
Activities to do in summer with teens, preschoolers and the whole family
Summer is almost here, which means warm weather, long days, and plenty of fun activities! For many people, summer is the best time of year. It’s a chance to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with family. There are so many different things to do in the summer, from swimming and hiking to camping and fishing. And of course, there’s always the option of just hanging out at the beach or in the park.
Summer is a great time for teens, preschoolers, and parents alike to enjoy some fun activities as a family.
Here you will find some fun ideas for summer activities that teens, preschoolers, and parents will enjoy! Whether you want to get out of the house or stay home this summer bucket list will help guide you to the best summer activities for your family!
Fun summer things for the whole family

Families need to spend time together during summer because it’s a great way to bond and connect. It’s also a fun way to learn about each other and discover new things. And of course, spending time together is just plain enjoyable. Whether you’re playing games, going on hikes, or watching movies, family time is the perfect way to enjoy each others company.
Here are some bonding activities to get you started!
Paint with Bob Ross
One of the best ways to spend time with your family is by painting together.
And what better way to paint than with the legendary Bob Ross?
For those who don’t know, Bob Ross was a public television host who became famous for his folksy personality and his show The Joy of Painting. Every episode, Ross would begin with a blank canvas and, using a few simple brushstrokes, transform it into a beautiful landscape. You can find these episodes on YouTube for free! Plus you can pause it and rewind if you need to as you paint. His method is incredibly relaxing to watch, and his soft voice and gentle demeanor makes him seem like a friend in your living room. Painting with Bob Ross is a great activity for families because it’s easy to learn and requires no prior experience.
Plus, it’s just plain fun! So gather up your supplies, turn on an episode of The Joy of Painting, and get ready to create some beautiful art with your family.
Have a competition
Watch a season of Survivor, Alone or The Greatest Race and have each person in the family vote on who they think will win! This is sure to get everyone excited as they try and choose the best candidate. Some friendly competition will take a boring night of watching TV and turn it into a fun filled viewing experience. Why not make a reward as well? Maybe the person who wins chooses what to do for the next family night or what to eat for a family dinner.
Whatever you choose this is sure to bring some laughter and family bonding as well.
Visit a farmer’s market

Farmer’s markets are a great way to support local businesses and get fresh, seasonal produce. They’re also a great place to spend time with your family! Farmer’s markets typically have a festive atmosphere, with music playing and people milling about. And of course, there’s plenty of delicious food to eat. Most farmer’s markets have prepared food vendors as well as farmers selling fruits and vegetables. So you can enjoy a meal together or just stroll through the market and sample the wares. Spending time at a farmer’s market is a great way to teach kids about where their food comes from and how it’s grown.
It’s also a great opportunity to support local farmers and businesses.
Camp out in your backyard
Camping is a great summer activity, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive or complicated affair. You can easily camp out right in your own backyard! All you need is a tent, some sleeping bags, and a few basic supplies. Then you can spend the night under the stars right in your own backyard. Camping in your backyard is a great way to teach kids about nature and camping basics and to save money. And it’s a great opportunity to bond as a family. There’s nothing like cuddling up in a sleeping bag around the campfire and telling stories.
So gather up your gear and head outside for a fun-filled night of camping in your own backyard!
Visit a nearby town or city
If you live in a small town, chances are there’s a bigger city nearby. Spending a day or two exploring a new place is a great way to spend time with your family. You can walk around downtown, visit some of the local shops, and eat at some of the best restaurants.
Exploring a new town or city is also a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and lifestyles.
Visit a Dog Park

Spending time with family is always a good time. But, sometimes it can be hard to find activities that everyone enjoys. Luckily, dog parks are perfect for families with kids and dogs of all ages. At the dog park, Fido can socialize and play fetch to his heart’s content while the kids explore, run around, and make new friends. Dog parks are a great way to get some exercise for both you and your furry friend, and they’re a fun way to spend a summer afternoon with the family.
And, you can all enjoy some fresh air and quality time together.
Make an obstacle course
Making an obstacle course at home is a fun way to spend an afternoon with your family. All you need is a few basic supplies and some imagination. The best part is that you can make the course as simple or complex as you want. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Set up a series of cones or other markers in your yard and have the kids weave in and out of them.
– Set up a small table and chairs in your living room and have the kids crawl under, around, and over them.
– Place a hula hoop on the ground and have the kids jump through it.
– Fill up a kiddie pool with water and have the kids jump in and out of it.
Making an obstacle course is a great way to spend some time together as a family this summer while getting everyone up and moving. It’s also a lot of fun! So get creative and see what you can come up with.
Have a family game night

One of the best things about summer is that it’s a great time for family game nights. Check out 30 family fun games here. Whether you’re playing classics like Monopoly or Scrabble, or trying something new like Box One or Bears vs. Babies, everyone is sure to have a blast. If you have older kids in the family try a murder mystery game or an escape room in a box. These are sure to impress your teens! For families with younger children board games like Life, Uno, headbands or Apples to Apples are fun, easy to understand and can be played quickly without anyone getting bored. Game nights are a great way to bond with your family and a great way to test your skills and see who the reigning champion is.
So gather up your family and get ready for some laughs and good times with game night.
Make homemade pizzas
Homemade pizza is a fun activity to do with your family because it’s easy to customize. You can put whatever toppings you want on it, and everyone can make their own pizza the way they like it. This means that everyone gets to have exactly what they want, which is always a bonus! Plus, making your own pizza is a great way to get creative in the kitchen. The kids can get involved in measuring the ingredients, mixing them together, and putting the pizzas in the oven. You can try out new recipes and flavors, and see how they turn out. You could even do a blindfolded taste test and see who’s turned out the best!
And of course, there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh pizza baking in the oven.
Summer activities for teens
One of the best things about summer is that kids are out of school and have more free time. However, this can also be a challenge for parents, who need to find ways to keep their teens occupied. There are a number of benefits to keeping teenagers busy during the summer months. For one thing, it can help them stay out of trouble. With more time on their hands, teenagers may be tempted to get into mischief.If they are kept busy with meaningful activities, they are less likely to engage in risky behavior and will help them stay physically active to avoid summer weight gain.
This summer, keep your teen busy with these engaging activities!
Get a job!

Teens should get summer jobs because they can learn important life skills, make money, and socialize with other teens. They can learn how to manage their time, set goals, and work towards a goal. They can also learn how to deal with difficult customers or co-workers, and how to handle stress. All of these skills will be helpful for them in the future! As they make money they can learn how to budget and save. This money can be used for things like buying clothes, going on trips, or saving for college. In addition to all of these benefits, teens can also make new friends at their job. This is a great way for them to socialize and meet people with similar interests.
So encourage your teen to get a summer job! It will be good for them in more ways than one.
Start a business
Summer is the perfect time for teens to start their own business. There are many businesses that teens can start with little to no money. One option is starting a pet-sitting business. This can be done by advertising online or posting flyers in your neighborhood. Another option is starting a lawn-mowing business. This is a great way for teens to earn money and get exercise at the same time! Teens can also start a social media consulting business. With teens being so active on social media, they are in a great position to help small businesses with their social media presence. This can be done by creating and managing social media accounts, creating content, and doing research.
If your teen is looking for a summer business idea, these are just a few of the many options available to them!
Volunteer

Summer is a great time for teens to give back to their community. There are many organizations that need volunteers, and teens can use their time and skills to help out. For example, teens can volunteer at a local library or museum. They can help with summer reading programs or events. They can also volunteer at a local animal shelter or hospital. This is a great way for them to socialize with people and animals, and to help those in need. Teens can also volunteer for environmental organizations. They can help with clean-up projects, plant trees, or raise awareness about environmental issues.
There are many ways for teens to make a difference in their community this summer!
Scavenger Hunt
A summer scavenger hunt is a fun way for teens to get out and explore their community. They can work together as a team to find items or challenges that are listed on a scavenger hunt list. This can be a great way for them to learn more about their community and to socialize with friends.
You can find inexpensive pre made scavenger hunts on Groupon or make your own.
Garage sale

Teens can have a garage sale to earn money for summer activities. They can sell old clothes, toys, and games that they no longer need. They can also sell items that they have made, such as arts and crafts.
This is a great way for teens to declutter their room and make some money at the same time!
Make a summer playlist
Creating a summer playlist is a fun way for teens to get in the summer spirit. There are many songs that are perfect for summertime.
This is a great way for them to get excited for summer and to share their favorite music with friends.
Take a trip
Summer is the perfect time to take a road trip! Check out some road trip activities for kids and teens here. This can be a great opportunity for teens to explore new places and learn about different cultures. If your teen is looking for an adventure, they could go camping, hiking, or backpacking. If they are interested in history, they could visit a museum or take a trip to a historic site. And if they love the outdoors, they could go to the beach, go fishing, or go swimming. There are many different ways for teens to enjoy their summer vacation.
So encourage your teen to get out there and explore!
Take a Class
There are many different summer classes teens can take to keep busy and learn new things. Some examples include cooking classes, dance classes, art classes, and language classes. If your teen is interested in a specific topic, there are likely to be summer classes available on that topic. This is a great way for them to explore their interests and learn new things.
So encourage your teen to sign up for some summer classes!
Summer activities for preschoolers
The long, hot days of summer can be tough for parents of young children. Preschoolers are full of energy and often have a shorter attention span than older kids, which can make it hard to keep them entertained. Fortunately, there are a number of fun activities that can help to keep preschoolers busy during the summer months.
Outdoor games like water balloon tosses and scavenger hunts are always popular, and arts and crafts projects can be a great way to encourage creativity. For parents who need a break from constant supervision, weekly trips to the local pool or library story time can provide some much-needed relief. With a little planning, summer can be a fun and enjoyable time for both preschoolers and their parents.
Here are some more fun ideas!
Have a dress up day

It’s dress up day at home for young children! Time to get out of those pajamas and into something a little more fun. Whether it’s a costume, dress-up clothes or just their favorite outfit, kids will love getting all dressed up. And who knows, maybe they’ll even get creative and make their own costume. So break out the pretend jewelry, hats and accessories, and let the dress up fun begin. Who knows, you might even end up joining in on the fun yourself.
After all, it’s not every day that you get to play dress up at home with your kids.
Lemonade Stand
One of the most popular summer activities for young kids is running a lemonade stand. This is a great way for them to learn about money and manners, and it can also be a lot of fun! There are a few things to keep in mind when setting up a lemonade stand. First, make sure you have a good location. A busy park is always a good choice. Second, make sure you have a good selection of lemonade and snacks. And third, make sure you have a good sign to attract customers.
With a little planning, your lemonade stand will be a success.
Make homemade popsicles

Making homemade popsicles with kids is a fun summer activity that both parents and children can enjoy. It’s a simple process that kids can help with, and they will love seeing their popsicles come to life.Here are the steps to making homemade popsicles with kids:
1. Choose your popsicle flavors. There are endless possibilities when it comes to flavors, so let your kids choose their favorites.
2. Mix the ingredients together. This can be a great opportunity for kids to learn about cooking and baking.
3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds. This can be a fun task for kids to help with.
4. Freeze the popsicles overnight.
5. Enjoy!
Making homemade popsicles is a fun and easy summer activity that kids will love. So why not give it a try?
Go for a swim!

Public pools are a great way to cool down during the summer. They are usually free to enter, and they often have water slides and pools for kids to play in. Public pools can be a lot of fun, but they can also be quite crowded. So if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, the public pool might not be the best choice. But if you’re looking for a place to have some fun and cool down, the public pool is a great option.
Here are some fun pool games to keep the kids busy!
Chalk art contest

All you need for this summer activity is some chalk and a concrete surface, and you’re good to go! You can either do this as a family or have the kids compete against each other. The person with the most creative chalk art wins! This is a great way to encourage creativity and get the kids outside.
Plus, it’s a lot of fun. So give it a try!
Roasting marshmallows
Marshmallows are a yummy summer treat! You can roast them over a fire, on a stick or in the oven. Here are the steps to roasting marshmallows with kids:
1. Get your supplies ready. You will need some marshmallows, skewers (or sticks), and an oven, grill or outdoor fire pit.
2. If you’re using a grill, heat it up to medium heat.
3. Place the marshmallows on the skewers (or sticks).
4. Hold the marshmallows over the fire or grill until they are golden brown.
5. Add some graham crackers and chocolate if your up for it!
Roasting marshmallows is a fun summer activity that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Pet Rocks
Some younger kids love to make pet rocks during summer. This can keep them busy for a few hours and all you need are some rocks, paint and glue! Kids can choose any color they want for their pet rock. They can also choose what to put on the rock for decoration.
Glue is used to hold everything in place.
Summer activities at home
One of the best things about summer is that you can finally relax at home after a busy school year. No more homework, no more early mornings, and no more rushing around! You can finally take some time to enjoy your hobbies, catch up with friends, and just generally relax. Of course, that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do during summer break. There are still plenty of fun activities to keep you busy, from swimming and hiking to visiting amusement parks and exploring new cities. But at the end of the day, it’s always nice to be able to kick back in your own home and just enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation. So make the most of your summer break – you’ve earned it!
Here are a few great ideas for some summer activities to try at home!
Summer garden
One of the best things about summer is all the fresh produce that is available. Take advantage of this by starting a summer garden! You can grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Not only is this a great way to get fresh, healthy food, but it’s also a lot of fun. Kids will love helping out in the garden, and you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor all summer long.
Barbecue
What’s summer without a barbecue? Fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious food with family and friends. When the weather is warm and the days are long, there’s nothing quite like firing up the grill for a summer BBQ. When it comes to BBQ food, there are endless possibilities. From grilled vegetables and fruits to juicy burgers and steaks, the options are seemingly endless. And of course, no BBQ would be complete without a few sides. Whether you’re serving up fresh salads or cold drinks, your guests are sure to enjoy themselves. Barbecues are a great way to enjoy the summer weather and spend time with loved ones at home. So don’t forget to invite your friends and family over for a barbecue this summer!
DIY project
One of the best things about summer is that you have plenty of time to work on DIY projects. Whether it’s a new painting for your home, a garden shed, or a new deck, there are plenty of projects to choose from. DIY projects can be a lot of fun, and they can also be quite satisfying when you finally finish them. Plus, they can save you a lot of money in the long run. So if you’re looking for a way to spend your summer days, why not try out a DIY project?
Here are some ideas to get you started:
-Painting your walls or ceilings
-Building a garden shed or deck
-Repairing or refinishing furniture
-Making a quilt or other piece of art
These are just a few ideas – the possibilities are endless!
So get creative and have fun with your summer DIY projects!
Read a book
Reading a book is a great way to spend your summer days. Whether you’re looking for a new thriller to keep you entertained or a biography of your favorite celebrity, there are plenty of books to choose from. Not only will you get to escape into another world, but you’ll also be learning and expanding your knowledge. Plus, reading is a great way to relax and unwind. So if you’re looking for something fun and educational to do this summer, why not read a book?
Here are some recommendations:
-The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
-Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
-The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Try new recipes

Take advantage of this the extra time you have by trying out some new recipes. There are endless possibilities when it comes to summer recipes, from grilled fruits and vegetables to salads and cold drinks. You can also try out some new recipes for dessert, such as ice cream or popsicles. So get creative in the kitchen and try out some new recipes this summer!
Learn to play new instrument
One great way to spend your summer days is by learning a new musical instrument. Not only is this a fun and challenging activity, but it can also be quite rewarding. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor all summer long. There are many different instruments to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that you enjoy. Some popular options include the guitar, piano, and drums. So why not learn a new musical instrument this summer? You might just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it!
Water balloon fight
What could be more fun on a hot summer day than a water balloon fight? Water balloon fights are a great way to cool down and have some fun. They’re also a cheap way to have some fun. All you need is a few balloons, water, and your own front yard! So why not have a water balloon fight this summer? Plus, they’re a great way to get out some energy!
Whether you’re looking for ideas to keep your teens busy this summer or ways to have fun with your preschooler at home, we hope that our list of activities has given you some inspiration. And don’t forget, there are plenty of other things to do in the summertime besides what we’ve mentioned here.
Get creative and have some fun!
What are your favorite summer activities?