The Ultimate Summer Fun List: Easy Ideas to Make This Your Family’s Best Summer Yet!

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Summer is here, and you know what that means... long sunny days, sticky popsicle fingers, splashy backyard fun, and all the memory-making moments we’ve been waiting for. If you’re anything like us, you want to soak in every ounce of joy this season has to offer before those school bells ring again.

Whether you're road-tripping across the state or keeping it cozy in your own backyard, I’ve got a whole lineup of easy, low-prep, and high-fun ideas to keep your summer filled with connection, laughter, and a ton of fun. 😉

1. Make a Summer Bucket List — But Keep It Real

Don’t stress about hitting every water park within driving distance. Let your family come up with 10 things you actually want to do this summer. Think sidewalk chalk masterpieces, stargazing in pajamas, and that lemonade stand your kids have been begging to try. Write them down, hang the list on the fridge, and cross them off as you go. Bonus: it gives the kids something to look forward to on those “I’m boooored” days.

Make this summer epic with our free printable summer bucket list and summer schedule. We shared this blog last year, Exciting Summer Activities for Kids and Families, which is loaded with great ideas, you will definitely want to check that out and download the printable!

2. Level Up Your Backyard

You don’t need a pool or a Pinterest-worthy setup to create magic. Some of our favorite backyard upgrades this year include:

• A bubble machine (because bigger bubbles = bigger smiles)

• DIY obstacle courses with pool noodles, cones, and hula hoops

• An inflatable splash pad — total game changer for little ones!

Add popsicles, a bluetooth speaker with your favorite playlist, and boom — you’ve got a party.

3. Host a Backyard Movie Night

You only need a white sheet, a projector, blankets, and lawn chairs. Let the kids vote on the movie, pop some popcorn, and don’t forget glow sticks.

4. Plan a “Yes Day”

One day. Zero chores. And (almost) everything is a yes. Ice cream for breakfast? Sure. Full day in swimsuits? Yup. Core memories? Locked in.

5. Pack a Picnic

Sandwiches and watermelon taste better outside. Bring bubbles, a frisbee, and a deck of cards.

6. Camp at Home

Indoor tents, marshmallows toasted over the stove, and flashlight stories are all you need to make the night magical.

7. Start a Summer Memory Journal

Get a notebook and let your kids draw, write, and glue in their favorite summer memories.

8. Say Yes to Spontaneous Water Play

Sprinklers, buckets, and squirt bottles. Jump in with them. It’s the little things!

9. Try a Local Adventure

Be a tourist in your own town: hit a new park, splash pad, or museum.

10. Try a New Summer Recipe

Get the whole family involved. Search for a new recipe or grab one from below, head to the store for the ingredients and get started! Core memories and full bellies-win, win!

Summer Recipes to Try

Looking to beat the heat with light, fresh recipes? Here are some of our favorite summer eats:

• Tomato Peach Burrata Salad – Juicy, creamy, and perfect for patio nights. Try it here

• Feta Cucumber Salad – Light, crisp, and oh-so-refreshing. Get the recipe

• Summer Garden Pasta – Barefoot Contessa's veggie-packed pasta is chef's kiss. View it here

• Summer Chicken Parmesan – Weeknight-friendly and full of seasonal flavor. See recipe

• Grilled Salmon Salad – A flavorful twist on a summer classic. Cook it here

Mocktail Time!

Treat yourself to something fancy and family-friendly with these mocktail ideas:

• Watermelon Mint Mocktail

• Swimming Pool Summer Mocktail

• Moscow Mule Mocktail

• Brit + Co's Best Summer Mocktails

• More Refreshers

Summer Snacks the Kids Will Love

• Healthy Snack Bites

• Ladybug Caprese Bites

• Beach Day Pudding Cups

• Watermelon Yogurt Bark

• Watermelon Popsicles

11. Summer Crafts for Rainy Days (or Hot Afternoons!)

Looking for ways to keep little hands busy when the weather keeps you indoors? These fun and easy summer crafts are perfect for rainy days or scorching afternoons when you need a break from the heat!

• DIY Beach Sand Handprint

• Moon Sand

• Garden Suncatcher Wind Chime

• Bug Hotel

• Solar Oven S'mores

• Seashell Crafts

Pool + Beach Must-Haves

Headed to the pool or beach? Don’t forget these must-haves to keep your day fun, safe, and stress-free!

• Oversized beach blanket

• Insulated water bottles

• Toy Tote bag

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Waterproof phone pouch

• Goggles and dive toys

• Shade tent or umbrella

• Extra towels

• Portable fan

• Snack containers and reusable cutlery

Summer Reads for the Whole Family

For Mom:

• Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan

• The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther

• The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

• Beach Read by Emily Henry

For Dad:

• The Terminal List by Jack Carr

• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

• Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Teens:

• One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

• Powerless by Lauren Roberts

• Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

• The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

• Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Tweens/Middle Grade:

• Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston

• The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

• The Unteachables by Gordon Korman

• Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Younger Kids:

• And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner

• Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

• The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli

• Saturday by Oge Mora

• We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

Family-Friendly Travel Ideas in California

• Yosemite National Park – Incredible hiking, waterfalls, and views.

• Monterey Bay Aquarium + Cannery Row – Fun AND educational.

• Lake Tahoe – Kayaking, paddle boarding, and mountain views.

• San Diego – Visit the zoo, beaches, and LEGOLAND.

• Palm Springs – Pool days, aerial tramway, and desert charm.

• Big Sur – Iconic coastal views perfect for road trips.

• Disneyland – Because, of course!

This is your sign to say YES to more memories, YES to the mess, and YES to soaking up every last drop of sunshine. Wishing you the happiest, silliest, sweetest summer yet!

Need even more inspiration? Check out last year’s blog for more sunny-day fun: Create Unforgettable Summer Memories With These Tips and Ideas 🌞

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