It’s time to say hello to SUMMER! If you’re looking for some awesome warm-weather-fun for the kids, check out this list. We’ve pulled together all sorts of crafts and activities suited for sunshine and creative play, starting with a printable Summer To-Do List! From giant frozen ice cubes to outdoor obstacle courses, pick your favorite, or try them all!
Summer To-Do List
A really cool thing my daughter does with her kids is making a summer to-do list. Together they sit and brainstorm things they would like to do over the summer months. Find a print off list for you to use as you are Making a Summer To-Do List!
Giant Ice Cube Archeology
Boy was this giant ice cube archeology activity a hot summer’s day hit!! Doing giant ice cube archeology takes some preplanning, but it was worth it when the grands came to stay for a few days. We discovered some things that worked well and some that didn’t work well at all so perhaps we can save you the pain of experimenting!
Amazing DIY Slip n Slide
A DIY Slip ‘n Slide has some supplies cost to it, but it is worth it! I’ve been wanting to try this for some time. The slip ‘n slide works on a flat yard, but if you have an area with a slight downward slope it makes this go from a fun slide to an Amazing DIY Slip ‘n Slide!!
Ice Cream in a Bag
With ice cream in a bag, each child gets to make their own serving of home-made ice cream. They can watch it freeze before their very own eyes! This is a hit for any age, young to the not-so-young! If you haven’t done this before you are in for a treat, literally!
DIY Giant Bubble Wands and Bubble Solution
Oh my goodness! This Easy DIY Giant Bubble Wands and Solution are a hit with young and old alike. I can’t tell you how much fun we’ve had with this simple craft.
Bug Boxes from Recycled Materials
I love watching kids discover June bugs, ladybugs and lightning bugs outside in the grass or on the sidewalk. Let’s make a bug box with them to identify those bugs and observe them more closely!
Kid's Outdoor Obstacle Course Adventure
Need a fast and fun idea to occupy the kids for a morning? Make a Kids Obstacle Course Adventure of course! If you had a bit of time ahead, it would be great to draw a little Kids Obstacle Course Adventure Map. This would work so well for a birthday party. Then the budding Olympiads could study the course and set their minds on how to best navigate it.
Old Fashioned Root Beer Floats
Root beer floats on a Sunday evening at the downtown drive-in is a favorite childhood memory of mine! Recreate that fun with these easy old-fashioned root beer floats that are ready in a jiffy.
DIY Decorative Stepping Stones
A stepping stone is a wonderful time marker for kids. I have several in my flower beds that our kids made many years ago. Every time I look at them I’m hit with a wave of nostalgia! I’m hoping to have one made by each grandchild as well. Plus we’ll make a second one for them to take home to their house and give to dad for Father’s Day!!
Decorative Sidewalk Chalk Art Show
Sidewalk chalk is always a hit…always. At least it is at my house. And what’s fun is that the adults usually jump in and draw with the kids at some point. Try having a Sidewalk Chalk Art Show to pass an hour or two on an afternoon with the grandkids!
Hide and Seek Rocks
The grands have enjoyed painting and hiding rocks as little fun messages for others. The main purpose of this activity is to bless others with a bit of encouragement. That’s the reason that Hide and Seek Rocks Rock!
Tie Dye Swirl T-Shirts
The tie-dye pattern that intrigues me the most is the swirl, so let's make a Tie-Dye a Swirl T-Shirt! It is so easy and isn’t even that messy with a bit of planning. Let me help you out with that part, OK?
Whimsical Repurposed Wind Chimes
Summer breezes will make your Whimsical Repurposed Wind Chimes…well…chime! Look through your kitchen cupboards, junk drawers or shop to find the fun items needed for you and your grands to make your whimsical repurposed wind chimes.
Watercolor Resist Painted Windsocks
A wonderful Watercolor Resist Painted Windsock for Kids is perfect to catch some of the breeze on a windy March day. Wonderful Watercolor Resist Painted Windsock for kids…I couldn’t help putting in all of those “W”s- gotta’ love an alliteration.
Plastic Bag Toy Parachutes
DIY Fun Plastic Bag Toy Parachutes were something my younger brother and I made when we were kids. His small plastic soldiers, old bread bags and some string was all that was needed for an afternoon of fun play. We sent them floating down out of the treehouse that our older brother’s had built for us. Those were the days!
License Plate Bingo
If you are making a road trip this summer it’s fun to play games to pass the time in the car. You’ve got to try the License Plate Bingo Game, Blackout or License Plate Search with the kids!
Backyard Frisbee Golf
Looking for a really easy activity to do with the grands? Kid’s backyard Frisbee golf is a great outside activity to run off some energy. All it takes is a few containers and a couple Frisbees.
Summer Bike Riding Coloring Page
It’s summer vacation from school and there’s plenty of time for a bike ride! After a bit of coloring, the Welcome to Nana’s Free Summer Bike Riding Coloring Page will make you want to head right out and ride your bikes.
Miniature Fairy Garden Planter
For your Miniature Fairy Garden Planter you can go as simple or as complex as you want with your grands. There are many miniatures that can be purchased to make this project easy and fast. Or you can find ways to make some of the little items you want in your display with a few craft supplies and found items from your junk drawer!
Midsummer Flower Crowns
A flower crown for a wedding, for Swedish Midsummers or for dress up is so adorably sweet. You can DIY for any occasion and kids will love wearing them! You may want one for yourself, too!
Recycled Plastic Bottle Bird Feeders
I especially love this simple craft with the kids because we can recycle a plastic bottle. I have a granddaughter that is all about recycling and she is going to love this one!
Fresh Fruit Jelly with Nana Shelly!
Making jelly is a bit messy but it isn’t hard. Plus, it’s a great activity to do with the kids and gives the perfect opportunity to tell some of your childhood memories while you make new ones together.
DIY Diamond Shaped Kite
Our kids liked making kites when they were young and we found that they weren’t difficult to make. Let’s start with the grands by making one in the traditional diamond shape!
Free Zoo Activity Pages
Heading to the Zoo soon? The zoo is always the perfect place to bring the grands! These Kids Free Zoo Activity Pages will be a fun addition to your trip through the zoo. They will add a bit of intrigue to keep the kids eyes and ears open as they look for animals that fit the activities.
Hammered Flower Prints on Fabric
Do you have some spring or summer flowers in the yard? Hammered Flower Prints on Fabric are a great way to preserve some of that spring color and make a great gift or card. People of every age respond to this craft in making it or receiving it!
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