Summer is here and I’m sure you’re looking for summer activities to keep your kids entertained this summer. Coming up with ideas can seem overwhelming when you’re a busy parent which is why I did the hard work for you. 

At the end of this blog post is a free monthly printable with different daily activities for kids. Save the calendar or print it out for easy viewability. You can also pin the calendar to your favorite Pinterest board to save for later. 

Kids need activities to keep them engaged otherwise they’ll go look for something to do… And most of the time, it’s something that will get them in trouble like coloring on the walls, cooking with all the real spices and oils in the spice cabinet, or unraveling a whole roll of toilet paper. (: 

Below is a printable calendar with different themed days of the week. Each activity corresponds with the theme of that day. You will see a mix of educational, fun, and entertaining activities to keep kids engaged. There is also a self-care Sunday theme to encourage kids to practice self-care. 

The calendar is yours to customize. You can follow the calendar exactly or use it as inspiration for ideas. Or you can change some of the days around if that fits your family’s schedule better. Either way, have fun this summer, and remember to make everlasting memories with your kids. 

Self-Care Sunday

Self-care is an important practice to teach kids. Teach kids to take care of their mental and physical health by doing things that make them happy and feel good. Ideas for children on self-care Sunday are simple, easy, and realistic for children of all ages. 

Make It Monday

Make It Monday is a theme for kids to be creative and have fun making something. They can bake, cook, do simple arts and crafts, or sew. The theme on Monday is to be creative and the possibilities are endless. 

Take a Trip Tuesday

Take a Trip Tuesday is a day to get the kids outside of the house. With a quick Google search, you can find somewhere local to go to in your area. Kids will have fun exploring the library, zoo, museum, park, and local fair. You can also go to a jump park, splash park, community pool center, or farm. 

Water Play Wednesday

Water Play Wednesday is a day for kids to have fun getting wet. Since it’s so warm in the summer, playing with water is a great way to stay cool. Make sure to check out my summer safety tips for reminders on keeping kids safe by the pool and playing in the water. 

Thinking Thursday

Thinking Thursday is an educational-themed day to keep kids thinking. Activities include reading, STEM activities, and ideas to keep kids from falling into a mental slump over the summer. Keep their brains inquisitive and learning this summer with some fun and engaging activities. 

Family Fun Friday

Family Fun Friday is for the family where you can do activities together. Everyone gets to enjoy each other’s company and soak up the warm summer nights with picnics at the park or camping in the backyard. Continue below for more family ideas. 

Selfless Service Saturday

Selfless Service Saturday is a day to give back and be kind to others. Teach kids compassion, kindness, and generosity with some selfless service ideas. Ideas include giving back to the community, neighbors, family, and Mother Earth. 

June Calendar of Summer Activities for Kids

1. Build Towers Stacking Cups

Part engineering and part fun. Grab some red plastic cups and square pieces of paper. Stack them up against each other and see how high you can stack these red cups. Make varying tower heights and experiment with different stacking patterns. 

2. Family Picnic Day

Grab a blanket, make some sandwiches, and prepare some fresh fruit. Have a picnic outside on the grass. Kids will love sitting in the yard for dinner for a change. 

3. Plant Sunflower Seeds

Sunflowers are such happy flowers. They’re bright, and vibrant, and scream “Hello summer!” Nurture Earth and plant some sunflower seeds. If sunflowers are not viable in your neighborhood, you can plant some herbs, vegetables, or any other native plant for your area.

4. Take a Bubble Bath

Bubble baths are so fun and relaxing- for kids and adults alike! Let your kid have some fun and enjoy a nice bubble bath on self-care Sunday.

5. Make a Birdfeeder

A birdfeeder can be made with bird seeds from a local pet store or with ingredients you have at home. Visit my earth day post to learn how you can make a bird feeder at home with cereal, peanut butter, a pine cone, and string. 

6. Storytime at the Library

Take a trip to your local library. The library isn’t just for reading. Most libraries have activities for kids and teenagers. Activities can include storytime, working on puzzles, and building legos. Call your local library to find out what events they host each week. 

7. Run through the Sprinklers

Cool off this summer by running through the sprinklers. What kid doesn’t love getting wet? Remember to be safe, put on SPF, and not run near anything kids could bump into. Keep an eye out for any tripping hazards or sharp objects in the area. 

8. Sink or Swim Stem Activity

Fill a clear bucket or container with water. Grab a few items around the house with varying weights, sizes, and mass. Ask your kids if they think this object is light or heavy. Will this object sink or swim in the water? 

Kids can fill out a sheet of paper with their guesses before the activity. As you are dropping items into the water to see if it sinks or swim, kids can fill out the correct answer to see if they are right. 

9. Family Movie Night

Enjoy a movie night together in the living room, outside on the projector, or at the movie theatres. Grab some popcorn, chocolate, snacks, and juice! And enjoy some family comedies together. 

10. Donate Old Toys

Have kids search the house for old toys or stuffed animals they no longer play with. Ask them to donate the toys to another kid who would love to play with them.

11. Say 5 Positive Affirmations

Repeating positive affirmations is so good for boosting self-esteem, confidence, and self-love. Positive affirmations can be customized to be age-appropriate for kids. Examples of positive affirmations for kids can be:

• I am smart.
• I can do hard things. 
• When I make a mistake, I can try again. It’s okay. 
• I am a good friend. 
• I am kind.

12. Bake Cookies

Who doesn’t love cookies? Chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, sugar cookies, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, the list goes on. Baking cookies can be a great activity to have your kids:

• Read the instructions to bake the cookies
• Follow the directions 
• Measure and count 
• Hands-on activity while rolling the dough

And the best part is that you can enjoy the cookies as a family afterward. 

13. Nature Walk

Put on comfortable walking shoes and get outside of the house. Go for a walk to the park or a local hiking trail. You can have a nature scavenger hunt, play “I Spy,” or search for fun things on your nature walk. Don’t forget to wear SPF, put on bug repellent if there are critters in your area, and stay safe while hiking.

14. Water Table Play

Water tables make great outdoor water and sensory play. My kids can stand there all day scooping, pouring, transferring, and splashing water on their water table. Throw in some fun squirting toys, rubber duckies, and colorful cups for water transfer. The kids will have fun for a long time. 

15. What is Magnetic?

Grab a couple of magnets and random items throughout the house. Items can be coins, a coffee can, a mug, keys, and toys. Place the magnets next to the objects and see which ones the magnet will stick to. Kids can write on a sheet of paper which items they think are magnetic and which are not. As you are going through each item, kids can see if they guessed correctly. 

16. Camp in the Backyard

Grab your tent and sleeping bags and set up a tent in the backyard. Enjoy the warm summer nights by camping in the yard and making smores. The best part is that you’re close to the restroom and clean showers. And you don’t have to worry about any wildlife stealing your food!

17. Bring Cookies to a Neighbor

Use the recipe you used to bake cookies earlier this week and bake some fresh cookies for a neighbor. Attach a handwritten note with a thoughtful message. Or your kid can also draw a picture. This selfless service is sure to brighten any neighbor’s day.

18. Give Extra Hugs and Kisses

Giving and receiving hugs are so great for your mental health. Hugs can improve sleep, reduce pain symptoms, decrease fighting, and improve immune health. Self-care Sunday includes giving extra hugs and kisses to yourself and your loved ones. Spread some extra love around.

19. Make a Flower Crown

Pick some wildflowers, dandelions, and whatever native flowers are in your area. Make a flower crown and wear it on your head. 

20. Play at a New Playground

Go to a new playground that you have never been to before. Kids love visiting new places. Pack some snacks and water. Let the kids have fun running around, climbing, and exploring. Get that energy out!

21. Water Balloon Fight

Fill up some water balloons and have a water balloon toss in the yard. You can play catch or throw and see who gets pegged first. 

22. Read a New Book

Read a new book, ask questions, and pretend to be some of the characters in the book. New words can be the word of the day. You can discuss the definition of the word with your kids and ask them to give you examples. 

23. Have a Slumber Party in the Living Room

It can be a family slumber party in the living room or you can invite friends over too. Stay up a little later and share stories in the dark. 

24. Wash Mom & Dad’s Car

Help mom and dad out by washing their cars. With all the trips and traveling, the cars have accumulated leftover snack bags at the bottom, sand, and dirt on the outside. Give it a nice wash and shine as a selfless service act on Saturday.

25. Dress Up as Your Favorite Hero

Whether it’s Superman, a police officer, or Mom and Dad- dress up as your favorite hero! Tell a grown-up why this person is a hero to you and what qualities you admire about them. How do you aspire to be like this hero in your life?

26. Make Fruit Juice Popsicles

Grab some juice and throw it into some popsicle molds. Give it a few hours in the freezer and you have a cold snack to keep you cool on this hot summer day. You can also add some diced fruit such as blueberries or strawberries.

27. Visit a Friend

Visit a friend or have a playdate. Get social and moving.

28. Water Scooping Activity

Pour some water into a bucket with cups, pots, spoons, and ladles. Have the kids practice transferring and pouring water into the cups and pots. This is a good hand and motor coordination activity and another water play activity to keep kids cool this summer. 

29. Baking Soda Science Activity

Grab some baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, and water. Pour it into clear cups and see which ones will fizz up. Add in some drops of food coloring to make it fun and colorful.

30. Board Game and Puzzle Night

Have a family board game and puzzle night. Depending on how old your kids are will depend on how advanced your puzzles and games will be. Share stories, problem-solve, and have fun playing together. 

DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRINTABLE BY CLICKING THE LINK HERE.

Please remember that these printables are for personal use only. You may not sell or distribute the files. If you want to share them, please link to this post and not directly to the PDF files.

Feel free to mix some of the days around for your family’s convenience or change and edit some of the ideas to your needs. Start making some family summer memories and have fun this summer!