35 Frugal, Fun and Simple Summer Activities for Kids

This summer I have every intention of doing some of the fun activities I’ve been pinning and bookmarking on my computer for the last couple of years. I must admit that because I’m not the most creative mom, I don’t always follow through with my grand plans for a boatload of activities.

Here are 35 activity ideas that I’ve collected and shared with you! Some I’ve done and many I’m planning on doing this summer! These are frugal, fun and simple, and they won’t take a lot of preparation or crafty skill. Perfect for our kids and hopefully for yours as well!

35 Fun, Frugal and Simple Summer Activities for Kids

1. 7 Activities to do with Glow Sticks
2. Fireworks in a Jar
3. Jumping Grasshopper Craft
4. Make Sidewalk Chalk Paint with Broken Chalk Pieces
5. Sponge Relay
6. Simple Bubble Recipe (No Glycerin)
7. Easy Rainbow Bubble Snakes
8. Campfire Cones Snack
9. Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
10. DIY Sponge Ball 
11. Reading Map (link to printable under “Make Reading an Adventure” heading)
12. Sidewalk Chalk City
13. Melt Crayons in the Sun
14. Spray each other with a hose
15. Go on a nature walk and/or bike ride
16. Make your own Bouncy Ball
17. 6 Summer Ministry Ideas to do with your Kids
18. Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag
19. DIY Sidewalk Paint
20. Visit all the parks in your area at least once
21. Go on a picnic
22. Complete these printable All About Bees Activities and make some Hunny Bee Cookies and buy some local honey for added fun
23. Campfire Snack (with grapes, pretzels and cheese!)
24. Splash in puddles on a rainy day
25. Grow “Window Sprouts”
26. Make a Sprinkler out of a Pop Bottle
27. Race Soap Boats (or just float them in the kiddie pool)
28. Paint with water on the sidewalk/driveway
29. Have a hula hoop contest
30. Have a Drive Inn Movie Event (great for a really hot day)
31. Go to a free kids workshops at Lowe’s or Home Depot
32. Play the Circle Sidewalk Game 
33. Make Mini Marshmallow Shooters
34. Make Solar Smores
35. Make healthy fruit & yogurt popsicles {Recipe coming soon!}

Need a few more ideas? Check out four essential items for frugal kids summer activities!

You can print out these ideas and cross them off as you go (just copy and paste into a Word doc) or write each on a popsicle stick and put them in a jar, like this!