popcorn machines, you could include it especially if you're thinking of setting up a snack bar so they can help themselves.

5. Make a Time Capsule

Time capsules are a great idea for kids!

All you have to do is prepare the containers for them. It can be repurposed air-tight aluminum or glass containers to ensure they don't disintegrate or allow moisture to seep in when you bury them.

Time capsules can include a myriad of little things from their favorite snack or candy wrapper, their favorite photo, a letter from you to them, a letter from them to their future self, a certificate from school, a medal they've won, a piece of clothing, a hair clip, their favorite card game, list of their favorite memories of the year, a photo of them creating their time capsules and so much more. It's really up to you and your kids.

Your kids can decorate the containers and don't forget to put the date on them.

Make sure you pick a good spot in the garden or backyard, or if you don't have one of these and live in an apartment block, you can keep it in storage or the attic and set a time on it. It can be anything from 3 years up to 10 years, or even more, it's your call. Just don't forget about them!

What unique items would your kids include in their time capsule?

6. A Pajama Party

Pajama parties are easy and fun to organize.

You could have it in the family room, the den, or your bedroom, whichever space fits your family.

Your pajama party can include a whole host of things like watching movies, having a dance party, a mini DIY spa, board games, whatever you can think of, and to end it all with a little story time.

Your pajama party can be a closed affair or if you're feeling a bit adventurous you can include their cousins or friends!

Outdoor Summer Activities

Spending time outdoors is what summer is all about and unlike any other season, there is a plethora of things to do outdoors in the summer. If you don't particularly have any plans for summer, these activities might give you some ideas for your kids and yourselves without having to book a flight or accommodation!

7. Backyard Camping

Get out your camping gear, put out your tents, and have a barbecue. When night falls, you can build a firepit and have a smores party plus a fireside storytime session with your kids.

8. A Mini Obstacle Course

You can easily create a mini obstacle course in your backyard with items you already have around your house.

Make a plan for your obstacle course which might include your kids having to jump over, crawl under, crawl through, climb, and swim in. You can do this by using pool noodles, step stools, hula hoops, play tunnels, cardboard boxes, cones, tires, and an inflatable pool or a fun splash pad for a water obstacle!

The difficulty of the obstacle course is totally up to you and the ages of your kids.

9. A Day at the Beach/Lake/River

If you have a body of water anywhere around where you live, whether it's a beach, a pool, a lake, a river, or a waterfall, make a day out of it.

Pack food, a change of clothes, board games, and toys, and relax and enjoy the day.

10. Plant a Vegetable Garden

Get your kids involved in starting a vegetable garden this summer. You can plant cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, and a variety of herbs.

For kids, the most exciting phases are the ones when they get to see the labors of their sowing which is the germination stage, the flowering, and anticipating the fruits their little garden will grow and not forgetting actually harvesting them.

This activity, whether you have a green thumb or not is thoroughly satisfying!

Another little element your kids can add to your new vegetable garden is their very own hand-drawn rocks to give the garden a special sprinkle of magic!

11. Organize a Soccer/Basketball/Baseball Game

You could join forces with family and friends and organize a friendly soccer game at your local park or field. Teams can be made of teams of different families or a mix.

Kids ages 7 and above as well as parents would all find it an enjoyable experience.

12. Outdoor Movie Night

Watch a movie under the stars!

Set up a projector screen and create a snug and comfy setting for your kids to lay back and watch a movie, or two!

You can also level up the experience with a personalized charcuterie board for each of your kids consisting of all their favorite snacks.

13. Go on a Family Hike

What better way to spend a summer's day than in nature, and with your kids in tow. I'm sure you have near you a hiking trail.

Instead of just going on a plain hike, turn it into an adventure. You can play I Spy, Simon Says, Hide and Seek, and spot animal tracks on these trails.

You might not finish the trail but you'll definitely have fun!

14. Visit your Local Attractions

In summer, your local area will be buzzing with activities, especially your local attractions.

Explore your local parks, museums, aquariums, farmers' market, amusement parks, the zoo, pools and waterparks. Summer is also the time when you'll find a lot of outdoor activities being organized like concerts and festivals, movies and plays so take full advantage of those.

No matter how you choose to spend your summer, the key is to create moments that you and your kids will cherish. With these fun summer activities, you can make the most of your time together, even if you're staying close to home.

From exciting indoor adventures to memorable outdoor escapades, there's something here for every family to enjoy.

Do share your favorite summer activities with me in the comments below - I'd love to hear from you! In the meantime, enjoy every moment, and happy summer!