We consider Memorial Day weekend the unofficial start to summer, so I spent the day before our holiday weekend compiling a list of over 100 outdoor summer play activities for kids. I’m talking the definitive summer bucket list – simple fun-in-the-sun play ideas for all ages and interests!
Kids Summer Outdoor Play Ideas – Table of Contents
Kids Summer Outdoor Play Ideas – Table of Contents
Use the links below to jump straight to a specific topic of interest in this article…
Our Top 100 Outdoor Play Activities for Kids
There comes a point in every summer when the novelty of free days turns into (dare we say it…) boredom. That’s when this collection really comes in handy. Print it out and keep it on hand for sunny summer days when you want to be outside but need some fresh entertainment. Or hot hazy late summer afternoons when the kids have come down with a case of the summer blahs.
There are even some classic summer night play ideas for those perfect golden evenings when everyone’s looking for an excuse to stay outside just a little longer. Oh, summer…don’t ever end!
Classic Summer Neighborhood Play Activities for Kids
These activities were the play staples of my childhood summers, and they’re still the best surefire, simple ways for kids to entertain themselves outside all summer long…
1. Look for fireflies.
Turn your backyard into a magical, blinky wonderland as you and your mini explorers hunt down these tiny, glowing insect celebs (just remember to set them free afterward!).
2. Make s’mores.
Help your little ones discover their inner culinary artist, layering gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate between graham crackers – because nothing says “summer” quite like a sticky, chocolatey grin.
3. Make and fly a kite.
Get ready for takeoff! Craft your very own sky-high masterpiece and watch it soar through the skies like an acrobatic bird (just try not to get tangled in any trees).
4. Go berry, fruit, or vegetable picking.
Grab your buckets and embark on an edible treasure hunt – just be prepared for the little ones to eat half the loot before you even make it home.
5. Get the gang together for a neighborhood bike ride.
Pedal your way through the streets with your mini biker gang, just remember to call out those potholes and stick together!
6. Set up a tent for a backyard camp-out.
Transform your backyard into a mini wilderness retreat, complete with sleeping bags, spooky stories, and the sweet serenade of crickets (and maybe the neighbor’s dog).
7. Play Red Light, Green Light, or Capture the Flag.
Unleash your competitive spirit with these classic games, where strategy, speed, and a touch of sneakiness will crown you the king or queen of the playground.
8. Find shapes in the clouds.
Lay back and let your imagination run wild as you search for floating bunnies, castles, and pirate ships in the ever-changing cloudscape above.
9. Set up an iced tea or lemonade stand.
Put your kiddos’ entrepreneurial skills to the test by whipping up some thirst-quenching concoctions, because who can resist a cute, lemonade-selling tyke?
10. Put on a swimsuit and play in the rain.
Embrace your inner mermaid or merman as you splash, dance, and sing your way through a summertime downpour (just watch out for puddle belly flops).
11. Play Ghosts in the Graveyard or flashlight tag after dark.
Turn the night into an adrenaline-pumping adventure as shadows become allies, and stealthy moves are the name of the game.
12. Make folded paper fans.
Keep cool and stylish with these DIY air conditioners – perfect for when the summer heat feels like a sauna gone rogue.
13. Have a potato sack rack.
Jump into an old-school challenge, where speed, coordination, and a touch of hilarity will be your key to victory (or at least some epic laughs).
14. Try rollerskating.
Strap on those wheeled wonders and glide into a groovy good time, just be prepared for a few wobbly wipeouts and the occasional bruised ego.
15. Stay up late to celebrate the summer solstice.
Throw a moonlit bash to mark the longest day of the year, with glow sticks, fireflies, and memories that’ll outlast the setting sun.
16. Pump up the summer jams and wash a car or bike.
Crank up the tunes and turn a chore into a sudsy, splash-tastic dance party – just watch out for those rogue hose attacks.
17. Get out the hula hoop, jump rope, or sidewalk chalk for driveway play.
Turn your driveway into a canvas, gym, or circus ring with these classic, crowd-pleasing activities.
18. Watch for falling stars.
Snuggle under a blanket and watch the sky put on a dazzling display of celestial fireworks – just don’t forget to make a wish or two.
19. Make your own set of paper sparklers for summer festivities.
Light up your life with these DIY dazzlers, perfect for those who prefer their pyrotechnics on the safer side.
20. Plan a picnic in the backyard.
Lay out the checkered blanket and whip up a feast of finger foods, then dine alfresco style surrounded by the lush flora and the occasional curious squirrel.
21. Build a stick fort, sheet tent, or treehouse.
Create a hideaway haven using nature’s building blocks, old linens, or a sturdy tree – just be prepared for the occasional turf war.
22. Tell scary stories around a campfire or lantern.
Gather ’round for a spine-tingling storytelling sesh, where goosebumps, giggles, and the occasional gasp are the main attractions.
23. Play wiffleball or dodgeball.
Channel your inner sports star with these classic games, where you’ll quickly learn that sometimes, it’s more fun to be the one throwing the ball than the one getting hit.
24. Make shaved ice or homemade popsicles.
Conjure up some icy treats that’ll have your taste buds dancing the cha-cha-cha, because when it comes to summer, there’s no such thing as too many frozen goodies.
25. Get out a sprinkler or baby pool.
Transform your backyard into a mini water park, complete with splashes, squeals, and an impromptu game of “Marco Polo” (just remember to keep those towels handy).
26. Play a lawn game (croquet, etc).
Put your game face on and dabble in some friendly competition with these timeless green-grass classics – just be prepared for the occasional “accidental” whack.
27. Make a dandelion necklace.
Embrace your inner flower child as you string together nature’s most underrated accessory – the perfect finishing touch for any summer ensemble.
28. Try to identify summer bugs by sound.
Channel your inner entomologist as you and your junior bug hunters try to match each buzz, chirp, or hum to its rightful six-legged owner.
29. Bury a time capsule.
Gather up treasures and trinkets, then tuck them away in a secret spot for future you to discover – just make sure to mark the spot with an X (or something a little less pirate-y).
30. Find a drive-in movie theater and catch a show under the stars.
Snuggle into your car and experience the magic of cinema al fresco, where the stars above compete with the ones on the silver screen.
31. Put on a backyard show.
Have a lip-synching contest, host a neighborhood pet show, turn your backyard into Broadway, pull out the puppets, or have a talent show! Grab the mic, round up the neighborhood stars, and put on a show that’ll have the whole block talking – just remember to take a bow (or three) at the end.
Outdoor Summer Sensory Play
From squishy sandy play to chilly frozen surprises, these invitations use the senses of touch, smell, sight, sound, and even taste. These are all wonderful outdoor activities to let your little ones enjoy under sunny skies.
32. Take part in an exciting shark excavation.
Unleash your inner archaeologist as you dig, brush, and uncover buried shark treasures (fake, of course) – just remember to channel your best Indiana Jones impression.
33. Chill with a frozen sand sensory bin.
Mix up a batch of frosty, sandy goodness that’s perfect for little hands to explore, creating a chillingly delightful summer oasis right in your backyard.
34. Make unbreakable bubbles, mega bubbles, or bubble snakes.
Turn your backyard into a homemade bubble bonanza, where the bigger and bouncier, the better (and where popping them becomes a sport of its own).
35. Take a sensory hike.
Embark on an adventure where every step, sniff, and touch becomes a journey of discovery, as you and your mini explorers uncover nature’s hidden wonders.
36. Make ice cream in a bag.
Shake, shimmy, and dance your way to a frosty, homemade treat that’s as delicious as it is fun to make (and eat!).
37. DIY a sand and water table (just like Mr. Rogers!)
Build a neighborhood-approved play station that’ll have your kiddos immersed in hours of splashy, sandy fun – just don’t forget the sunscreen!
38. Experiment with erupting ice chalk.
Combine science and art as you create colorful, fizzing masterpieces that’ll leave your driveway looking like a volcanic rainbow.
39. Make a natural outdoor sand pit.
Turn a corner of your backyard into a sandy playground paradise, perfect for sandcastles, buried treasure, and the occasional mud pie.
40. Put together a soapy sea foam sensory bin.
Whip up a batch of frothy, bubbly fun that’ll have your little ones elbow-deep in a sudsy wonderland (and maybe even convince them that bath time isn’t so bad).
41. Take a virtual sensory trip with DIY moon sand backyard beach play.
Create a lunar-like landscape that’s perfect for digging, molding, and exploring – just be prepared for some out-of-this-world sandcastles.
42. See what happens when you freeze slime…!
Take your slime game to the next level with this frosty experiment, where ooey-gooey meets icy-cool – just be prepared for some extra-excited squeals.
Kids Summer Outdoor Arts and Crafts Activities
This bevy of beautiful nature-inspired art and craft activities requires a little quality outdoor time or a natural element as the main supply. Each idea provides an excellent gateway to creating works of art al fresco!
43. Use construction paper and household objects to explore the process of sunprinting.
Unleash your inner solar-powered artist, creating sun-kissed masterpieces with everyday items – who knew you could make the sun your very own collaborator?
44. Gather natural materials and arrange backyard finds in patterns to create your own nature mandalas.
Transform leaves, sticks, and stones into mesmerizing, earthy designs that’ll make Mother Nature proud.
45. Make a bold and bright kid-safe DIY lantern from recycled supplies!
Light up the night with a homemade beacon of creativity, turning trash into treasure with a few crafty tricks and a touch of sparkle.
46. Decorate the driveway with your own DIY sidewalk chalk paint or homemade sidewalk puffy paint.
Turn your driveway into a colorful canvas, where your little artists can let their imaginations run wild (and washable!).
47. Get a hands-on lesson in the science of sunblock while making some art with sunscreen paintings.
Combine learning and fun as you explore the power of SPF through a splashy, sun-safe masterpiece.
48. Explore a fun process with hammered flower art.
Create stunning botanical imprints with a hammer, some flowers, and a little elbow grease.
49. Paint rocks with special imagery to make your own set of summer story stones.
Turn ordinary rocks into storybook treasures, creating a unique, hands-on way to weave tales of adventure and magic.
50. For enchanted play in the garden, grow a unicorn or make a set of handmade woodland fairy peg dolls for outdoor small worlds.
Bring whimsy and wonder to your garden with mythical creatures and tiny fairy friends, perfect for sparking magical outdoor adventures.
51. For an unconventional outdoor scavenger hunt or simple summer movement game, check out this art + play memory map activity.
Put on your explorer hat and embark on a journey of art and memory, turning your backyard into a playground of creativity and discovery.
52. Make a sunny summer suncatcher.
Catch some rays with a dazzling, homemade creation that’ll bring sunshine and smiles to any window or tree branch.
53. Make mud paintings.
Embrace the mess and turn dirt into art as you and your little ones finger paint with nature’s most abundant (and muddy) medium.
54. Create nature loom art.
Weave together a tapestry of natural beauty, using sticks, leaves, and your own creativity to bring a touch of the great outdoors to your living room.
55. Make an outdoor easel.
Turn your backyard into an open-air art studio, where fresh air and natural inspiration combine for artistic masterpieces that’ll leave you beaming with pride.
56. Decorate a tree with colorful strips of cloth, ribbon, and lights.
Transform a humble tree into a dazzling display of color and light, creating a whimsical, Instagram-worthy centerpiece for your backyard wonderland.
Backyard Summer Kids Games
Run, skip, hop, throw, kick, and balance with this fab collection of summer outdoor movement games!
57. Cool off with water balloon pinatas.
Swap candy for splashy surprises as you and your little ones take turns whacking water-filled wonders – just be prepared for the occasional surprise shower.
58. Make your own adorable DIY picnic beanbag toss game.
Craft a cute and portable beanbag toss that’ll have your kiddos giggling and lunging for victory at every summer gathering (and maybe even help you perfect your throwing arm).
59. Go retro with glow-in-the-dark bowling, DIY yard dice, lawn twister, or DIY Ring toss.
Turn back time with these neon-tinged, larger-than-life backyard games that’ll have you feeling nostalgic and your kids declaring you the coolest parent on the block.
60. Try one of these outdoor relay race ideas.
Get ready, get set, and go for gold with these adrenaline-pumping, team-building races that’ll have everyone cheering and huffing for breath.
61. Swap balls with blown-up balloons for a balloon tennis match.
Serve up a bouncy, giggly twist on a classic game that’ll have you volleying, lobbing, and laughing your way through the afternoon.
62. Take a virtual trip to the seashore with an afternoon of beach ball games.
Transform your backyard into a sandy haven with beach ball-themed fun that’ll leave you feeling like you’re catching waves and soaking up sun, no sunscreen required.
63. Go all out with backyard Olympics or lumberjack games.
Unleash your inner athlete or woodsman with these high-energy, competitive games that’ll have you and your kids training like champions (or lumberjacks, of course).
64. Grab a flashlight for backyard games in the dark!
Turn your backyard into a nocturnal playground with flashlight-enhanced games that’ll have everyone squealing, sprinting, and searching for their sneaky opponents.
65. Enjoy a few sprinkler water games.
Combine splashes, laughter, and friendly competition with these refreshing games that’ll leave you soaked, smiling, and asking for more.
66. Use sidewalk chalk to design your own driveway obstacle course.
Create a chalk-drawn gauntlet of jumps, crawls, and hops that’ll leave everyone breathless and grinning.
67. Make your own balance board for gnarly backyard surfing sessions.
Channel your inner surfer with a DIY balance board, perfect for honing your skills, catching imaginary waves, and impressing the neighborhood grommets.
68. DIY your own set of handmade tin can stilts.
Reach new heights (literally!) with these crafty, homemade stilts that’ll have your kids towering above the competition and perfecting their stilt-walking swagger.
69. Set up an easy summer-themed escape room.
Transform your backyard into a thrilling, brain-teasing adventure that’ll have your little sleuths racing against the clock to solve puzzles and crack codes.
70. Go on a water balloon hunt.
Combine the excitement of a treasure hunt with the splashy fun of water balloons, creating a summertime game that’s equal parts thrilling and refreshing.
71. Build a DIY frisbee golf course or backyard miniature golf course.
Bring the excitement of your favorite leisure sports home with these homemade courses, perfect for hours of friendly competition and endless hole-in-one celebrations.
Summer Nature Activities for Kids
The best of simple summer nature activities!
72. Help out a pollinator by building a simple kid-made bee bath.
Roll up your sleeves and create a buzzing spa oasis for our fuzzy, flying friends, giving bees a much-needed pit stop and teaching your little ones about the importance of pollinators.
73. Hang on to collected nature supplies and repurpose them for a homemade backyard tic-tac-toe set.
Give leaves, sticks, and rocks a second life as you craft a DIY, eco-friendly game board that’ll have you battling for backyard tic-tac-toe supremacy.
74. Grab a pair of binoculars for an exciting DIY backyard safari.
Embark on a wild expedition in your backyard, discovering and documenting the creatures and critters that call your little slice of nature home.
75. Use recycled materials to make a bug box.
Transform everyday items into a cozy, crawlies-only hotel, perfect for observing the tiny guests that check in (but don’t worry, they’ll check out, too!).
76. Take a micro hike.
Slow down and explore the hidden wonders of your backyard or neighborhood, examining the tiny details and miniature ecosystems that often go unnoticed.
77. Make a mini pond in a pot and wait for wildlife visitors.
Create a pint-sized aquatic paradise that’ll have frogs, toads, and other critters hopping by for a dip in your backyard’s newest hotspot.
78. Grow a mini meadow and observe the changes.
Sow the seeds of a lush, miniature ecosystem, and watch as it transforms into a bustling, blooming haven for pollinators and other backyard wildlife.
79. Try geocaching.
Dive into the world of high-tech treasure hunting, embarking on exciting outdoor quests to uncover hidden geocaches and maybe even leave your own mark for future explorers.
80. Identify the flowers, bushes, and plants in your own backyard.
Transform into a family of backyard botanists as you learn the names and characteristics of your garden’s green inhabitants, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nature around you.
81. Go on an insect scavenger hunt.
Flex your entomologist muscles as you search high and low for the six-legged residents of your backyard, learning more about the tiny, fascinating creatures that share our world.
82. Build a toad house in the garden.
Give your amphibian neighbors a five-star abode, crafting a cozy nook that’ll have toads croaking their gratitude (and maybe even reducing your backyard’s pesky bug population!).
83. Turn a cardboard box and plastic containers into a hip DIY nature explorer’s kit.
Upcycle your way to adventure with a homemade explorer’s kit that’ll have your little ones ready to investigate, collect, and catalog their backyard discoveries.
84. Head outside for a summer nature color hunt.
Celebrate the vibrant hues of the season with a colorful scavenger hunt, searching for flora and fauna that match the shades on your custom-made color palette.
85. Go mothing!
Embrace the magic of the night as you head out with flashlights and curiosity to discover the enchanting world of moths, becoming backyard lepidopterists under the moonlight.
Outdoor Summer Science and Engineering
These science and engineering-based activities will have your kids begging to get outside for some fun STEM learning this summer…
86. Make cardboard catapult cannons.
Engineer a battalion of pint-sized siege weapons from recycled cardboard, perfect for launching marshmallows, cotton balls, or other soft ammunition in a backyard battle royale.
87. Explore the physics of pressure with a rainbow pop and mentos experiment.
Unleash a fizzy, colorful geyser of fun by combining classic candies and soda, teaching your kids the wonders of chemical reactions (and the importance of standing back!).
88. Celebrate summer science with film canister fireworks.
Safely recreate the excitement of a fireworks display with film canisters and effervescent tablets, creating a series of mini, ground-based explosions that’ll leave everyone oohing and aahing.
89. Make homemade bottle rockets.
Blast off into backyard space exploration with DIY bottle rockets, showcasing the power of air pressure and sending your homemade spacecraft soaring skyward.
90. Go stargazing with a DIY telescope made from recycled cardboard tubes.
Transform everyday cardboard tubes into a stargazing tool, perfect for scanning the night sky and making your kids feel like backyard astronomers in the making.
91. Make a DIY solar oven from a pizza box.
Cook up some eco-friendly treats with a homemade solar oven, proving that sunshine isn’t just for tanning – it’s for baking, too!
92. Make lemon volcanos.
Combine citrus, chemistry, and a dash of drama with these zesty backyard eruptions, adding a tangy twist to the classic volcano experiment.
93. Build a working raft.
Channel your inner Robinson Crusoe as you and your kids construct a buoyant, backyard-worthy vessel perfect for floating, paddling, or maybe even setting sail to a deserted island (or just the other side of the pool).
94. Predict the temperature with cricket thermometers.
Delve into the world of natural meteorology by learning how to use cricket chirps to estimate the temperature, turning backyard bug-watching into a fascinating science lesson.
95. Build a Rube Goldberg soaker seat.
Design and construct a wild, water-powered contraption that culminates in a refreshing splash, showcasing the power of chain reactions and the fun of getting soaked.
96. Make plastic bottle pendulum paintings.
Swirl, swing, and splatter your way to backyard masterpieces with this gravity-defying art project, turning discarded bottles into tools of creative expression.
97. Construct a DIY sound wall with household supplies.
Turn pots, pans, and other everyday items into a cacophonous symphony of sound, creating an interactive, open-air orchestra that’ll have your little ones making sweet (or at least very enthusiastic) music.
98. Create a sundial from found objects.
Teach your kids the ancient art of telling time with shadows by constructing a DIY sundial using sticks, rocks, or other backyard treasures, turning your garden into a time-telling playground.
99. Make a DIY water wheel.
Harness the power of water as your kids construct a simple, backyard water wheel, exploring the principles of hydropower and the potential of renewable energy sources.
100. Create a backyard weather station.
Empower your kids to become junior meteorologists by building a homemade weather station with a rain gauge, wind vane, and other instruments to track and predict the ever-changing summer weather.
Kids Outdoor Play Ideas for Every Seasons
For more seasonal kids’ backyard activity collections, visit our lists of more eco-friendly water games and play ideas, the best autumn kids outdoor play list, spring gardening activities, and outdoor winter play ideas.
