Fun in the Sun: Independent Summer Activities for Kids

Don’t get me wrong, I love summer, and I adore my kids. But keeping them entertained for three months can be tough! 😅 I recently did an activity that I adapted to make it easier for them to do on their own, and it got me thinking: What other independent summer activities for kids are out there? I did a little research and came up with 10 ideas that require a bit of setup from an adult but, for the most part, keep kids entertained on their own. Because summer doesn’t have to be filled with extravagant activities to be memorable!

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Independent Summer Activities for Kids Idea #1: “Chalk” Rockets

Remember buying film from the store, and the cute little canisters it came in? If you’re like me, it’s probably been a while since you’ve had those lying around the house. But the rest of the items in this activity are likely things you already have!

Gather some food coloring, cornstarch, Alka-Seltzer tablets, film canisters, and two bowls. Break the tablets in half and place them all in a bowl (this will make it easier for kids to create the rockets on their own). Next, mix the cornstarch and some water in another bowl. Grab a tablespoon so they can pour the liquid into the film canisters.

Once the canisters are filled, add a few drops of food coloring to each one. Then, drop in half of a tablet, add the cap, and step back. The Alka-Seltzer will mix with the liquid, and the top of the canister will pop off, making a colorful “rocket”!

Idea #2: Puffy Chalk Paint

This one is a fun twist on regular sidewalk chalk that kids will love! Mix 1 cup of flour, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and finely crushed chalk, and stir. Then, add two cups of shaving cream (this creates the puffy effect). Stir it all up again, then funnel it into squeeze bottles (or plastic bags with a corner cut off).

One note: Once the kids are done painting, be sure to hose it off within a day or so. Or let the rain take care of it. The longer it sits, the harder it is to get off.

Independent Summer Activities for Kids Idea #3: Nature Scavenger Hunt

This activity requires the least amount of prep, but can potentially keep kids occupied for hours! Just write (or draw, for littles) a list of items they could find around the yard: a smooth rock, something a specific color, a pinecone, etc. Give them a grocery bag or container to gather their treasures, and give yourself the gift of temporary peace and quiet. 😂

Idea #4: Homemade Playdough

Store-bought Play-Doh is a big hit, but kids love getting hands-on by making their own, too! The recipe is simple:

• 2 cups of flour
• 1/2 cup of salt
• 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1.5 cups of boiling water

After boiling and pouring the hot water into a bowl, carefully let the kids help you pour in the other ingredients and stir them all together. Then, divide the dough into different pieces and add food coloring. From there, the kids can build and mold to their hearts’ desires. The homemade playdough should keep in an airtight plastic bag for a couple of weeks.

Pro Tip: Have them play with it outside, so you’re not stressing when tiny pieces inevitably end up on the floor.

Independent Summer Activities for Kids Idea #5: Painted Rocks

Finding smooth rocks to paint could tie into activity number three! After gathering the rocks, set the painting supplies up outside for easier cleanup. Once they’re done, you can join them on a walk to place their rocks around the neighborhood or a park.

Idea #6: Backyard Obstacle Course

Set up a basic course with hula hoops, jump ropes, pool noodles, lawn chairs—whatever you can find. Once you help the kids set it up and they go through it a few times, they’ll probably want to add additional “challenges” to make it harder. It’s a great way to expend some energy!

Independent Summer Activities for Kids Idea #7: Frozen Treasure

Freeze small treasures in a block of ice the night before. Set it outside with spray bottles of water, small mallets, or a salt shaker and let kids excavate. They’ll have a blast!

Idea #8: Sidewalk Spray Paint

Fill spray bottles with water and a few drops of food coloring. Then, let kids spray away on the driveway or sidewalk. Like idea #2, you’ll want to hose off the concrete or run the sprinklers when they’re done so it comes off more easily.

Independent Summer Activities for Kids Idea #9: Water Balloon Piñata

Have the kids help you fill water balloons (or use this to fill lots of them at once!). Next, hang the balloons from the fence or a branch and let the kiddos hit them just like a piñata. Bonus: it’s a good way to cool down on a hot day, too.

Idea #10: Bubble Snakes

Like the other activities on this list, this is super simple, but kids love it! Cut the bottom off a plastic water bottle, stretch a sock over the opening, dip it in a mix of dish soap and water, and blow through the mouthpiece. It makes an endless stream of connected bubbles (a “bubble snake” that kids will love playing in!

Mom hack: Make a couple of these so each child has one and they don’t pass the same bottle around. 😬

What activities keep your kids busy in the summer?

I’m always open to ideas! In the meantime, follow along on Instagram for more easy, kid-friendly crafts and activities!