20+ Fun and Easy Summer Activities for Kids Ages 8–10
Summer is here — and with it, a lot of free time and energy to burn. If you have an 8- to 10-year-old at home, you know they’re in that sweet spot where they’re independent enough to do more but still love a bit of structure and fun. Whether you're looking to keep boredom at bay or create lasting memories, here are 20+ ideas for summer activities that are fun, budget-friendly, and easy to do at home or nearby.
Outdoor Adventures
1. Backyard Obstacle Course Use cones, jump ropes, hula hoops, and chalk to create a mini Ninja Warrior-style course. Let your kids design and time each other.
2. Nature Scavenger Hunt Print or create a list of items to find outside (a yellow flower, a smooth rock, a bird’s feather). Add bonus points for creativity.
3. Water Balloon Dodgeball Cool off and laugh a lot. Use soft water balloons and set basic rules. Great for siblings or neighborhood friends.
4. Bike Adventure Day Plan a ride to a local park or treat stop. Let your child help map the route and pack snacks.
5. Family Biking Picnic Plan a longer 1–2 hour bike ride with the family. Bring a picnic, find a scenic route, and make a day of it together.
6. Stargazing Night Grab a blanket, download a stargazing app, and explore the sky together. Bonus: let them stay up a little late for this one.
7. Try Fishing Fishing is a calm, focused activity that teaches patience and appreciation for nature. It’s also a great time to talk and bond.
Creative & DIY Fun
8. Sidewalk Chalk Masterpieces Turn your driveway into an art gallery. Try themes like space, ocean, or your favorite animals.
9. Make a Stop-Motion Movie Use a phone or tablet and free apps like Stop Motion Studio. All you need is LEGO, action figures, or clay.
10. DIY Bird Feeders Use peanut butter and birdseed on pinecones or recycled materials. Hang them outside and track which birds visit.
11. Design Your Own Board Game Create a game board, write rules, and use coins or small toys as pieces. Great for rainy days.
12. Build a Fort (Indoors or Out) Blankets, pillows, sticks, or cardboard — whatever works. Add a flashlight and snacks for the full effect.
13. Learn to Cook Together If your child shows interest, summer is a great time to teach cooking basics — from prepping veggies to baking muffins.
14. Decorate Mugs for the Lemonade Stand Let your child color or paint unique designs on plastic or ceramic mugs to use at a lemonade stand — each cup gets its own creative twist.
Chill Indoor Activities
15. Themed Reading Day Pick a theme (adventure, fantasy, animals) and gather related books. Add cozy corners and snacks.
16. DIY Science Experiments Try safe, simple experiments like baking soda and vinegar volcanoes or oobleck slime.
17. Cooking Challenge Let them plan and prepare a snack or meal with your help. Think fruit kabobs, smoothies, or mini pizzas.
18. Puzzle Challenge Time each other putting together jigsaw puzzles or make your own puzzle from a drawing.
19. Create a Summer Journal Let kids document their favorite days with drawings, stories, or photos.
Social & Group Ideas
20. Backyard Talent Show Invite a few friends or family, set up a “stage,” and let kids perform their talents — singing, jokes, magic tricks, or dances.
21. Lemonade Stand (With a Twist) Add coloring pages or handmade crafts for sale. Let kids decorate cups or signs for added fun and personality.
22. Park Picnic Meet-Up Invite other parents for a shared lunch outdoors while the kids play. Low effort, high fun.
23. Toy Swap Party Let kids bring toys they’re ready to trade. It’s a fun way to get “new” stuff and practice sharing.
24. Summer Bucket List Day Sit down and brainstorm things your child wants to do before school starts. Put them on a big poster and check them off together.
Summer doesn’t have to be packed with camps and pricey outings to be magical. Sometimes the best memories are made with sidewalk chalk, ice pops, and a little imagination.
Whether you use these ideas once or all summer long, they’ll help you create joyful moments that feel effortless and meaningful — for both you and your 8–10-year-old.
Need help organizing your summer plans or coordinating with other parents? Try using Parentr to stay on top of activities, playdates, and group outings — all in one easy place.
Here’s to a fun, calm, and creative summer!
