Get ready for summer fun! This Ultimate Summer Adventure List is packed with screen-free, outdoor activities to help your family connect, explore, and make the most of the season. It includes everything from backyard activities to unique bucket list adventures, with plenty of ideas for kids of all ages.
We’ve rounded up 100 awesome ideas to help beat boredom and get the whole family outside. Here’s to a summer full of fun, laughter, and memories you’ll all cherish!
Be sure to grab the accompanying printables to make this list even easier to use, including:
- A checklist to hang on the fridge and mark off as you complete each activity
- A set of cut-out activity slips to put in a jar, hat, or basket, so kids can draw one for a fun surprise. This is also an easy way to pick when no one can agree on or decide what to do next
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, if you purchase something through one of these links and use the discount codes provided, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
All products and brands recommended are hand selected by our team, so thank you for supporting us by clicking through!
Everyday Outdoor Summer Fun
You don’t need a big trip or a full schedule to make summer special. So much of the magic of the season is found in the sweet, simple moments that don’t require much planning. These low-prep, close-to-home ideas are perfect for spontaneous outdoor fun.
Backyard Activities
There’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had without ever leaving home. These simple activities are budget friendly, low-prep, and perfect for bonding as a family and keeping kids happily entertained right in your backyard.
1. Cook dinner outside over a bonfire or grill, then eat outside.
Eating outside is a fun way to switch things up and soak in a little more outdoor time as a family. If you’re able to build a safe bonfire in your yard, you can enjoy all your favorite campfire meals at home. But, if that isn’t an option, a grill works too!
Here’s a few of our favorite campfire recipes to try:
- Pudgy Pie Recipes
- Favorite Campfire Nachos
- Baked Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Curry Chickpeas
- Easy Campfire Recipes
2. Create a backyard obstacle course with things you have on hand.
Let your kids design their own obstacle course using whatever they can find in the garage and yard. Hula hoops, pool noodles, buckets, and sticks all work great. Once they’ve finished setting it up, they can time each other going through the course.
3. Plant a small garden together.
Whether it’s a few plants in pots on the deck or a small veggie patch in the backyard, gardening with kids can be a fun way to bond and get your hands dirty together. Watching their plants grow gives kids a sense of pride and you might even get to enjoy some tasty homegrown produce!
4. Build a bird feeder and observe the birds that visit it.
Building a bird feeder is a fun summer project for kids that promotes critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity. When finished, it’s a great way to attract more birds to your yard, sparking curiosity about the natural world. For added fun, grab a local guidebook and try to identify the different birds that visit the feeder.
5. Make fairy houses with things you find around the yard.
Gather moss, bark, flowers, and stones to create fairy houses. This is a simple creative activity that lets kids use their imaginations as they build and dream up stories of the tiny creatures who might live there.
6. Plant pollinator-friendly native plants.
Add native flowers to your yard to support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Watching the insects that come to visit the flowers through the summer is a simple way to learn about your local ecosystem.
7. Make solar oven s’mores.
Build a solar oven and break it out on a sunny day to make s’mores. It’s a fun way for kids to explore solar energy while enjoying a treat outdoors!
8. Create a chalk art gallery on your driveway or sidewalk.
Let kids draw a collection of chalk drawings on your driveway or sidewalk. When they’re finished, have a “gallery walk” where you stroll through, admire their art, and hear the stories behind each piece.
9. Have a squirt gun or water balloon fight.
Squirt gun and water balloon fights are a summer favorite, perfect for cooling off, burning some energy, and having fun on hot days. For a more eco-friendly option, choose biodegradable or reusable water balloons.
10. Build a stick fort.
Building a stick fort is a classic hands-on activity that helps kids explore real life STEM skills like planning, building, and problem solving. Once the fort is finished, it becomes the perfect spot for hanging out and all kinds of imaginative play.
11. Set up a net and have a badminton or volleyball tournament.
Put up a net in your yard and invite neighbors or friends over for a backyard badminton or volleyball tournament. This is a great way to get active and enjoy some friendly competition.
12. Make melted crayon art.
Make colorful, sun-powered art with this low-prep project. If you’ve got broken crayons lying around, this is a perfect way to give them new life. Use the sun’s heat to melt the crayons, making colorful rocks or unique artwork to hang on the fridge.
13. Set up a DIY slip ‘n slide.
Cool off this summer with a DIY slip ‘n slide. Just grab a big sheet of sturdy plastic and a hose, set it up on a soft patch of grass, secure the edges, and you’re ready for hours of backyard fun!
14. Host a summer craft brunch.
I first read about craft brunches in an article by Jessie Lehson, a nature-loving mama and author, in The Botanical Anthology a few years ago and instantly loved the idea. It’s such a fun way to spend time with friends.
She shares recipe and craft ideas for a summer craft brunch on her blog. “The premise is simple, everyone brings a simple dish and works on a seasonal craft together while laughing and gossiping […] Including a simple kids craft keeps the littles occupied while the grownups catch up,” she says.
15. Make plant rubbing art.
Making a plant rubbing is a quick and easy way to create an image of a plant. Just place a leaf or flower under a sheet of paper and gently rub over it with a crayon. You can add the finished plant rubbings to nature journals or use them to decorate greeting cards.
16. Try watermelon bowling.
Turn a small, round watermelon into a bowling ball for a simple, silly backyard game. Just fill a few empty plastic bottles with a little water or sand, set them up like bowling pins, and let the kids roll the watermelon to see how many they can knock down.
17. Brew sun tea and have an outdoor tea party.
Add tea bags, fresh fruit, and herbs to a big glass jar and top with water. Try experimenting with different flavor combinations to find your favorite blend. Cover and place in direct sun for up to 3 hours.
Once it’s ready, strain out the herbs and pour over ice. Enjoy your tea with snacks in the shade.
18. Build a sundial and learn to tell time with the sun.
Building a sundial is a simple way to connect with nature and learn how people have told time for centuries. The days around the summer solstice are ideal for this activity because it’s when the sun’s shadows are at their shortest, making it easier to track their movement.
19. Create a backyard mini golf course using household items.
Make a DIY mini golf course right in your backyard using features of the yard and things you already have on hand. Use rocks, slopes, trees, and whatever you can find in the garage to create a playful course that kids (and grownups!) will love.
20. Make a bee watering station.
Help keep these important pollinators hydrated in the hot, dry summer months with a DIY bee watering station. Bees don’t just drink water, they use it to cool their hives, feed their young, tend to their honey stores, and may even absorb trace nutrients from it.
21. Try a watermelon volcano experiment.
Turn a watermelon into a foamy backyard volcano. This playful experiment blends a hands-on science project with messy outdoor fun.
22. Make flower crowns.
Celebrate summer by weaving flower crowns. Gather blooms from the yard or a nature walk and shape them into simple crowns. They’re perfect for solstice gatherings, summer birthdays, or just adding a bit of magic to a lazy afternoon outside.
23. Make anthotype sun prints.
Try making prints with turmeric, the yellow spice commonly used in Indian cooking, and sunlight. Anthotype printing is a simple technique that uses plants and the sun to create images on paper or fabric. Turmeric has a natural compound that reacts to sunlight, making it perfect for creating these unique sun prints.
24. Play bocce ball or croquet.
Break out these lawn games for some classic family fun. Bocce ball and croquet are easy to set up, simple to learn, and enjoyable for all ages.
25. Wash the car or the family dog.
Washing the car or the dog together is a simple way to cool down and spend time outside together. And at the end, you’ve got a clean car or a happy, freshly bathed pup.
26. Set up a hammock and read outdoors.
There is something so relaxing about reading in a hammock while enjoying the outdoors. Choosing a book about nature or with an outdoor theme can deepen the feeling of being connected with the natural world.
Find outdoorsy and summertime book recommendations for the whole family in our posts Outdoor Parenting Books and Best Summertime Reads.
27. Practice survival skills together.
Learn the basics of fire building, shelter making, or knot tying as a family. It’s a fun way to build confidence and practice useful skills that could come in handy during a camping trip, or in a real life emergency.
28. Make your own sun-dried raisins.
Use the power of the sun to turn grapes into raisins. It’s fun for kids to watch the transformation and at the end they get to enjoy a tasty treat.
29. Set up your own splash pad with sprinklers.
Get creative with a mix of sprinklers, hoses, and buckets to turn your yard into a DIY splash pad. Kids will love playing in the water and it’s a great way to cool off on hot days.
30. Have a backyard spa day.
Treat your little ones (and yourself!) to a relaxing backyard spa day. Pamper yourselves with DIY facials, herbal foot soaks, and even hair masks, if you like. Being outside means no worries about getting goop all over the house, and it’s a nice way to enjoy some self-care together.
Microadventures Close to Home
These microadventures are a fun way to explore your neighborhood, local parks, and nearby trails. They’re perfect for getting everyone outside and helping your family appreciate the things that make your town or area special.
31. Take a family bike ride on a nearby trail or bike path.
Riding bikes as a family is a fun way to get outside, get moving, and spend time together.
32. Go for a picture book hike.
Read a book outside, then head out on a hike and enjoy related activities and snacks to make the adventure come alive! Jessie Lehson shares a few fun picture book hike ideas on her blog.
33. Try geocaching in your neighborhood.
Geocaching is like a real-life treasure hunt where you use your phone’s GPS to track down hidden “treasures” (caches). Check out our post, How to Go Geocaching with Kids, to learn all about getting started.
34. Pick fruit at a local farm or orchard.
Enjoy a taste of summer and support local growers. Fruit picking is a fun family outing, whether you plan to make preserves or other goodies with what you pick or just enjoy it fresh. Plus, many farms offer things like tractor rides or petting zoos that kids will love.
35. Visit a playground or park.
Head to a favorite local park or try exploring a new one. Pack snacks, bring a ball or kite, and let the kids burn some off energy.
36. Go for a breakfast picnic hike.
Our family loves to get the day started by heading out for a morning hike and enjoying breakfast at a scenic spot on the trail. Getting an early start can also be a great way to beat the heat of the day and avoid crowds. Get recipes and tips for planning a great picnic hike in my post Best Picnic Foods for a Hike.
37. Visit a stream and look for paint rocks.
“Paint rocks” are little chunks of ochre, a soft stone that naturally creates pigment. Ochre comes in earthy shades of red, yellow, and brown, and gets its color from iron. These rocks are perfect for outdoor drawings.
38. Attend a local outdoor festival or fair.
Many towns host outdoor festivals or fairs during the summer months. These events provide a unique way to enjoy local foods and crafts in the fresh air.
39. Visit a farmer’s market and pick out ingredients to make a meal together.
Wander through the market and pick out local produce and goodies. Then head home and make a meal using some of the ingredients you bought.
40. Take a day trip to a nearby beach or lake.
Pack a picnic, bring the sand toys, and enjoy an afternoon by the water. Check out our post Amp Up Your Family Beach Adventures for tips to make the most of your beach day.
41. Sign up for an outdoor education course.
Nature classes or workshops are a fun way to learn about local plants, wildlife, or basic survival skills and can help prepare for your next outdoor adventure.
42. Go to a sporting event.
Even if you’re not big on sports, cheering for a local team can be a fun family outing. And it’s a memorable first for little ones who’ve never been to a game.
43. Visit a farm or petting zoo.
Visiting a farm or petting zoo is always a hit. It gives kids the chance to meet animals up close and they might even get to feed or pet them.
44. Go fishing at a nearby river or lake.
Fishing is a classic summer pastime. And who knows, you might even catch dinner!
45. Visit a local botanical garden or nature preserve.
Stroll through a botanical garden or nature preserve, taking time to appreciate the beauty of the plants and learn about the many species growing there.
46. Go to a fireworks show for the Fourth of July.
Bring ear protection for little ones who may be sensitive to loud noises to help keep the night enjoyable for everyone.
47. Watch sunset or sunrise at a scenic spot.
Share a thermos of tea or a bottle of lemonade and simply enjoy the moment, or make it an opportunity for mindfulness by going around and sharing what you’re grateful for.
48. Go to a zoo, wildlife refuge, or bird sanctuary.
Kids get to see animals up close, learn a bit about their habitats, and maybe even discover a new favorite creature.
49. Have a biking scavenger hunt.
Invite friends to bike around the neighborhood in search of small prizes for a fun twist on a scavenger hunt. Get more details on how to organize it in this post.
50. Volunteer for a trail cleanup or habitat restoration day as a family.
Helping care for local trails and parks teaches kids the value of caring for natural spaces, so they continue to provide habitat for local wildlife and remain places people can enjoy.
51. Ride bikes or walk to get ice cream.
Turn a trip to the local ice cream shop into a mini adventure by riding bikes or walking there!
52. Visit a farm stand and pick out homemade treats or fresh fruit.
There’s something special about fresh, seasonal produce from a local farm stand. Just be sure to bring cash as many small vendors don’t accept cards.
53. Go paddleboarding or kayaking.
Paddleboarding and kayaking are great ways to enjoy the water with kids. Check out these posts for helpful tips & tricks and honest gear reviews to help you choose the best kayak or paddleboard for your family:
- Choosing a Family Kayak
- Evrwild Kids Kayak Review
- Buoy Touring Tandem Kayak Review
- Isle Pioneer Paddle Board Review
- Buoy Touring Paddleboard Review
- Best SUP for Beginners
54. Visit a U-pick flower or lavender farm and make bouquets to bring home.
A wonderful sensory experience for both kids and adults! But, sunny days can get hot out in the field, so be sure to bring a hat and plenty of water.
55. Participate in a 5k walk or run.
Even if it feels a little challenging to walk or run 5 kilometers (about 3 miles), doing something hard together as a family helps kids build resilience and learn the value of sticking with it. Plus, many events have a fun, supportive atmosphere and some even benefit great causes.
Rainy & Muddy Play
Don’t let a little rain keep you indoors! Playing outside in wet, muddy weather can be a lot of fun. Here are a few simple ideas to help you make the most of rainy days.
56. Paint the sidewalk or driveway with mud paint.
Scoop up mud into containers and add a bit of water if needed to make it a paintable consistency. Then let the kids create muddy masterpieces on the sidewalk or driveway. Use sturdy brushes like old house painting brushes, since regular paint brushes can wear out quickly on rough surfaces.
57. Collect rainwater in buckets and use it to water plants later.
Place buckets in different spots around your yard and see which ones fill up the fastest. Once the rain stops, you can use the collected water to water indoor plants or wait until things dry out a little and use it to water the garden.
58. Set up a rain gauge and track rainfall.
Buy a simple rain gauge or make your own and let kids track how much rain you get over the summer.
59. Make rain drums with buckets and sticks.
Flip buckets upside down, grab some sticks, and let kids drum with the rhythm of the rain.
60. Dance in the rain.
Spin, splash, and twirl. No raincoats required!
61. Make mud pies or cakes.
Kids love making mud pies! Check out our free printable mud kitchen recipes here.
62. Try rain painting.
Color paper with washable markers or watercolor sticks, then leave it outside and watch the rain drops transform it into unique artwork.
For more fun ideas for getting outside on rainy days, check out another post Playing in the Rain & Mud.
Fun After Dark
The fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down! Here are a few simple ways to make the most of those summer nights.
63. Tell stories around a campfire.
Take turns telling silly or spooky stories or read a book aloud by firelight.
64. Catch fireflies.
Gently catch fireflies and put them in a clear plastic bottle or jar with holes in the lid for kids to observe. Just be sure to release them before going to bed for the evening!
65. Try nighttime hooping with a light-up hula hoop.
Hula hooping is great for improving core strength and coordination. And it’s extra fun in the dark with a LED hula hoop!
66. Stargaze and learn constellations together.
Use a stargazing app to help identify different constellations and planets.
67. Go on a full moon hike.
Enjoy a short hike when the full moon is lighting the sky. Just be sure to bring a headlamp as backup in case the moon disappears behind thick clouds.
68. Set up a backyard movie night with a projector.
Hang a sheet, set up a projector, and have an outdoor movie night. Cozy seating and snacks are the perfect finishing touch.
69. Go for a nature hike with flashlights or lanterns.
Going for a walk at night feels totally different and can make walking even familiar paths seem like an adventure!
70. Try spinning glow-in-the-dark or light-up poi.
Twirling lit-up poi makes for a mesmerizing light show after dark.
71. Listen for night critters and try to identify their calls
When the sun sets, nature’s nighttime symphony begins. You might hear crickets chirping, frogs croaking, owls hooting, and the cracks and rustles of other animals moving through the dark. Listen closely and see if you can guess which critters are making the sounds you hear.
72. Camp out in the backyard overnight.
Set up a tent in the yard and enjoy a campout without leaving home! It’s an easy, low-key way to get a taste of the camping experience right in your own backyard.
73. Play flashlight tag or hide-and-seek.
Add a new twist to classic games by playing with flashlights after dark.
74. Have a glow-in-the-dark treasure hunt.
Hide glow sticks or light-up toys around the yard and let kids hunt for the glowing treasures.
75. Play catch with a light-up or glow-in-the-dark ball or frisbee.
A glowing frisbee or ball lets kids keep the game going after dark.
Bucket List Family Adventures
Ready for some unforgettable family adventures? This quick list is packed with exciting ideas to inspire you to explore new places and try something out of the ordinary.
76. Take a family camping trip at a state or national park you’ve never been to.
77. Visit a green, pink, or black sand beach.
78. Go on a horseback riding tour.
79. Go tubing on a natural lazy river.
80. Explore tide pools at low tide.
81. Take a family backpacking trip.
82. Explore caves or caverns.
83. Go rock climbing.
84. Dig for clams.
85. Take a hike to see wild horses roaming free in their natural habitat.
86. Try zip-lining or an adventure ropes course.
87. Dig for fossils.
88. Visit hot springs or thermal pools.
89. Dig for crystals or geodes.
90. Take a yoga class with alpacas or goats.
91. Go sand sledding or sand boarding.
92. Snorkel by a coral reef.
93. Hunt for fluorescent rocks with a blacklight.
94. Take a llama trekking trip.
95. Go on a shark tooth hunt.
96. Visit a bioluminescent beach.
97. Watch a wild bat emergence at dusk.
98. Hike with a guide to see ancient petroglyphs up close.
99. Explore a natural rock maze.
100. Swim in a natural swimming hole.
Let the Summer Fun Begin!
This list is your go-to guide for making the most of the season, packed with ideas to help beat boredom and make it a summer to remember.
Be sure to grab the printable version so you can hang a checklist on the fridge or let the kids draw activities from a jar whenever you need a little inspiration.
Here’s to a season full of sunshine and amazing adventures!
Related Articles
The Ultimate Summer Adventure List for Outdoor Families
© 2025, Tales of a Mountain Mama. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires a link back to this original post and permission from the author.