Now that the weather’s warming up, let’s talk about ten summer activities you can do with your littles. If you’re new here, I’m a mama of a just turned two year old and a ten month old. Read more about me and our story! I’ve been looking for free (or cheap!) activities to do with them this summer, so I figured I’d share the things I’ve gathered with other mamas.
1. Go to your local library
We just started making our way to the local library near us to check out books and play in the kids area. Our library kids section has a kitchen set, dollhouse, sensory toys, some computers, and other summer activities they put on during these months. Even if your library doesn’t offer all of these things, you can surely check out books! Going through picture books and reading the stories are so fun for both kids!
2. Water tables + kiddie pools
What an easy way to beat the heat with your little ones by setting up a water table and/or kiddie pool for them. If you don’t have one of these Step 2 water tables (affiliate link), you can always make your own by buying a cheap storage bin like this from Walmart and filling it up with some water and throwing in random toys/kitchen utensils you already have lying around your house.
3. Painting, coloring, and drawing time
I’m sure all of us mamas have some sort of craft bin in the house with markers, crayons, or paint in it. Set aside time for drawing with your little ones! I love picking up large foam poster boards to lay on the floor with a handful of crayons scattered around for my kiddos to draw. My toddler loves doing crafts with hand painting or finger painting too!
4. Nature walks
Now depending on the summer temperatures where you live, you may need to complete this activity early in the morning or in the evening when the sun starts to go down. Take your littles outside for a nature walk! Be intentional about how you go about your walk with finding different items in nature. Check out this free printable nature walk pdf to take on your next adventure!
5. Splash pads
Lots of our parks started opening up splash pads for kids during the summer months. Another free activity at your local park to help beat the heat and get cooled off! Check out if yours has a splash kids for kids to run around and play in the water.
6. Water balloons
Water balloons can be something fun for your littles to explore with in the heat of summer (make sure you are supervising this activity with littles). My toddler can throw them around and watch them splash on the ground, or have her dad toss them back and forth to her learning to catch them as a fun activity.
7. Muffin pan snack tray
Alright mamas, this one is a game changer—a fun way to mix up lunch or snack time! Grab a six count or twelve count muffin tin and fill up each individual tin with a different snack! I love using different fruits, such as clementines, grapes, strawberries, and apple slices. Then I’ll add some nuts, pretzels, or puffed chips, along with a sliced Chomps stick or other protein. You can even make little PB&J slices, cut up carrot and celery sticks, and cheese slices to get a well balanced meal that will be a fun new way to mix up your next lunch time.
8. Bake a treat
While you’re in the kitchen, bake a treat with your little one! Go into this activity with a mindset that things will get messy and it will take twice as long to bake the treat. Let your toddler do the mixing and scooping. Get them to crack the egg! Give your toddler some responsibility to fuel their independency. It may be a chore for you, but be patient and watch them have a blast.
9. Go to a local park, farm, or zoo
Getting outside to a nearby park before the heat hits in the morning can always be a fun way to mix up your day. Look if your area has a farm with animals you can go to as well! That’s what we love doing. There’s a place by us that has a little market with a coffee shop, playground, and farm animals. It’s the perfect combo for mamas and their kids! Going to the zoo can also be an exciting activity if your area isn’t getting too hot.
10. DIY fruit popsicles
One last kitchen activity to end out this post is making your own fruit popsicles. If you don’t own popsicle molds, you can use ice cube trays! They won’t be your standard popsicle, but it’s a free alternative instead of purchasing something new. Use different juices and cut up fruits to create your own DIY fruit popsicles. Your little ones will love coming up with new combinations depending on what you have on hand in your kitchen.
I hope this list gave you some fun and free summer activities to do with your littles! Comment below if you’ve tried any of these or write down any other activities you like doing with your kiddos during the summer. Be blessed mamas, sisters, and friends!
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