Fun & Easy Ways to Keep the Kids Busy This Summer

Hey friends, it’s Jess! If you’re anything like me, summer break brings equal parts excitement and the "how-am-I-going-to-keep-them-entertained-all-day" panic. I totally get it. So I pulled together some of my favorite tried-and-true ways to keep the kiddos busy, happy, and maybe even learning a little—without needing a full itinerary or Pinterest-perfect setup.

1. Water, Water, Water!
   You don’t need a pool to have fun. Sprinklers, water balloons, a kiddie pool, or even a DIY car wash station can keep kids entertained for hours. I love setting up a few buckets and sponges and letting them “wash” their bikes or toy trucks.

2. Craft Days on Repeat
   Keep a bin of supplies ready—markers, paint, paper, stickers, glue sticks—and pull it out when the boredom hits. My go-tos: making friendship bracelets, painting rocks, or creating DIY obstacle course signs. Bonus: it gets them off screens for a bit!

3. Backyard Picnics
   Let the kids help pack their own lunch and head outside with a blanket. Even simple sandwiches feel special when eaten under the sun. Throw in a game of “I Spy” or a scavenger hunt and it turns into a full afternoon.

4. Library Visits & Reading Time
   Check out your local library’s summer reading program! We love heading there once a week to grab new books and enjoy the A/C. Set up a cozy reading nook at home and make quiet time part of the daily rhythm.

5. Themed Days
   Sometimes a little structure helps. Try “Messy Monday” for crafts, “Water Wednesday” for outdoor play, “Field Trip Friday” for a park or ice cream outing. It gives kids something to look forward to—and keeps us from scrambling last-minute.

6. Easy Cooking Projects
   Get them involved in the kitchen! Simple things like making popsicles, building their own mini pizzas, or decorating cupcakes are fun and teach basic skills. (Just expect a little extra mess.)

7. Let Them Be Bored
   Honestly, some of the best creativity comes from boredom. Don’t stress if every hour isn’t filled. Give them space to build forts, make up games, or just hang out. It’s part of summer magic.

Want a list of kid-approved activities and essentials to make it all easier? Head over to my LTK—I’ve linked everything from backyard play toys to indoor craft kits we actually use and love. Here’s to a fun, low-stress, rest of the summer!