Summer is the perfect time to unplug and play! When the weather warms up, my kids are eager to get outside, get messy, and use their imaginations. I love filling our summer days with screen-free fun. The best activities are simple, hands-on, and easy to set up with things you already have at home.
Here is a big list of our favorite screen-free summer activities for kids. You will find backyard games, water play, sensory activities, and creative indoor ideas for hot afternoons. Pick a few to try, and let the summer memories begin!
Backyard Games – Launch Air-Powered Rockets
A stomp rocket is a favorite for all ages. Kids place a foam rocket on the launch stand, then stomp on the pad to send it flying. The best part is the chase. Kids can launch the rockets, then run to retrieve them, over and over. Stomp rockets are 100% kid-powered, and even a 2-year-old can do it. This summer kids activity is great for coordination and burning energy.
This set of Stomp Rocket stunt planes comes with a stand that can be adjusted to fly planes at various angles. It’s easy to launch; just run, jump and stomp!
Roll Around in the Yard
An inflatable roller wheel is another fun way to keep kids busy in the yard. Kids can crawl inside and can roll across the grass, or take turns pushing each other. Our inflatable roller wheel has colorful balls that bounce around inside as it turns. It doubles as a pool toy on hot days too.
Blow Bubbles
Bubbles are simple, classic summer fun. Little kids love chasing them across the yard. Try a big bubble wand for giant bubbles, or set out small bottles for individual play. Blowing bubbles is an easy activity that keeps toddlers happy for a surprisingly long time.
Backyard Obstacle Course
Additionally, you can make a fun water play obstacle course with things you already have. We used pool noodles, hula hoops, an old hose, and a big inflatable ball. Kids can crawl, jump, and race through the course. Best of all, you can rearrange the obstacle course to give kids different challenges.
Water Play – Make a DIY Pool Noodle Sprinkler
This easy DIY sprinkler is a summer highlight. Connect a few pool noodles with lengths of hose, then poke holes along the tube to make sprinkler spouts. Attach it to a hula hoop so it stands up, or lay it flat so the water shoots up. Kids will love running through the spray!
How to make it: Cut two 10-inch lengths of hose to connect the noodles. Thread a hose piece through the end of one pool noodle and duct tape it in place. Attach the next noodle to the other end of the hose and tape them together. Repeat to connect a third noodle. Make sure everything is dry before taping. Then use a screwdriver to poke holes along the tube. The more holes, the gentler the water pressure.
Water Balloons & Squirt Guns
Water balloons are a fun sensory activity and a classic summer game. Some kids love the squishy feel, and others just want to throw them! Squirting water guns is another fun summer kids activity. We set a simple rule for water play: everyone has to be having fun and playing nicely. A little water play cools everyone down fast.
Homemade Fruit Ice Pops
A homemade treat is a very welcome way to cool off with a little sweetness. Ice pops are easy to make with a popsicle mold and a little juice or yogurt. Kids can help pour in the mixture and pick their favorite flavors. Add fresh berries or gummy bears for a fruity twist. Making fruity ice pops is a sweet way to create summer memories with kids.
Sensory Activities – DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Kids will also love painting the driveway with homemade sidewalk chalk paint. You just need cornstarch, water, and food coloring. Mix it up, grab some brushes, and let kids create colorful summer art. DIY sidewalk chalk paint rinses away with the hose or the next rain shower.
Themed Sensory Bins for Kids
When you come inside, a sensory bin is easy to put together with things around the house. Fill a bin with a sensory medium such as play sand, rice, or dried beans. Then add small toys and little treasures for kids to discover. You can make themed bins, like a dinosaur dig, an under-the-sea scene, or a construction site. Playing with a sensory bin is a great screen-free activity for imaginative play. See our full guide on how to make a kids sensory bin for lots of play theme ideas.
Safety note: for babies and toddlers who still put things in their mouths, use large sensory items. Anything smaller than 3 inches can be a choking hazard.
Homemade Cloud Dough
Cloud dough is a soft sensory dough kids will love to squeeze and squish. You only need two ingredients: cornstarch and hair conditioner. Add food coloring and glitter to make it extra fun. Homemade cloud dough feels moisturizing on little hands, and it smells like your conditioner! We even made cloud dough roses as party favors once. Get the full recipe in our glitter cloud dough tutorial.
Wooden Toys & Playsets
Next, wooden toy sets are great for imaginative indoor play. We love classic wooden toys that kids can build and rebuild. Many need to be assembled, which is half the fun, and kids can help. A wooden workbench, a play kitchen, or a fire station gives kids hours of pretend play. Best of all, quality wooden toys are durable and grow with your child.
Kids Karaoke
Rainy weather or hot days are perfect for an indoor kids talent show. My girls love putting on singing and dancing performances. A kids karaoke machine adds to the fun, but all you really need is a “stage” and an audience. Encourage kids to make up a show, practice, and perform for the family.
Screen-Free Stories & Songs
Summer is a great time to enjoy stories and music without a screen. My kids love winding down while listening to an audiobook, which can also help create a happy afternoon routine. Kids can listen while they build with Legos, color, or rest. Listening to stories also sparks imagination and builds early literacy skills.
Make Summer Memories
Overall, childhood summers are short and precious. The best memories often come from the simplest summer kids activities. A water sprinkler, a bin of play sand, or a batch of cloud dough are all creative ways to enjoy summer fun. I try to give my kids a mix of structure and free play each day. With a little planning, you can fill your summer with screen-free fun the whole family will enjoy!
Which screen-free summer activity will your family try first?
Hi, I’m Katie! I’m a homeschool mom who’s traveling the world with my husband and 4 kids. We raised our family in North Idaho and currently live in Mérida, Mexico. I love Jesus, coffee, creative projects, photography, and traveling. I hope you enjoy our creative ideas and family adventures!
