Summer Playdates Your Kids Will Love

The freedom to sleep in, traveling to summer camps, and visiting family are all on the exciting list of things to do during summer break.  So, what happens when the novelty of freedom wears off and parents are left scratching their heads for activities to keep the kids occupied? Don’t sweat it! We’ve compiled a list of easy and inexpensive ways to bust the summer boredom! 

1. Sprinkler Runs
A fabulous option for the front or back yard! Just plug in the hose and let the kids run free. It’s like having your own little water park right outside of your house! Kids love jumping through the sprinkler and playing “keep-away” from the water too. You’ll have a watered lawn and happy kids!
 
2. Slip N Slides
Slip N Slides are a great way to beef up the sprinkler idea for hours of guaranteed fun! There are many cheap options online for purchase OR you can turn it into DIY project for the kids using only a few materials:
-       Clear / Translucent Plastic Sheet (any length you desire) 
-       Pool noodles – these will outline the length of your Slip N Slide
-       Lawn pins to hold the sheet down
-       Water source for water at the top
-       Liquid soap *Disclaimer: soap can get REALLY slippery and children should be supervised at all times. We recommend this gentle baby soap to cut down on the burning eyes. 
 
3. Cardboard or Blanket Forts
Perfect for hot afternoons where quiet time is at the forefront of your mind, this indoor activity is completely free and lets your kids’ imagination run wild. Start with gathering as many blankets or sheets as you feel comfortable sharing for this activity and let the kids design their fort the way they see fit. Turn available sturdy chairs around to drape the sheets over or grab drape the sheets over a rope tied around door hinges and something sturdy in the room to give a “tent vibe”. Place blankets on the floor of the fort for comfort and offer a flashlight if you have one available. 
 
 
4. Backyard Picnic with Snack Necklaces
An evening picnic can be the perfect way to unwind and enjoy quality time with family before bedtime routines. Of course, you can have a picnic at any time of the day but chances are it’s incredibly hot outside so we recommend the evening! All you need are a couple of blankets and meal of choice to enjoy the night. If the kids need an activity during the picnic, we recommend making homemade snack necklaces! 
 
Materials Needed for Snack Necklaces:
Nylon String: (cut to necklace length and tie a knot at one end)
Snacks: Fruit Loops, Pretzels, Cheerios, and Life Savors are all colorful, tasty additions to the necklaces. 
 
If the temperature is still scorching even in the evening, take your picnic indoors and eat on the floor together! 
 
Live up north with lightning bugs? Grab a couple of mason jars and see how many your kids can catch after dinner! (Of course, release them when they’re done!) 
 
 
5.  Water Balloon Fights
Water balloon fights can easily become one of the fondest memories for kids old enough to throw one. They can be a staple event for outdoor summer birthday parties or a random fun thing to do when it’s time to cool off after playing outside! Water balloons are sold in store, online and are sure to be a summer activity highlight for your kids and their friends!
 
We hope these ideas offer some inspiration! Have a summer activity you’d like us to elaborate on? Let us know by submitting yours below!