Summer is finally here and if you’re anything like our family, your days are filled with finding ways to keep your kiddos entertained and avoiding hearing those dreaded words:

“Mom, I’m bored.”

Summer break is my absolute favorite. Sunny days, warm temperatures and lots of freedom to explore and summer fun. While I love the carefree atmosphere of summer, finding fun summer activities and summer things to do can be overwhelming at times. We love mixing it up with fun and different activities to keep everyone entertained and especially love those activities that can also serve as learning experiences.

Below are OVER 20+ fun things to do in summer for kids! Most of these ideas are inexpensive or free and can be done easily from the comfort of home or a short drive. From DIY, games, crafts and backyard fun that can be had at home to ideas that can be found in most nearby cities and communities, this creative list will make sure that you never run out of ideas of fun things to do this summer with kids!

Bring on summer with this massive list of fun things to do with your kids this summer! Read on for lots of great ideas!

20+ Fun Things To Do In Summer For Kids

1. Take advantage of the great weather and head to your local zoo! Visit on weekdays or mornings to avoid the crowds (the animals are usually more active in the morning too).

2. Go Biking! We love checking out our local state and metropark bike trails. If you feel like sticking closer to home, have a bike parade with some neighborhood kids. Everyone decorates their bikes and “parades” (rides) around the neighborhood showing off their creativity.

3. Sleep under the stars and go camping! Backyard camping is easy and fun and has all the amenities you need (ahem, bathrooms) just a few feet away. Feeling more adventurous? Take a mini road trip and find a new favorite camping spot!

4. Check out your local splash pad or water parks! Many splash pads are free and some state or metro parks offer water park fun for a nominal fee.

5. Check out your city’s farmers market. Support local and stock up on fresh produce in a nearby adventure.

6. Have an outside movie night! There are tons of great projectors to choose from and many community centers offer free movie nights! Don’t forget lots of yummy treats and comfy seats. Drive-in theaters are also a fun option!

7. Go fishing! It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon as a family. Make sure to check to see if you need a fishing license in your area. The good news is that many places allow kids to fish without a license!

8. Have a beach day! Put on your swimsuits, grab some beach toys and make some memories.

9. Have a nature scavenger hunt . You can find a free printable here.

10. Check out your community parks as they often have lots of fun and free activities for kiddos! From crafts, to fitness and more – they are a great resource.

11. Visit a wildlife refuge or center to learn more about the animals native to your area.

12. Make a model rocket! Great rainy day activity to keep everyone busy until the skies are clear.

13. Go tubing down a river. This is a fun activity for older children and families.

14. Check out your local library! Libraries are a great way to get out of the heat for a few hours and many offer a ton of events for free. We especially love the summer reading challenges that incentivize reading for kids!

15. Visit an art museum to get inspired!

16. Go on a fire station tour. Many fire stations offer monthly visits for kids to tour fire trucks and fire halls while learning valuable fire safety tips and skills.

17. Have a picnic! Pack up lunch (I love reusable containers and insulated bags like these), find a shady spot in your yard or local park, and eat al fresco.

18. Go hiking. Most state, county and metroparks have well maintained trails that are a great way to pass a few hours enjoying nature and letting kids run off some energy.

19. Make ice cream or hit up your local ice cream shop! Check out this ice cream sandwich recipe – it’s a family favorite.

20. Bust out the sidewalk chalk. The options are endless with chalk obstacle courses, to drawings and games!

21. Have a bonfire! Summer doesn’t fully begin until you’re had a bonfire with s’mores and caught fireflies!

22. Go to a baseball game. We love the minor league games to take kids as they are smaller and more affordable for families.

23. Have a squirt gun or water balloon fight. Parents vs. kids is a great family competition full of lots of laughter and fun.

24. Make DIY bird feeders. Make your creations, hang them and enjoy seeing birds visit daily.

25. Pick a clear night and go stargazing. Shut off all outdoor lights, invite some neighbors and have a fun night enjoying the night sky.

26. Go kayaking or canoeing. Get on the water and explore a local lake.

27. Put on a backyard olympics or obstacle course competition! Pull out all the yard games and turn up the competition.

28. Plant a garden. Raised beds, container gardens (you can reuse coffee containers, mason jars and milk jugs) and old fashioned yard plots are all options! Grab your gardening essentials and get digging!