19+ Backyard Summer Activities for Kids (That They Will Actually Like!)
When the weather is warm and the kids are full of energy, the backyard can turn into the perfect place for simple everyday fun. These backyard summer activities for kids are packed with easy ideas that help keep little ones busy, happy, and making sweet summer memories right at home.
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From DIY games to simple water play and creative outdoor fun, this list is full of inspiration for toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids too. Whether you are planning a playful afternoon or just need a few fresh ideas to make the most of summer, there is something here for every kind of sunny day.
If you are on the hunt for fun summer ideas, be sure to also see these 19+ *Easy* Pool Noodle Crafts and Activities for Kids along with 25+ *Fun* Summer Activities for Toddlers.
🌟Don’t Leave Before You Check Out These Fun Ideas!🌟
Easy DIY Bubble Wand Bubble Making Station
Set out a tray full of beads and pipe cleaners, and let kids make their own bubble wands right in the backyard!
Fly Swatter Bubbles by Two Pink Peonies
Fly swatter bubbles are a super easy, super fun way to get a little outside time. Be sure to check out the two secret ingredients for stronger, longer lasting bubbles that are much more satisfying.
Printable Mud Kitchen Recipes by This Tiny Blue House
These printable mud recipes are the cutest idea ever. Kids will love following the recipes for things like dirt pie, rock cake, and sand muffins.
How to Make a Sidewalk Chalk Mosaic by Down Redbud Drive
A box of sidewalk chalk and some painter’s tape are all you need for an afternoon full of fun. This sidewalk chalk mosaic is simple enough for kids of all ages, but the results look just amazing.
Cardboard Castle Project by A Little Pinch of Perfect
Anyone with access to a few large cardboard boxes needs to try this project out. A cardboard castle is a guaranteed pass to adventure.
Rainbow Nature Weaving by Fox Farm Home
While rainbow crafts are a dime a dozen, this one takes an all-new approach to the classic craft. Kids load a cardboard “rainbow” with all colors of plants for a nature-inspired good time.
Chalk Ice by The Best Ideas for Kids
Sidewalk chalk is always a good time, but it can get pretty hot in the summer. This chalk ice paint is the perfect way to make the coolest artwork around.
Bug Hunt Fine Motor Activity by Growing Hands-On Kids
While catching bugs can be fun, not everybody loves the creepy crawlies. This play set of bugs offers plenty of ways for kids to develop their motor skills while also having a good time.
Easy DIY Outdoor Music Station by And Next Comes L
A music wall is a wonderful project with tons of benefits for kids, but not everyone has the space or supplies to build a permanent one. This temporary outdoor music station is quick to set up, simple to create, and just as easy to take down when playtime is over.
DIY Wooden Roads and Ramps by Buggy and Buddy
Playing outside makes everything more fun, especially when toy cars are involved. While plastic track packs can be exciting at first, they rarely hold up for long. These DIY wooden ramps are easy to build and sturdy enough for outdoor play.
DIY Splash Pad by Taming Little Monsters
A DIY splash pad is the ideal setup to help kids beat the heat. This project has options for sewing, no-sew, and one that’s kind of the best of both worlds.
The Best Water Balloon Games by Mommy Made That
Water balloons and summer just go together, hand in hand. This is a whole list of different water balloon activities that kids can do, beyond just throwing them at each other.
Trampoline Sidewalk Chalk Learning Game by The Mindful Toddler
Sidewalk chalk and trampolines might seem like an odd combination, but only until the kids try it. They can learn shapes and colors while they play all afternoon.
3 Backyard Matching Games by Homeschool Preschool
It’s time for screams, splashes, and learning too! This printable is the perfect way to get kids having fun while matching shapes and colors.
DIY Ball and Cup Game by Kids Activities
The old fashioned ball and cup games might seem like something that disappeared with yesteryear, but they’re quite simple to make. This one is made all with recycled materials from around the house.
Hula Hoop Croquet by The Crafting Chicks
Croquet is a classic lawn game, perfect for summer nights. This DIY set updates it to make it much more kid-friendly.
Super Soaker Sponge Balls by Natural Beach Living
This fun project brings all the excitement of a water balloon fight, without the tedium of filling dozens of water balloons and picking up rubber balloon bits afterward. The DIY sponge balls are cheap and easy to make and can be used over and over again.
Nature Scavenger Hunt Tic Tac Toe by Kids Craft Room
This backyard summer activity seems like just a simple game of tic tac toe, but there’s a catch to it. It has to be played outdoors, and the materials have to be scrounged up from nature.
Water Pistol Painting by Messy Little Monster
Water pistol painting is a wild, messy way for kids to get creative. Set up a canvas in the backyard, and then load water pistols with a special mix of paint and water for a colorful good time.
Stomping Bubble Wrap Painting by The Soccer Mom Blog
For another artistic option that is best outdoors, try stomp painting. Kids wrap up in bubble wrap “shoes” and stomp paint all over their paper surface.
Play Doh Crafts with Items from Nature by The Crazy Outdoor Mama
Combine the wonders of nature with the wonders of playdough for this fun backyard summer activity. Kids can make animals out of playdough and accent them with materials they gather from the great outdoors.
Backyard summer activities can turn an ordinary day into something really special without needing a lot of planning or supplies. I hope this list gave you plenty of easy ideas to keep the kids playing, exploring, and making happy summer memories right in your own backyard.
