The summer is about to be in full swing, but your kids might already be bored after spending so much time in the house because of the pandemic. What toddlers and kids need are fun summer activities that promote being fit and active—a win for both them and you.
While the warmer weather encourages kids to get outside and do things like ride a bike or go for a walk, parents might already be struggling to find ways to keep them entertained while establishments are slowly opening up.
Even without a pandemic, most parents struggle to find things to do for their kids that promote them being active instead of spending too much time on the couch and in front of screens.
But there are lots of summer activities for kids to do that combine fun and fitness. It just takes being a little creative and having a game plan in place.
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This post is first broken down into categories by activity and sports. It then features summer activity ideas for toddlers and kids, as well as ways the entire family can get active.
SPORTS
Now is the time to teach kids how to play a sport like basketball, soccer, or even T-ball for toddlers. Show them that sports are fun to play outside in the summer. Plus this is a great way to promote fitness to kids and toddlers in a fun way.
Classic ‘Ball’ Games
Basketball is a great way to work out the hamstrings, quads, calves and glutes. It’s a great form of cardio that seems to be more of a game than a workout for kids.
Soccer
Soccer is great for agility, balance, power, and speed. It’s great for building a strong core, and is all about strengthening the legs. Even toddlers can play soccer and it’s great for their motor skills.
Baseball
Baseball is great for using the upper body muscles. Kids nee to have strength in order to throw, while batting engages the core and sprinting to bases is a great form of cardio.
Fun ‘Ball’ Games
Water Activities
From slip and slide races to who can create the biggest cannon ball in the pool, the summer is all about water activities. Water sports like swimming are a great low-impact workout. It is a form of cardio, but it doesn’t have harsh impact on the joints. It still is a full body workout, using the arms, abdomen and legs to move the body.
Play Sets
Kids can stay active during the summer by doing simple activities like going on a swing set, which uses the legs and abdominal muscles to move their body back and forth. Climbing jungle gyms, rock climb walls, and the like are other ways to move the body without it feeling like exercise.
Obstacle Courses
This a great way to work on agility, speed, and conditioning for both kids and toddlers. Take the course inside on rainy days or outdoors for a fun summer activity.
Other Ideas For Toddlers
Backyard Scavenger Hunt
ooking for something to do at home with the kids? This Mindfulness Scavenger Hunt Bundle is perfect for both kids and adults, indoors or outdoors.
The kid’s scavenger hunt is written in kid-friendly language so that any child who can read can go through it by themselves. For little ones who cannot read you can read the prompts to them.
Each scavenger hunt comes with 10 items aimed at creating mindfulness by focusing on the five senses. After finding each item, take some time to slow down and take 2 deep breaths.
This activity will help you and your kids notice what’s around you with a focus on gratitude.
Bop The Balloon Game
This inside game challenges the toddler to keep the balloon in the air and off the ground. Think of it as indoor volleyball without the net! Works on hand-eye coordination as well as striking skills.
Dino Dig
Set up a sand pit, or let them get dirty in the dirt by having them dig for toy dinosaurs. For easy clean up, make this into a sensory bin and hide small prizes. This works on fine motor skills when using tools.
Hide-And-Seek
This classic game encourages toddlers to run and use their muscles to squat to hide.
Simon Says
This classic game introduces body parts while having them bend, stand, squat, balance on one leg, jump, hop and more.
Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course
Get out the chalk and have them follow the lines to run, jump, spin, hop and more.
Get Exercise Tasks Cards
Have your toddler pick a card and act out the move they see.
Download your cards here.
Other Ideas For Kids
Nerf Gun War
Tell kids to team up against each other and run around the house or backyard. This is a great way for older kids to get active, yet still allowing them to play a game much like their video games.
Indoor Obstacle Course
Create your own course using chairs, cones, boxes and laundry baskets. Have the kids crawl, jump, race, and work on balance. The winner gets an ice cream or loser has to do a chore.
Dance Contest
Have the kids create their own dance moves to a popular song or use TikToc challenge and see who can do it best.
Marco Polo
This classic pool game has kids swimming fast to get away from “Marco” who has his/her eyes closed. Plus abs will get toned from all the giggling during the game!
Check out 19 Exciting Fun Summer Activities at Home for Kids by Cheers to Life Blogging.
Another great idea to to create your own summer camp at home! This is a great idea for parents not ready to bring their kids back in groups, or for those whose normal camps are canceled this summer. The Mom Friend created themes and activities like pirates week that includes crafts like making a treasure chest and playing hook toss. She also also a Summer Camp at Home Planner.
Ideas For The Family
Sign up for a virtual 5k walk or run and do it together
Have a weekly family walk night
Play a family round or two of kickball
Host family game night with Giant Jenga or Corn Hole bag toss games.
Check out this summer bucket list from Mamma Tribe that includes fun summer actives to check off like picking strawberries, plant a garden, and flying a kite.
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Toys To Get
This might be a good time to invest in that swing set or basketball hoop the kids are wishing for. But there’s also lots of inexpensive items parents can buy to help provide their kids with fun summer activities to do.
Some of these include:
- Hula-hoop
- Ankle Skip Ball
- Kids golf set
- Sandbox/water table
- Toddler trampoline
Mommy to Mom has the best list of backyard toys to get this summer!
Other Blogs To Check Out:
The Afternoon Connection has TONS of free summer printable like these Bug Counting Cards
How to plan for summer 2020 & Summer Reading Printable from Creative Reading Adventures
This Ultimate Summer Bucket List :100 + Ways to Beat the Heat from Busy Mom Smart Mom
Summer Activities For Toddlers by Home With The Harrisons
This is a great list. As we will be having a staycation summer I am looking for new ideas for my toddler. This post has given me lots of new games and activities we can do together:)