I live in Mississippi, and it’s starting to get hot. I’ve thought a lot about outdoor summer activities for my daughter, especially because we still can’t go anywhere. There’s uncertainty about the safety of opening communities back up. So, why not think of activities we can do in the backyard until things return to normal? At least, I hope the “normal” I am thinking of is what returns.

I picked some easy and fun outdoor summer activities kids, and I hope they help you as well if you are in the same situation. Here are my thoughts on activities.

Backyard Activities for Summer

1.Color Scavenger Hunt

From I Heart Crafty Things

Use white paper bags and scribble the colors on the bag that you want the kids to look for. For example, for the color green, you can look for a green leaf. This is an activity that you can use anywhere, and you can always return the items to nature and do it all over again!

2.Sensory Summer Rock Painting

From Mrs. Plemons Kindergarten

With this activity, the kids can look for smooth rocks and then wash the dirt off them. Let them dry, and then paint them with tempera paint!

You can also try another backyard scavenger hunt that is mentioned on this site: Maple Planners

3.Shaving Cream on the Slide

The idea is from The Kriegers

Put shaving cream on a kid’s slide and let them have a ball of fun!

4.Ice Smash!

The idea is from The Kriegers.

Freeze some toys in ice overnight, and then let your kids rescue them the next day!

5.Run through the sprinklers

Here is a couple to try:

Can someone seriously buy me the trampoline with the sprinklers?!?? It looks like fun!

6.Play with a Water Table

You can click on the image for more information. This water table has great reviews on Amazon, and it is a best seller! Young kids can learn about cause and effect while having fun!

7.Outdoor Alphabet Match

From I Can Teach My Child

The great thing about this activity is that it is play-based learning, which is how early childhood learning should be. You start by using chalk to write all of the letters on a sidewalk or concrete patio. You then fill a baby pool full of foam letters and water. Get your child to grab a small fishing net to fish the letters and then match them to the letters on the sidewalk.

You can use these foam letters for your activity:

Of course, you can change up this activity by using lower case letters and numbers.

8. Backyard Camping

From Grace, Giggles, and Naptime

First of all, you get all of your camping gear set up such as the tent, lantern, sleeping bags, etc. And then, you can add activities to go along with it. For example, you can have a backyard cookout or make mini s’ mores pots.

9. Bubble Play

From A Flourishing Rose

Bubble play is great because it’s relatively inexpensive. My daughter loves trying to catch bubbles on the stick that comes with the bubbles! Here are some more ideas to engage your child in bubble play (click on the image for more information):

10.Outdoor Field Day Activities

From My Ford Girls

With schools being closed because of COVID-19, field day went with it. As a kid, I always enjoyed field day activities, so I know I would have missed it if school was canceled! Thus, you can do the three-legged race or the 50-yard dash right in your backyard! For more ideas, click on the link above.

11. Sand play

You can get a sandbox and some sand, as well as some sandbox toys! This is something I always enjoyed as a kid! Click on the images below for more information.

Final Thoughts on Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids

I hope these ideas help you keep the kids busy this summer. I know it’s also fun to also go places too, such as water parks. If you are stuck at home, however, these suggestions should help!

If you like this post, please share it!