Last Updated on January 23, 2024

School is out! Kids have tons of energy and lots of time. When I first moved out to California, I worked as a nanny.

We mostly went on nature walks and to the park. I also tried to choose a couple of new fun activities each week. After a quick search on pinterest – almost everything involved disposables!

Beyond just the disposables, the activities required lots of clean up – and I for one – do not like lots of clean up.

So, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite indoor and outdoor activities.

indoor: 

bake: 

We loved to bake! They loved to make brownies, but we also had a lot of fun making bread.

They particularly got a kick out of making baguettes. In order to get that crispy crust you have to punch the dough every 10 minutes.

Baking is great sensory play and good for teachable science and math – hello fractions! 

dance:

I don’t know if you remember cheesy 90’s infomercials? They used to advertise a lot of “how-to” video tapes.

My grandmother would always buy me 3 “learn to dance” vhs’ every summer. Now you can just turn on YouTube and learn all sorts of fun and goofy dances. 

other ideas:

• build a blanket or pillow fort
• create something with legos
• read a book
• write a story
• illustrate the story
• make a giant racecar track
• fill a large container with sand and rocks for a dump truck box
• make paper dolls
• design doll dresses
• make playdough
• go to the library
• explore a museum or aquarium
• host a tea party with real finger food

outdoor:

super soaker battle:

skip the water balloons in lieu of water guns. Or just have them run through the sprinkler, and center the fun around grass or near plants that need to be watered! 

other ideas:

• side walk chalk and all of the hopscotch that comes with it
• jump rope
• build a fairy garden
• pitch a tent in the backyard
• work in the garden
• go on a nature walk  
• go to the park
• ride a bike
• berry picking
• set up an obstacle course
• stargazig

the challenge: 

Try some new fun zero waste activities with your kids this summer!  

I only listed the tip of the iceberg. There are so many fun ideas that don’t involve balloons, pipe cleaners, and lots of other junk.

This didn’t even cover all of the fun outings you can take in the summer. There are so many things to go see and do!

What are some of your favorite summer activities to do with your kids?