25 Fun Summer Activities to Kick Off the Summer

If you are looking for Fun Summer Activities to kick off the summer keep reading.

Summer is finally here — and it’s time to shake off the school-year routine, put the screens away (at least for a little while), and dive into fun, sunshine-filled adventures!

Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly ideas or exciting new traditions, this list of 25 fun summer activities will help you kick off the season with joy, laughter, and maybe even a little tan.

These ideas are great for:

Stay-at-home moms looking for easy activities to keep kids entertained
Families wanting to bond and create unforgettable memories
Women planning a simple summer reset
Anyone ready to enjoy the sunshine without breaking the bank

25 Celebrations to Kick off Summer

Whether you do a few or all 25, the point is to make space for joy and connection this summer.

If you have not planned for the summer fully, no worries this list will give you simple steps to make this summer memorable.

1. Host a Backyard BBQ

Nothing says summer like burgers on the grill, cold lemonade, and music playing in the background. Invite friends or neighbors over for a chill cookout. Bonus: Let the kids make their own mini burgers or hot dogs.

2. Create a DIY Splash Pad

Hook up a sprinkler, lay out some tarps, or grab a kiddie pool. Even a few buckets of water can become the best day ever. Want to take it further? Add water balloons or a slip-and-slide!

3. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt

Print or create a list of summer-themed items to find in nature (a feather, a butterfly, a heart-shaped rock). Kids can use phones to snap photos or draw what they find in a journal.

4. Plan a Beach or Lake Day

Nothing beats a day by the water. Build sandcastles, collect shells, and splash to your heart’s content. Bring a cooler full of snacks and drinks to stay refreshed.

5. Make Homemade Popsicles

Use fruit juice, yogurt, fresh fruit, or smoothie mixes. Pour into molds (or use small cups with sticks). It’s a healthy, delicious way to cool down and experiment with flavors.

6. Try Backyard Camping

Set up a tent, grab sleeping bags, and enjoy the outdoors from your own yard. Don’t forget flashlights, stories, and maybe even some marshmallows to roast.

7. Have a Water Balloon Fight

It’s simple, refreshing, and always a hit. Fill up a big bucket ahead of time and let the fun begin. Make teams or challenges if you want to turn it into a mini competition.

8. Visit a Local Farmer’s Market

Explore fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts while supporting local farmers. Give each child a small budget and let them choose their own fruit or treat.

9. Go Strawberry or Blueberry Picking

A great hands-on activity for kids and adults. After picking, head home to make fresh jam, a fruit salad, or a summer dessert together.

10. Make Tie-Dye Shirts

Grab some plain tees, rubber bands, and dye kits. It’s creative, colorful, and makes for great summer memories — and outfits!

11. Watch a Movie Outdoors

Use a projector and sheet or just sit out with a laptop and Bluetooth speaker. Lay down blankets, pillows, and enjoy a family-friendly film under the stars.

Alternatively, see what family movies are coming out. They usually always have great family movies that come out during Summer Break.

12. Host a Lemonade Stand

Let kids create signs, make their own lemonade (with help), and run their own mini business. It builds confidence, math skills, and fun.

13. Visit a Free Museum or Local Landmark

Many museums have free or reduced-price days. Learn something new as a family while staying cool indoors.

14. Attend a Local Festival or Fair

From food truck events to music festivals, there’s always something going on in the summer. Check your city’s community calendar.

15. Have a No-Electricity Day

A full day of unplugged fun. Use these safe LED candles, read books, play board games, and enjoy simple moments. You’ll be surprised how much you reconnect.

16. Make Summer Vision Boards

Gather old magazines or print photos to create vision boards full of hopes, dreams, goals, and summer inspiration.

Visit my Summer Vision Board for Aesthetic Summer Goals.

17. Plan a Family Picnic

Keep it simple with sandwiches, fruit, and juice boxes. Bring a frisbee or cards and enjoy a screen-free meal under the sun.

18. Try a New Sport

Invite over friends and family and have silly fun getting playing some outdoor games.

Think of soccer, baseball, pickle ball anything that will bring some fun, laughter and togetherness.

19. Order a Water Inflatable

I ordered a massive water inflatable for my kids a couple of summers ago to kick off summer. I did not buy it, I just rented one from a repeatable company.

They came and set the inflatable up and left it for us to rent for 48 hours. It was truely fun to have a personal one.

If you would like one of your own to keep all summer long these ones are great.

Water Inflatable 1

Water Inflatable 2