16 Summer Activities You Should Tackle in June, When You Still Have the Energy

Updated on 6/26/2018 at 11:42 AM

There's really nothing like the start of Summer. Schools are closed, the sun is shining, and the novelty of having your kids home all day and the relief of not having school responsibilities for a few months is still there. And as a parent, you should capitalize on that Summer energy — because you know it's going to wane a little with every whine — by stuffing your calendar with the best of Summer activities that, admittedly, require some time and enthusiasm. You know by August, you'll be throwing out those screen-time Summer rules and begging your kids to entertain themselves, but for now, it's all about the Mom-involved activities. Keep reading for all the things you should do in June to ensure your kids make some amazing, magical Summer memories before you burn out.

Make a Summer Bucket List

Not only will a Summer bucket list help your family get excited about the season, but it will also give you ideas of how to fill days when nothing is on your calendar and help you prioritize the Summer activities that your kids are most looking forward to.

Create a Lemonade Stand

You know you're probably going to end up spending more money than they make, but a lemonade stand is a great way to entertain your kids for an entire afternoon, especially if you live in a bustling neighborhood.

Have a Water-Play Party

Bring out the water balloons, Slip 'N Slide, water slide bounce house, sprinkler, or whatever can turn your yard into a water park. Put on sunscreen and swimsuits, and you have your very own splash pad.

Take a Nature Hike

Find a nearby forest preserve or state park (or just a wooded area close to your house), and see what wonders nature holds. Don't forget the bug spray.

Play Car Wash

A hose, a bucket of sudsy water, and a couple of sponges are all you need to turn your driveway into a car wash. Not only will your kids love getting wet and soapy, but you might just manage to get them and your car clean!

Host a Make-Your-Own Sundae Party

Buy some industrial-size tubs of ice cream, assign each neighbor a couple of toppings to bring, and voila, you have your very own make-your-own sundae party. Seconds are a Summer must.

Go Camping

Whether it's in your backyard or at a real campground, nothing says Summer like sleeping outside after cooking dinner on an open fire. Just be sure to check out these genius hacks for camping with kids first.

Plant a Garden

Let your kids get their hands dirty, spruce up your yard, and maybe even lower your grocery bill by planting your own garden. Pick up some kid-size garden tools to amp up their excitement.

Head to the Beach

Whether you book a longer vacation or just drive over for the day, a trip to the beach is a Summer must. These hacks will help make it superenjoyable for the entire family.

Plan a Picnic

Even if you don't make it further than your backyard, eating a meal outside is a Summer must do. Pack up your family's favorites, get some new, kid-friendly recipe ideas, or simply make a quick trip to Trader Joe's.

Make Your Own Ice Cream

Sure, you could buy ice cream at the store, but making it using this easy recipe and a couple of zip-top bags is much more fun for the kids.

Plan a Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt

Enlist the help of your neighbors, and create a scavenger hunt all the kids in your hood can enjoy. Keep it localized to a few adjoining back yards for smaller kids, or let bigger kids run all around your block to find clues.

Make Your Own Popsicles

Pick up some popsicle molds, get inspired by these 44 kid-friendly popsicle recipes, and create your own cool and colorful treats that just might sneak in some extra fruits and veggies into your child's diet.

Attend a Local Outdoor Event

My family is hooked on the brick-oven pizza night held once a week at a nearby farm (an ice cream truck, magician, and spiked lemonade makes it even better), but now's the time to find your own local Summer fun. An outdoor movie night at a pool, an open-air concert series, or a fireworks show are all sure to help you soak up the season's best.

Build a Campfire and Make S'mores

It's not Summer without a s'more or two (or 12). Find an open flame, roast those marshmallows, and get a little sticky. Check out these 33 s'more recipes if you want to get extra creative.

Make Your Own Pizzas Outside

Making your own pizzas from dough to pie can be a messy job, which is why Summer is the best time to do it. Set up everything on a picnic or outdoor table while a pizza stone warms on the grill, and soon you'll have homemade pizza without a flour-, sauce-, and shredded-cheese-covered kitchen.