Five Affordable Summertime Activities for Kids

Updated: August 4, 2023

By Sarah Scribner, Pretzel Kids content intern

Summer is here, which means it’s time to turn up the air conditioning, grab out your T-shirts and shorts, and plan fun festivities for kids!

Whether you’re hoping to beat the heat or bask in the sun, this is a great time to take advantage of the long days by getting creative and staying active with the kiddos.

Indeed, kids tend to feel most adventurous in the summer, so why not keep their bodies and minds healthy with these five affordable summertime activities for kids. Read on to learn more!

Get creative in the Kitchen

Baking is a fun way to get creative and interactive in the kitchen, but heating the oven on warm days can be challenging. Instead, you can….

Make Popsicles!

Rather than fixing up some cookies, try gathering your favorite fruits and juices to freeze various popsicles! From blueberry to strawberry & banana pops, these treats are healthy, easy to make, and fun to eat. Interested in blueberry pops? Combine two cups frozen blueberries, one quarter cup apple juice, two tablespoons honey, half of a juiced lemon, and one pinch of salt in a blender. Once smooth, pour the blended liquid  into five molds and place the molds in the freezer for at least five hours. For additional instructions, as well as a strawberry pop recipe, click here.

Have a picnic in the park

Why not go to a local park instead of eating inside? When the weather is near perfect, especially on cooler days, consider bringing lunch to a park or playground, and take a walk while indulging in those homemade popsicles!

You can use this time to explore the outdoors and take pictures of the park’s scenery. If you can’t capture nature’s beauty all at once, return to the park as often as possible to take more photos and explore new areas.

No local park? No problem. Bring the picnic to your backyard and do the same thing – taking pictures of perhaps a swing set or your favorite trees.

go to a carnival

Attending a local carnival is a great way to enjoy being part of your community. Most carnivals include various rides, games, and food, and they usually stick around for a weekend or a bit longer.

get ready for fun!

A popular ride is the ferris wheel, so if you’re looking to capture more photos, hop on and view the scene from high above. While many carnivals sell yummy fried dough and ice cream, some also offer healthy snacks and allow you to bring your own food.

Practice Yoga poses for kids

Of course, yoga keeps your body and mind healthy – and you can do yoga just about anywhere. If you’re looking to exercise indoors, grab your yoga mats and clear some space in the house.

Time for summertime yoga fun!

Yoga under the sun, however, is just as beneficial and may encourage kids to appreciate the outdoors. And guess what? Anyone can practice yoga! To get started, check out our top 3 summertime yoga poses for kids! You can even add in fun yoga games for kids and invite the neighborhood children to participate.

Oh, one more pro tip: If you love the water and live near a lake or the ocean, be sure to check out stand up paddleboard yoga (SUP yoga). And yes, kids can do this too! ➡️Here’s our guide with 6 health benefits of stand up paddleboard for kids.

Scrapbooking

When your summer adventures come to a halt or you’re looking for an inside activities, take some time to reflect by scrapbooking your favorite photos. Keeping a visual of various activities, including ones mentioned in this list, will help you and your kids remember the summer and create fun conversations.

Final word

You can easily adjust this list, so don’t forget to refer back to it for some quick ideas and inspiration for other summer activities. From making popsicles to practicing yoga poses for kids, there’s something for everyone while the sunshine lasts.

Happy Summer!