The Best Summer Activities for Kids and Families in the City
Summer's just around the corner, and summer activities for kids in the city can be a wonderful way to enjoy the best things in life! Whatever their interest or age, here are some great ideas to keep your family having fun, including a delicious recipe for watermelon-kiwi popsicles.
Kids of all ages enjoy summertime, and there are plenty of fun indoor and outdoor activities for kids that won't break your budget! Whether they want to explore new trails or spend time reading, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
What Are Some Good Summer Activities for Kids?
The hot months of summer are the best time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! Whether you want to pack a day full of these activities or spread them out over a few months, here are a few fun ideas to try. You may even want to share them with other parents on a family app!
- Go for a Bike Ride– Whether or not you take the known trail, bike riding is one of the best free and fun summer activities for kids. Before heading out, ensure you have a map, sunscreen, water, and a few dollars for a warm-weather treat! You may even want to bring along a homemade picnic.
- Make Sidewalk Chalk Art!– With no limits on chalk colors and imagination, your little ones and their friends can come up with lots of beautiful ideas together. You can make designs, portraits or turn them into games like foursquare, tac-tac-toe, or hopscotch.
- Visit the Park – Whether you want to go frolicking through fields or head to the playground, the park’s a great destination all year! But, if it happens to be summer, a water park or pool can be an even better destination. This is one of the best activities for preschoolers who want to get outdoors!
- Get Creative with Crafts – Whether they're expressing themselves through paint or making friendship bracelets, there are lots of fun DIY and craft ideas for kids. Pinterest has lots of great inspiration for this fun activity that you can modify for younger or older kids alike. You could also opt for an outdoor art afternoon when you bring paints and colors outside.
What Are the Best Cheap or Free Summer Activities for Kids?
Whether it’s fun outings to the museum or a family vacation, summer expenses can add up. Fortunately, the following things are pretty budget-friendly and might even be free!
- Go to the Library– For the avid reader, summer can be an ideal time to catch up on reading. The library also provides plenty of cool air in the warm months. Whether your kids prefer literature or history, they can peruse the shelves for a new favorite book. If your local library isn't opening at full capacity, there are lots of online library options or e-books you can explore, too.
- Backyard Camping– It can be hard to get everyone together for a camping trip. But whether you head to a local park or your backyard, you can indulge right outside! This is among the summer activities for kids at home that will surely inspire your family. Share your backyard ideas on FamilyApp!
- Cool Down at a Fountain – A dip in the pool can be great, but sometimes public pools can be very crowded. So you end up more stressed than calm! Instead, why not dip your feet in a fountain or splash park to keep cool. If you have a little room in your backyard, running through the sprinkler is always a big hit!
- Plan a Scavenger Hunt- Whether you try geocaching or just look for things around the city, a scavenger hunt is a really fun summer activity your kids will love.
What Are Some Structured Summer Activities for Kids?
While it's great to let your kids "just be kids," it can also be nice to add a little structure to your summer activities. They might cost a little more money but can be well worth the investment.
- Swim Team– A neighborhood summer swim team is a fantastic way for your kids to meet friends and get good exercise. Knowledge of swimming and water safety might even be a lifesaving investment in your family's future.
- Summer Day Camp– There are many different summer day camps for kids of all ages and interests. Look at your local rec center or YMCA for some fun and budget-friendlier options. Whether your kids want to play basketball or paint pictures, there's something for everyone!
- Summer School- For older kids, summer school classes can be another wonderful way to spend your summer. They're generally less structured than school classes during the year and can be a fun way to get your child excited about learning.
- Overnight Summer Camp– If your kids are old enough, a week or month-long summer camp can be a memorable and wonderful experience. It can also provide a way to get your city kids out into nature and exploring new parts of the country.
Summer Activities for Older Kids
Summer is a great time for older kids, too! Here are a couple of our favorite things.
- Visit the Fair – Whether you have a local farmer’s market, amusement park, or fair, there’s a good chance something is going on in your community. Whether it's food, goods, or fun gifts, your teenagers will love checking out the nearest market. You can even share your farmer’s market finds on a family app!
- Make Ice Cream – The summer months might not seem like the ideal time to get in the kitchen. However, they can be the perfect time to make some treats to keep you cool! Whatever your favorite flavor, you can make ice cream at home with a few ingredients and a little patience! If you don't have the patience for ice cream, this recipe for popsicles is an easy and delicious summer treat for kids of all ages!
All-Natural Watermelon Kiwi Fruit Popsicles
Ingredients
- 3 cups seedless watermelon
- 8 kiwis (already peeled)
- 1 tsp lime juice (about 1/2 of a lime, to taste)
Instructions
All-Natural Watermelon Kiwi Fruit Popsicles
- Blend watermelon and lime until liquid and pour it into popsicle molds. If you like your popsicles a little chunkier feel free to leave them in! Feel free to use as much or little lime as you like, depending on your taste preference.
- Freeze molds for an hour.
- Blend and liquefy kiwi. You might need to add a little water for a smoother consistency if desired.
- Pour the kiwi into the molds, and freeze for another hour. Hint: Leave a little room at the top for the popsicles to expand when frozen!
- Once frozen, remove from the molds and enjoy!
Nutrition
There are plenty of summer activities for kids to keep everybody entertained during the warmer months! Whether they want to visit the park or spend time reading, there are many great indoor and outdoor activities.
Do you have some favorite summer activities for kids? Share them with your loved ones on FamilyApp!
