100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (2024)

Keep your kids entertained all summer long with these fun summer activities for kids on a budget.

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (1)

There are over a hundred ideas here for endless summer fun without breaking the bank! These outdoor activities for kids include outdoor games, summer crafts, fun science projects, water play to cool off on a hot summer day, and much more. Plus, there are easy DIY ideas for forts, tents, camping, and outdoor theater ideas for movie night.

These ideas are cheap or free summer activities that can be made with dollar store products or common household items that you already have on hand. Whether you are looking for activities for toddlers or older kids, there are things to do for all ages including water play and sensory play so get ready to have some fun this summertime!

Summer Water Play for Kids

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (2)

Pool Noodle Sprinkler from Ziggity Zoom

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (3)

Leak Proof Water Blob from Good Home Design

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (4)

DIY Sprinklers from Housing A Forest

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (5)

Water Balloon Piñata from Paging Fun Mums

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (6)

Easy Homemade Water Slide from Happy Hooligans

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (7)

Soap Boat Races Activity from I Heart Naptime

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (8)

STEM Stick Raft Building Activity for Kids from Kids Craft Room

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (9)

Water Bottle Boatfrom Nalle’s House

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (10)

Sponge Sailboat from Easy Peasy Fun

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (11)

Water Table Activity for the Kids from Instructables

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (12)

Water Bombs Made from Sponges from Endlessly Inspired

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (13)

Batting Practice with Water Balloons from The Boys Store

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (14)

Water Guns Race from This Grandma is Fun

Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids

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Sidewalk Chalk Foam Paint Activity from The TipToe Fairy

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (16)

Pool Noodle Obstacle Course from Parents.com

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (17)

Outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe Game from Tatertots and Jello

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (18)

DIY Bean Bag Toss from Mod Podge Rocks

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (19)

Rainbow Paver Hopscotch Activity from Happiness is Homemade

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (20)

DIY Sandbox from The Homes I Have Made
You can get a similar bookcase at a thrift store for around $10!

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (21)

Tire Sandbox from I Heart Naptime

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (22)

Hula Hoop Croquet from The Crafting Chicks

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Blow Bubble Snakes from One Little Project

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (24)

Kinetic Sand Activity from One Little Project

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (25)

Marshmallow Shooters from Happiness is Homemade

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (26)

Pool Noodle Rocket Flinger Activity from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (27)

Popsicle Chalk from Reading Confetti

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (28)

Tensile Bubbles from Babble Dabble Do

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (29)

Giant Bubbles from Fun Crafts Kids

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (30)

Human Bubble Summer Activity for Kids (source unknown)

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (31)

Hola Hoop Hideout from Do It Yourself Fun Ideas

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (32)

Summer Reading Teepee from Tatertots and Jello

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (33)

Backyard Bean Bag Toss Game from Thrift Diving

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (34)

Ring Toss Activity from HGTV

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (35)

DIY Ring Toss from Mom Endeavors

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (36)

Giant Backyard Board Game from 36th Avenue

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (37)

$5 Tarp Game from The Red Headed Hostess

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (38)

$30 DIY Seesaw for Kids from Classy Clutter

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (39)

Yard Yahtzee from Momtastic

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (40)

Outdoor Bowling Game from Polka Dot Chair

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (41)

Backyard Ker-Plunk Game from All Parenting

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (42)

Ladybugs Vs. Tadpoles Game for Kids from Atta Girl Says

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (43)

Soda Bottle Rocket Activity from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (44)

Colored Shaving Cream Twister Game for Kids (Unknown Source)

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Pool Noodle Racetrack from Ramblings from Utopia

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (46)

Outdoor Movies Night from MomAdvice

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (47)

DIY Rope Swing from Dukes and duch*esses

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (48)

Tetherball for Half the Cost from Simply Kierste

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (49)

Pool Noodle Playhouse from From ABCs to SATs

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (50)

Balloon Tennis Activity from Little Bins for Little Hands

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (51)

Simple Tent from Daisy Mae Belle

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (52)

DIY Tree Swing from A Beautiful Mess

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (53)

Foil River Activity from I Can Teach My Child

Indoor Activities, Science Experiments, Sensory Play & More

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (54)

Laundry Basket Skee Ball Activity (With Ball Pit Balls!) from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (55)

Marshmallow and Toothpick Buildings from The Idea Room

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (56)

Masking Tape Speedway Track for Toy Cars from Family Maven

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (57)

Moon Sand from Lesson Learnt Journal

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (58)

Rock Candy Experiment for Kids from Growing a Jeweled Rose

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (59)

Ice Cream in a Bag from Growing a Jeweled Rose

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (60)

Super Hero Fort Kitsfrom Meg + Andy

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (61)

DIY Marble Bowling from Frugal Fun for Boys & Girls

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (62)

Indoor Camping from The Stay At Home Mom Survival Guide

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (63)

Bouncy Ball from 36th Avenue

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (64)

Edible Slime from Starburst Candy from Teach Beside Me

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (65)

Easy Homemade Playdough Recipe from Living Well Mom

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (66)

Fish in a Bag Slime from My Frugal Adventures

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (67)

Mini Mason Jar Aquariums from A Little Claireification

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (68)

Ocean Slime from Schooling a Monkey

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (69)

Glow in the Dark Bowling from My Kids Adventures

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (70)

How to Make Sun Tea Activity from Today’s Creative Life

Summer Arts and Craft Activities for Kids

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Fireworks Salt Painting from Busy Mommy Media

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (72)

Birdhouse Craft from Craft Create Love

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (73)

Fairy House from Living Well Mom

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (74)

Puffy Paint Ice Cream Cones from Crafty Morning

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (75)

Squirt Gun Painting from Fireflies and Mudpies

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (76)

$1 Giant Dry Erase Mat Coloring Activity from I Heart Arts and Crafts

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (77)

Pop Bottle Firefly from One Little Project

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (78)

Mason Jar Fairy Lights from DIY Joy

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (79)

Space Star Crayons from Minieco

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (80)

Paper Spinner from Make and Takes

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (81)

Melted Bead Suncatcher from Artful Parent

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (82)

Water Bottle Wind Spirals from Creative Green Living

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (83)

Kids Bubble Painting from Artful Adventures

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (84)

DIY Foam Paint from Dabbles and Babbles

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (85)

Rock Dominoes from Repeat Crafter Me

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100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids (2024)

FAQs

100 Cheap and Easy Summer Activities for Kids? ›

Educational games: Play games with your kids that teach them something meaningful, like puzzles, board games, or online learning programs. Volunteering: Get your kids involved in community service or charity work, which will help them develop understanding and social skills.

How do I entertain my kids all summer? ›

50 Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained this Summer
  1. Pick your own... whatever. ...
  2. Camp out. First-timers, try backyard camping.
  3. Camp in. Put the sleeping bags on the floor and have a family slumber party.
  4. Rearrange the furniture. ...
  5. Invite friends over for a game day. ...
  6. Make your own pizza. ...
  7. Talk to the animals. ...
  8. Get wet.
Jul 31, 2013

How do I keep my 12 year old busy this summer? ›

Here, then, are some of the best outlets to keep your tween or teen from descending into a summertime slump.
  1. Summer camps. ...
  2. Wilderness programs. ...
  3. Museum jobs and internships. ...
  4. Volunteer positions. ...
  5. Government programs. ...
  6. Summer classes. ...
  7. DIY summer jobs. ...
  8. Reading.
Dec 19, 2023

What can you do in 20 minutes kids? ›

Play Ideas for Kids Ages 10-12
  • Play “Exquisite Corpse,” where you create a story together. ...
  • Learn a magic trick. ...
  • Play Name that Tune—and let them pick the music! ...
  • Play a game of “20 Questions”. ...
  • Play Wordle or do a mini crossword. ...
  • Boost their confidence. ...
  • Trivia for Tweens and Teens.

How to engage kids in summer? ›

Educational games: Play games with your kids that teach them something meaningful, like puzzles, board games, or online learning programs. Volunteering: Get your kids involved in community service or charity work, which will help them develop understanding and social skills.

How can I keep my 7 year old busy in the summer? ›

Sign Up for a Summer Reading Program

Start with your local public library to see if they offer a summer-long program to encourage kids to read. Many libraries offer fun learning activities as part of their program, like storytimes, science shows and author meet-ups.

What can a 13 year old do in summer? ›

Fun Indoor Activities for Teenagers
  • Move the furniture around in your room to give it a fresh, new look.
  • Re-do your room with craft projects.
  • Handwrite letters to friends and family.
  • Make a collage for your wall.
  • Experiment with origami.
  • Go to a museum.
  • Learn a new language.
  • Start a journal.
Jul 19, 2019

What are 12 and 13 year olds interested in? ›

Young teens begin leaning into their peer groups and connecting over the things they enjoy, like hobbies or sports. Interests vary widely among 13-year-olds, from sports and outdoor games to arts, crafting, baking, and everything in between.

Is a 9 year old a tween? ›

Kids between 8 and 12 are called “tweens” because they are in between children and teenagers. It's very normal for kids this age to start to move from being very close to parents to wanting to be more independent. But they still need a lot of help from their parents. Kids this age go through big physical changes.

What keeps kids busy for hours? ›

Wrapping Paper Play: If you have rolls of wrapping paper you're willing to sacrifice, children of all ages love to play with it and can be entertained for hours. Older children can design a fort, explore how they can drape it, color the backside, or design something new.

How can I spend my free time with kids? ›

Let's talk about the top 5 things kids should do during their spare time.
  1. Explore the Wonderful Outdoors.
  2. Practice Hobbies and Interests.
  3. Volunteer For A Cause.
  4. Participate in Sports.
  5. Doing Chores.

How do you entertain a child for an hour? ›

35 Activities to Keep Kids Busy While You Work or Study
  1. Build a Fort. Create a fort using blankets, coffee tables, couches, boxes or whatever you've got in your home. ...
  2. Gather Donations. ...
  3. Start a Journal. ...
  4. Learn to Draw. ...
  5. Hear a Story from Space. ...
  6. Build the Ultimate Paper Airplane. ...
  7. Put on a Play. ...
  8. Collect Broken Crayons.
Mar 18, 2020

How do you make a boring summer fun? ›

Boredom Busters
  1. Swim, play tag, toss a ball, dance or jump rope.
  2. Go on a bike ride, walk the dog, go to the park or go on a jog.
  3. Make your celebrations active by going on a hike, playing Frisbee or organizing a volleyball or soccer game.

How can I make summer more fun? ›

Spend as much time outside as possible
  1. Plan elaborate park picnics.
  2. Go to an outdoor concert.
  3. Catch a movie at the drive-in.
  4. Host a backyard barbecue.
  5. Wear sunscreen everyday.
  6. Seek out the country's best swimming holes.
  7. Get into bird watching.
Jun 7, 2022

How do you cure boredom in the summer? ›

Boredom Busters
  1. Swim, play tag, toss a ball, dance or jump rope.
  2. Go on a bike ride, walk the dog, go to the park or go on a jog.
  3. Make your celebrations active by going on a hike, playing Frisbee or organizing a volleyball or soccer game.

How do you beat summer heat for kids? ›

10 Tips for Keeping Kids Cool in the Summer Heat…
  1. Dressing for the Heat. ...
  2. Stay Hydrated. ...
  3. Limit Outdoor Activities. ...
  4. Seek Indoor Alternatives. ...
  5. Cool Off with Water. ...
  6. Protect from the Sun. ...
  7. Use Fans and Ventilation. ...
  8. Plan for Adequate Rest.

Should you entertain your kids all day? ›

So if you find your child is getting bored, you don't need to feel guilty you're not entertaining them. Instead, think about the following: check your child isn't just hungry or tired as everything can feel boring then. It isn't boredom, just lack of energy to engage in an activity.

How do I keep my 14 year old busy this summer? ›

Consider these summer activities for teens:
  1. Volunteer. Summertime is a great time to encourage your teen to give back to the community. ...
  2. Get Active. Wondering how to keep a teenager busy during the summer? ...
  3. Learn a New Skill. ...
  4. Get a Job. ...
  5. Keep Their Brains Engaged. ...
  6. Summer Camp.
Jan 24, 2020

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