Throughout the entire school year, kids dream of the slower-paced days of summer. But when the long days start to blur into one another, you might hear a few “I’m bored!” moments from your child. Even with camps and vacations, those stretches of downtime can sneak up and leave kids a bit stir-crazy and you scrambling to keep them engaged. 

We have some good news! You don’t have to fill every second with elaborate plans or expensive outings, and if you read on, you’ll learn some simple, creative activities to keep your child happy, engaged, and even learning a little. 

Here Are Ten Boredom-Busting Summer Activities That Your Child and Family Can Enjoy:

At-Home Activities

1. Kitchen Fun
Make color-changing lemonade, make trail mix, or grow an indoor herb garden. Kids get a taste of hands-on science and learn to follow steps and measure ingredients—all while having fun. For more science-based learning ideas, click here. 

2. Story Builders
Challenge your child to create a silly story with five random objects from around the house. Bonus points if they draw illustrations or turn it into a puppet show. Storytelling enhances vocabulary, fosters critical thinking, and develops expressive language skills.

3. Backyard Obstacle Course
Use pool noodles, chairs, chalk, or cones to set up an obstacle course in your yard. Let kids help design it and time each other’s runs. It’s great for coordination, problem-solving, and teamwork! 

4. Reading Picnic
Pack a blanket, books, drinks, and the trail mix you made, and head outside. Find a good spot in your backyard for a reading adventure; if you want to venture further, you could even explore a shady picnic area at a community or state park. Everyone in the family can bring along a book and relax in nature. 

5. DIY Art Studio
Assemble a bin of paints, recycled materials, and craft supplies to create summer-themed art. You could even host a “gallery show” for the family. Art activities are great for family conversations and also build focus, fine motor skills, and confidence.

Community Activities

6. Library Summer Challenges
Most public libraries offer free summer reading programs, story times, and activities for all ages. They’re a budget-friendly way to encourage literacy, spark curiosity, and even meet new friends or get together with school friends that your child hasn’t seen in a while.

7. Farmer’s Market Explorations
A trip to the farmer’s market can turn into a scavenger hunt for colors, textures, or new foods to try. Talk to local farmers, learn about how food is grown, and let your child pick something to cook at home. It’s a delicious hands-on lesson in nutrition and community.

8. Volunteer Together
Find a simple volunteer project the whole family can do, like sorting donations at a food pantry, walking shelter dogs, or helping at a park cleanup day. Volunteering helps kids build empathy, social skills, and a sense of contribution. By engaging in an activity together, everyone can connect with the values and causes that are important to your family. 

9. Nature Hikes and Park Days
Explore local green spaces and trails with some checklist items, such as spotting three types of birds, identifying flowers using a plant identification app, or picking up litter. Outdoor exploration is a fantastic way to blend physical activity with active science learning.

10. Community Festivals and Events
Check your town’s event calendar for free fairs, concerts, or kids’ workshops. Many communities offer summer events with music, arts, and activities that inspire new interests. 

Keeping Your Child Engaged During the Summer Matters.

Keeping kids engaged over summer doesn’t have to mean stuffing their days with worksheets or overscheduled activities. Simple, hands-on experiences at home and in the community can build memories, fill the summer days with fun, and maintain important skills they’ll need when school starts back up.

If you’d like a more structured way to support your child’s growth over the summer, Best in Class Education Center offers enrichment programs that blend fun and academics to help kids feel confident and ready for the next school year. Reach out to your local center to learn more—and let’s make this summer one to remember!