18 Exciting Summer Activities for the Family

Summer is an exciting season, and every family looks forward to having a fun summer spent together. The warm weather and longer days open up endless possibilities for both indoor and outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy! From beach trips to camping adventures, there are numerous activities that you can do on a hot summer day to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Here are 18 exciting summer activities the family can enjoy together and make the most out of the season.

Family-Friendly Activities in Summer

Go to the beach

There's nothing quite like spending a day at the beach with your family. Play in the sand, swim in the ocean, and soak up some sun while making sandcastles and having fun water fights! Avail water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, or even surfing for an added adventure!

You can also bring some beach games like frisbee or volleyball to add more excitement to your beach trip. Don't forget to pack sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water for a comfortable stay. Make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out and always supervise younger kids near the water.

Hiking and nature walks

One of the fantastic family activities in summer is going on hiking and nature walks. Explore the beauty of nature, get some exercise, and bond with your loved ones! Find a local hiking trail, pack some snacks and water, and embark on an adventure together.

To make the experience even more thrilling for kids, plan a treasure hunt along the trail. Create a list of items to find, like unique rocks, leaves, or flowers. This interactive game will keep everyone engaged and excited as you discover new sights and sounds in the great outdoors.

Have a picnic at a local park

This list of fun summer activities isn't complete without a picnic during the summer break. Pack a basket with your favorite snacks, sandwiches, and some refreshing drinks. Bring along a cozy blanket, and don't forget to pack some fun games like a badminton, a deck of cards, or even a kite to fly in the open space!

Enjoy the warm sunshine and the beautiful scenery while spending quality time with your family and unwinding together. Eat ice cream, take a nap on the grass, and play together – a perfect recipe for an enjoyable summer day!

DIY projects

Invite the entire family to create some DIY projects during the summer break. You can paint a room, create a scrapbook of your favorite memories, or make homemade popsicles! You can choose a theme, like summer, and let your creativity run wild.

Get creative and use materials found at home to create something unique and fun. Not only will you have a great time together, but you'll also have some new decorations for your home or souvenirs to remember the summer.

Cooking and barbeque

Explore the kitchen with fun ideas, whipping up some delicious treats together. It’s too hot to bake, but you can do pancakes, waffles, or homemade ice cream with your favorite flavors! Let everyone in the family take turns adding ingredients and stirring the mixture! A barbeque can just spice things up outdoors at the park or the beach, or even your backyard or own pool. 

You can visit your local farmer's market to get fresh produce and ingredients to use in your cooking or baking projects. Encourage kids to get creative and come up with unique recipes, making it a fun learning experience for them!

Movie and game nights

Turn your living room into the ultimate entertainment zone for a thrilling game night and movie marathon! Choose a theme, like a favorite movie series or board games, and let the summer fun begin. Pop some popcorn, gather your favorite snacks, and get comfy with blankets and pillows!

Spend quality time watching a blockbuster hit or playing classic board games.  You can even have a dance party or karaoke session to add some excitement. This activity is perfect for hot summer nights when you want to stay indoors.

Visit zoos and aquariums

Visiting zoos and aquariums is a fantastic addition to the ultimate summer bucket list. It's a great way to keep the kids busy while learning about different animals and marine life. Explore various exhibits, attend educational shows, and maybe even participate in interactive feeding sessions.

Many zoos and aquariums also offer picnic areas, so you can make a full day of your visit, combining fun and education in one exciting adventure. Plus, it's an opportunity to support animal conservation efforts and teach children about the importance of preserving our planet.

Go on a road trip

Go on a family road trip to explore new destinations and spend time together while discovering fun things along the way. Choose scenic routes, visit charming small towns, or explore national parks. Plan stops at interesting landmarks, unique eateries, and recreational areas.

Don’t forget to pack snacks, games, and a great playlist for the ride! You can also try switching drivers to give everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Go fishing

Fishing is a relaxing and rewarding activity that the whole family can enjoy on a warm summer day. Plan a day trip to a nearby lake, river, or fishing spot and bring the necessary gear, such as fishing rods, bait, and tackle. This activity is an excellent way to teach kids about patience, nature, and the basics of fishing.

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and spend quality time together, whether you catch any fish or not! Don't forget to pack a picnic and some refreshments to make the day even more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Setting up a campsite

Setting up a campsite in your backyard or at a nearby campground is a perfect summer activity for the family. Teach the kids how to pitch a tent, start a campfire, and collect rocks for the fire pit. Enjoy making s'mores, telling stories under the stars, and embracing the great outdoors.

You can also go to a campsite that offers activities like hiking, swimming, and other outdoor adventures. It's a great way to disconnect from technology and bond with your loved ones in nature. Plus, it's a budget-friendly option for a summer vacation!

Try bowling

Bowling is a fantastic activity for the family, especially on a hot summer day. Bowling alleys are air-conditioned, providing a cool escape from the heat. It's the perfect place to have some indoor fun while staying comfortable.

Bowling is also suitable for all ages, a great way to involve everyone in some friendly competition! Many bowling alleys also offer food and beverages, so you can enjoy a meal or snack while playing. Relish the excitement of strikes and spares, and enjoy a refreshing break from the summer sun!

Go ice skating

Indoor ice skating is a refreshing way to beat the summer heat and enjoy a fun activity. Visit your local ice rink, rent some skates, and glide smoothly on the ice! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, ice skating provides great exercise and a chance to cool off while spending quality time with family and friends.

Kids love the thrill of ice skating, and it's an excellent opportunity for them to learn a new skill. Plus, indoor ice rinks are usually well-maintained and offer amenities like snacks, drinks, and seating areas for breaks. So lace-up those skates and have some chilly fun this summer!

Attend local festivals

Attending local festivals is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the community spirit and enjoy the vibrant summer atmosphere. From food fairs to music festivals, there's always something unique to experience!

Wander through stalls, savoring delicious treats and discovering handmade crafts. Enjoy live performances and maybe even dance along to the music. Make memories, connect with others, and celebrate the local culture with the whole family!

Stargazing

Relax under the stars and take in the beauty of a summer night sky with your family. Pack some blankets, pillows, and snacks, and head to a nearby park or open field away from city lights.

Use a stargazing app or guidebook to identify constellations, planets, and other celestial objects. Encourage kids to ask questions and learn about astronomy while enjoying the peacefulness of nature. It's a simple yet magical way to spend time together during the summer!

Read outside

Take advantage of the warm weather and sunshine by reading outside in your backyard or local park. Encourage kids to pick out their favorite books, magazines, or comics and find a comfortable spot to read together!

Take a break from the screens and devices and immerse the whole family in captivating stories. Bring along some snacks, drinks, and sunscreen for an enjoyable reading experience under the summer sky.

Grow plants

Growing plants or a herb garden is a fun and educational summer activity for the whole family. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a small balcony, you can plant basil, mint, or rosemary to enhance your cooking. Additionally, consider incorporating native plants to support local wildlife and create a sustainable garden. Summer is perfectly fine for new planting when you plant local fauna. 

Watching your plants grow and thrive provides a sense of accomplishment and teaches kids about responsibility and the importance of nature.

Tour your own city

Discover hidden gems in your city with a fun-filled scavenger hunt. Create a list of landmarks, parks, or local attractions to find and explore with your family!

You can also visit museums, galleries, or historical sites to learn more about your city's culture and history. Consider taking a guided tour or renting bikes for an entertaining and informative day in your own backyard.  With so much to discover, you may even feel like a tourist in your own city!

Spa day at home

Enjoy a relaxing day at home with the whole family and set up a DIY spa station! Our curated spa gift box includes items like face masks, bath bombs, and essential oils for a soothing spa experience.

Encourage everyone to unplug and unwind. Take turns giving each other massages or painting each other's nails for a fun and pampering day at home!

Preparing for Summer with Shadow Breeze

With the summer season fast approaching, it's time to start planning for fun and memorable activities with your family. At Shadow Breeze, we believe in the importance of spending quality time with loved ones, that's why we've put together a list of summer activities that are perfect for families! From outdoor adventures to indoor activities, there's something on our list for everyone to enjoy.

We also have our curated selection of gift boxes for the season! We have spa gift boxes, travel essentials, beach essentials, and refreshing drinks for those hot summer days. With Shadow Breeze, you'll be prepared and equipped for the best summer yet!