How to Keep the Kids Busy: Fun Summer Activities for Kids

Ready or not Summer will be here before you know it! The kids will be home from school for 3 months and they will be busy. It doesn’t take long until the “I’m Bored!”, and “What are we going to do today?” phase sets in.  Don’t let it. Stock up the house now with this Huge list of Kids Summer Fun Essentials and be ready for any rainy or “I’m Bored” day before they come.

Recycle

The first thing is create a bin of ….well…..TRASH. Kids love getting creative with toilet paper rolls, bottle caps, empty bottles, tupperware containers, k cup boxes, you name it….they will use it.  We keep our “trash”  in a tub and have a contest to see who can create the most innovative things.  I give the kids tape, glue, paint, etc. to finish their creations. They love it!

Art Supplies

Art supplies are very important to a fun creative summer and they don’t have to cost a lot. Here is a list of the important ones we keep.

• Construction Paper
• Glue
• Markers and Crayons
• Scissors
• Glitter (if you dare)
• Embroidery Floss
• Perler Beads & molds
• Beads & String (for jewelry)
• Rainbow Loom & bands
• Googly Eyes
• Pipe Cleaners

Outdoor Supplies

It doesn’t take much to get the kids having fun outside. With their imagination and a few supplies they can have the best day ever! Lots of these items can be found at the dollar store.

• Sprinkler
• Shovels and Buckets
• Butterfly Net
• Hula Hoop
• Jump Rope
• Balls
• Bubbles
• Water Guns
• Water Balloons
• Pool Noodles
• Containers for catching bugs
• Tents, Sleeping Bags, and Glow Bracelets for fun under the stars

Indoor Fun

There are those days when the weather doesn’t cooperate with outside fun.  The kids need something new and exciting to keep them busy inside.  Here are our favorites.

• Movies, Popcorn, & Cookies
• Blanket Tents and pillows
• LEGOS (need I say more?)
• Board Game Marathon
• Deck of Cards: War, Go Fish, Poker (With cookies), and more.
• Story Time (books, blankies, and snuggles)
• Get cookin’ (Tons of great recipes)

Unplug

This may be the most important Summer Fun Essential. Unplug. Seriously, turn off the phone, unplug the internet, turn off the tv and be present! It doesn’t matter how much money you spend, or what toys you buy. The time spent with your children is worth the world to them.

What is your favorite Kids Summer Fun Essential?!

You can find more FREE/Cheap things to do with your kids this Summer on the Summer Fun Short Cuts Page!