Summer break is here—and so is the nonstop energy, snack requests, and the classic “what are we doing now?” from my 8-year-old daughter. I love summer, I really do. The slower mornings, the warm evenings, and the sweet relief from school drop-off drama? Amazing.
But here’s the thing: I have one kid. Which means unless we’ve got plans with friends or family, I’m the go-to person for everything. Playmate, entertainer, snack supplier, and occasional jungle gym. Every. Single. Day.
So this summer, I’ve been finding ways to keep her moving with fun summer activities for kids that don’t require a full Pinterest board or an event planner’s skillset. Just real, doable ideas to keep her active, engaged, and smiling (and hopefully not asking for screen time every five minutes).
1. Let Her Just… Play
Not every activity needs a sign-up form or a schedule. Sometimes the best summer activities for kids are the simple, unstructured ones—especially for an only child with a big imagination.
Some days my daughter:
Pretends she’s building a fairy village with chalk and rocks
Makes up dances and performs them on our patio “stage”
Turns a jump rope into a pretend jungle vine
It’s classic outdoor play, and it keeps her physically active without pressure.
2. Water = Instant Fun
When it comes to summer activities for kids, water play is a total game-changer. Whether it’s hot outside or she’s just in a funky mood, water brings the energy right back up.
Some of her favorite water-based summer fun:
Sprinkler runs
Water balloon dodgeball
Splash pad days
“Painting” the fence with a bucket and brush
We don’t have a pool, but honestly, she doesn’t even ask. The water makes it magical all on its own.
3. Sampling New Activities
One great thing about summer is the chance to experiment. I’m always on the lookout for new active summer activities that let her explore movement in different ways.
We’ve tried:
Dance drop-in classes
Short gymnastics sessions
Mini tennis lessons
Roller skating adventures
The variety keeps her engaged, and I love that these types of summer activities for kids let her build confidence while burning off energy.
4. Indoor Movement on Summer or Rainy Days
Let’s be real—not every day is perfect for outdoor play. But that doesn’t mean the movement has to stop.
On those super-hot or rainy days, we turn to indoor-friendly summer activities for kids:
Living room dance parties
Story-based yoga videos
Pillow forts with built-in obstacle courses
Hallway “bowling” with water bottles
It’s all active play—and keeps us both pump up.
5. Family-Involved Movement
Since it’s just the two of us most days, I try to turn summer movement into a bonding experience. Many of our favorite summer activities are things we do together.
Evening dog walks (with lots of chat breaks)
Bike rides to get frozen yogurt
Nature scavenger hunts at the park
Stretching or dancing together in the mornings
Not only is she moving, but we’re connecting—and that makes these little routines extra special.
Some Days Are Lazy—and That’s Okay
Not every day is action-packed, and that’s perfectly fine. Lazy days, movie marathons, or staying in pajamas until lunch all have their place. But I keep a list of summer activities for kids handy for those “I’m bored” moments that always sneak in.
Try This: The Summer Activity Jar
This one’s been a lifesaver. I wrote down about 30 simple, screen-free summer activities (like “bike to the park” or “run through the sprinkler”) and stuck them in a jar. Every morning, my daughter picks one, and it becomes the “mission” of the day.
She loves the surprise, I love not having to think too hard. It keeps the momentum going, even on slow days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a parent of one, trying to keep things fun, active, and balanced this season—you’re not alone. There are so many simple, low-stress summer activities for kids that work even if it’s just you and your little one.
Some days it’ll be sprinklers and scavenger hunts. Other days, it might just be dancing in the kitchen and calling it cardio. And honestly? That totally counts.
Here’s to a summer full of movement, memories, and maybe even a few peaceful moments for us moms, too. 💛
