Summer Activities for Kids
See Also: More Kids Crafts and Activities
Make this summer break a fun-filled three months, with great summer activities for kids!

“Summertime and the living is easy”. Whoever wrote that was not facing the prospect of school being out and having to entertain a house full of bored, hungry children for the next three months. Don't let the kids' summer vacation scare you. There are so many things you can do to ease the boredom. It isn't even necessary to strain your brain trying to figure it out.
Back yard adventures:
A well stocked back yard will entertain kids of all ages for hours on end. An added boon to you is a quiet house!
Essential items for 3-5 year olds activities, a fence! Invisible fences, while great for Fido, will not protect your kids. Pony up and construct a fence before summer. The peace of mind knowing the kids are relatively protected incase you need to run inside for a quick potty break, or to grab the snacks is invaluable.
Toys to entertain preschoolers are: cars that are sturdy and won't break when sand gets dumped all over them; plastic figurines of what ever your child is obsessed with: dinosaurs, princesses, old fashioned army guys.
They will all love the back yard safari. A ball is also a must. Last but not least, bubbles and sidewalk chalk. The kids will go wild and the cost is cheap. With the toys in hand all that is needed now is the children and their imagination.
Entertain us mom!
Summer activities for kids that are older (6-11) take a bit more imagination because they are not as easily distracted by the simple toys. Kids this age want more complexity and team work in their play. Make your place the place to be by getting a load of sports equipment. You can get this second hand, it is going to be well used and abused.
Teach the kids how to play simple sports like kick ball, touch football or Frisbee golf or some of the good old classic outside games. Not sure of the rules? There are many websites that will tell you, or just make them up! Be creative. This will entertain and get the wiggles out helping your cherubs to sleep when bedtime rolls around.
Basic supplies: softballs, soccer balls, bases, bats, water guns or other squirting toys, and a football. As the kids get older badminton or volley ball sets are a great idea.
Teens, without wheels
Before they can drive they will drive you nuts declaring boredom. You will go blue in the face suggesting boredom remedies that are shot down one by one. An ounce of prevention with the 12-17 year old age group goes a long way! Before the advent of summer hold a family meeting, and turn the tables on them. Have the kids suggest things they would like to do and then post the list.
When your teen slouches in demanding entertainment you can direct him or her to the list, or offer them a chore.
Remember you will have a supply of sporting equipment that they know how to use for years past. Check the supplies with your teen to make sure everything is in good working order. They will find something to entertain themselves.
Summer activities for kids that require planning and preparation can be assigned to calendar dates to make sure they are actually done before summer is.
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