Summer is the perfect season for families to slow down, get outside, and make lasting memories with their little ones. For children ages 0 to 5, the best activities are hands-on, playful, and full of opportunities to explore using all five senses. Because sensory play can be messy, it’s great to do outside—and what better time to be outside than in the summer. Here are some fun summer activities for families to try with their young children:
Water play stations
Parents and caregivers can set up a few large bins outside with different water-friendly materials: cups, sponges, plastic animals, scoops, or even ice cubes. Children can pour, squeeze, and splash. It’s simple, sensory-rich, and perfect for hot summer days. Bath-safe toys can be added as well. Bonus idea: Add a few drops of food coloring or scent (like lemon or mint) to the water for a multi-sensory twist. Families can also save bottles with squeeze tops, like mustard bottles. After washing them thoroughly and sanitizing with a weak bleach solution, these make great unbreakable squirt toys. New squirt-top condiment bottles can also be purchased at stores like Gordon Foods. Squirt toys like these are preferable to gun-shaped squirt toys, given the prevalence of gun violence in the country.
Nature treasure hunt
Caregivers can head to a nearby park or walking trail and give their child a little “treasure bag.” The goal is to look for things the child can see, touch, or hear—like smooth rocks, crunchy leaves, or chirping birds. The treasure hunt can also be done in the backyard or while walking around the block.
[Click here for the Best Kid-Friendly Walking Trails in Grand Rapids!]
Frozen toy rescue
Small plastic toys can be frozen in containers of water. Children can use spray bottles or squeeze warm water over the ice to “rescue” them. This builds fine motor skills and keeps them cool and curious.
Mess-free finger painting
Caregivers can squeeze paint into a ziplock bag, tape it to a highchair tray or window, and let babies and toddlers squish and swirl colors from the outside. It offers all the fun of painting with none of the cleanup.
Outdoor play
Parents can easily create an obstacle course by using pool noodles, cones, hula hoops, or even towels. Toddlers can crawl, jump, and balance their way through. This activity supports coordination and builds confidence. Another way to play outdoors is using boxes to play pretend. You can start by asking them what they would like to play and what the boxes could be used for. Parents may have to help them get started.
DIY bubble foam
Families can mix water, tear-free bubble bath, and food coloring with a hand mixer until foamy. The foam can be served in a shallow bin with scoops and cups. It’s soft, safe, and seriously fun. It’s a good idea for children to wear swimsuits—this means far less laundry for adults. Another option is to save a set of old shorts and a top for each child to wear during messy outdoor play.
Tip: Babies can join in too, with close supervision to keep foam out of their mouths and eyes.
Painting outdoors
Kids can paint outdoors—either with finger paints or brushes—using an old vinyl tablecloth to protect the space. Bathtub soap paints are perfect for outdoor play, and squirting the paint off with squirt bottles or a hose adds to the fun.
Sensory sand bin
Families can create a mini “beach” at home using kinetic sand or play sand in a large container. Adding seashells, scoops, and small plastic toys gives children plenty to dig and explore. Treasures can also be hidden in the sand for children to find.
Picnic and play
Packing a blanket and easy snacks makes for a simple outing to a shady park. Bringing bubbles, a ball, or storybooks can turn it into a full afternoon of fun. Adults can hide juice boxes, water bottles, or small packaged snacks marked with each child’s name. After children find their snacks, everyone can sit on a blanket, sheet, or beach towel to enjoy story time together.
Play dress-up
Many preschoolers love to play dress-up and pretend they have grown-up jobs. Families can save a few items of adult clothing that are no longer worn so children can dress up without needing costumes or props from the store. This kind of play helps children build problem-solving skills and creativity. Friends and family members can help add to the dress-up box. All items can be stored in a tote in the garage or closet for future use. Trying on different fabrics, buttons, zippers, hats, and shoes lets children explore a variety of textures and materials.
