Fun activities for bored kids to do during summer vacation.
I am so excited for summer to start. I honestly love having my kids home with me and have been busy coming up with some fun summer break ideas, including summer bucket list ideas and free summer printables (shared below!).
We have started a few summer break traditions that I look forward to each year. I have found that having some routine and structure at home during summer really helps to keep the kids from getting bored (and keeps me sane!).
Today I’m sharing all of the printables I use for these activities. I hope that it helps you and your kiddos have a wonderful summer. Just scroll to the bottom of this article to download them all.
Summer Screen Time Rules
First up let’s talk about summer screen time rules.
I really hope my kids aren’t the only kids out there who think they need hours of screen time a day (and tell me your secrets if your kids don’t think this!) BUT, I do not want them spending the warm beautiful months sitting in the house staring at a screen.
A few years ago I implemented a few rules for the kids to earn their screen time. It has worked SO well! Here’s how it works….
Every morning my kids have chores that need to be completed. Once those chores are done they can then begin working towards earning screen time.
Screen time is earned by doing one of the activities on our list for 30 minutes. For every 30 minutes completed, they will earn 15 minutes of screen time.
Do you want to know what’s been great about this??? Most of the time, when they start doing one of the activities on the list they forget they even wanted screen time in the first place! And watching the kids use their creativity and imaginations all day long is the best parts of summer.
*You can grab this free Summer Screen Time Printable here!
- Related: 50 Fun Summer Activities For Kids
Weekly Park Ratings
One of our favorite summer traditions is visiting all of the different parks in our city.
A friend shared the idea of weekly park ratings with me a few years ago and we have absolutely loved it! It’s a fun way for your older kids to enjoy visiting parks and to get out and explore new places.
Here’s how it works:
Every week visit a new park in your area. Bring the Park Rating Sheet with you each time. Let your kids explore and critique the park. They get to be the one deciding if it’s a good park or not.
Kids think it’s so fun to be the one in charge of the park critique. I usually put our rating sheet on a clipboard with a pen attached….this makes them feel even more legit. 😉
*You can download your Free Park Rating Sheet here!
- Related: Free Virtual Field Trips for Kids
Summer Bucket List Ideas
Now for one of my favorite summer traditions! I love making a big list of summer bucket list ideas each year. It makes for such a fun summer break!
A summer bucket list is always a must in our household! It helps me remember all of our summer break ideas and gives us something fun to look forward! Plus, it’s so fun to cross each item off the list as we finish another activity.
A few of the favorite summer bucket list items are:
*You can get your summer bucket list printable here!
- Related: Free Printable Chore Chart
50 Books Reading Challenge
It’s important to me to help my kids avoid the “summer slump” with their education. One of the ways I encourage them to keep learning is by encouraging a lot of reading during the summer months.
One of the ways I encourage my kids to keep reading during the summer is by signing them up for our library summer reading program. It’s such a great program to encourage kids to read, and they love earning prizes throughout the summer.
Another thing we do is set a family goal to read 50 books during summer break. We use the chart below to help us track our progress. It’s a little hard to complete, but fun to try!
*Download your 50 books challenge here!
100 Miles Challenge
In addition to our summer bucket list ideas, I also like to get our family outside and staying active during summer. We accomplish this by committing to a 100 miles challenge.
For every mile someone in your family bikes, walks or runs you can mark a square on the chart. Easy and fun, just the way I like it!! If my kids ever come to me during the summer and tell me that they are bored, I reply with, “Work on completing the miles challenge.” They are usually (not always) happy to comply!
After completing your 100 miles challenge celebrate in a fun way. Maybe go out to dinner or to a local water park. Whatever your family decides to do will be perfect. The most important part of the celebration will be spending time together.
*Grab your free 100 miles printable here!
Enjoy Your Summer!
I hope that one or two or all of these printables will help you have a wonderful summer with your kiddos! Remember, we only have 18 summers with our kids before they are gone. Let’s enjoy every single one of them!
Related Articles:
- Bucket Chore Chart for Kids
- Screen Free At Home Kids Activities
- 50 FREE activities to do with your kids over the Summer Break
Pin This Article For Next Summer:
Love these ideas
I’m so glad!!
Thank you!
Of course! Enjoy!
👍