6 Tips for Surviving Summer with Young Kids
Summer is full of sunshine, adventures, and making memories. But if you're parenting young children, it's also full of hearing "I'm bored!" approximately 47,000 times a day.
The good news? Keeping kids aged 4–8 entertained doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Some of the best summer activities are simple, low-prep, and get kids outdoors exploring the world around them.
Here are six easy ways to keep little ones busy while creating fun summer memories.
1. Create a Backyard Scavenger Hunt
Turn your backyard, campground, or local park into an adventure!
Download our FREE printable ‘Backyard Scavenger Hunt’ HERE!
Not only is this activity fun, but it also encourages observation skills, problem-solving, and curiosity.
2. Start a Nature Journal
Nature journaling is one of the easiest ways to sneak learning into summer.
Provide your child with a notebook and encourage them to:
Draw plants and animals they discover
Record the weather
Write observations
Ask questions about nature
Collect and sketch interesting finds
Nature journaling supports reading, writing, science, art, and critical thinking—all while having fun outdoors.
3. Water Games for the Win
You don't need a pool to cool off!
Try:
Sponge tosses
Water balloon relays
Sprinkler races
Bucket fill challenges
Water painting with paintbrushes and buckets
Water play keeps kids active and entertained while helping them burn off energy on hot summer days.
4. Build a Backyard Nature Collection
Challenge your child to collect and sort natural treasures such as:
Pinecones
Leaves
Sticks
Rocks
Flowers
After collecting, they can sort items by size, colour, shape, or texture.
This simple activity builds early math and science skills while encouraging exploration.
5. Create an Outdoor Art Station
Take art outside!
Set up a table with:
Sidewalk chalk
Paintbrushes and water
Crayons
Paper
Natural materials for creating collages
Kids can use leaves, flowers, sticks, and stones to create unique nature-inspired artwork.
Bonus: Less mess inside the house! (My hubby HATES glitter and I love it. So we do glitter art outside)
6. Go on a Bug Safari
Young children are naturally fascinated by bugs.
Grab a magnifying glass and head outside to search for:
Ants
Beetles
Butterflies
Caterpillars
Spiders
Encourage children to observe and ask questions:
Where does it live?
What is it doing?
How does it move?
You might be surprised how long this activity keeps them engaged!
Remember: Boredom Isn't Always Bad
It's okay if children aren't entertained every minute of the day. Some of the best creativity happens when kids are given time to explore, imagine, and discover on their own.
Summer doesn't need to be packed with expensive activities or elaborate plans. A little fresh air, some curiosity, and a willingness to get outside can go a long way.
Here's to a summer filled with muddy shoes, bug discoveries, water fights, and unforgettable memories!
