School is out and summer is here! Are you ready? Because I am NOT! I have been so consumed with getting ready to move that I have completely forgotten to plan and plot out some summer activities for the babes. Spoiler alert – I have no trips planned either.

Talk about a mom fail. So now I am cramming planning out things to find things 5 kids can do to be entertained without breaking the bank while also creating the biggest grocery list – because 5 kids home all day long is A LOT of food. (Honestly, that could be its own blog post because it’s ridiculous.)

But this is about what summer activities we are planning for our kids! If you’re new here, I have 5 kids: 10, 8, 7, 1, and 7 months. Naturally, they can’t always do the same things, so I try to find activities that fit their age groups but also stuff they can do other as well.

Summer Fun for All Ages:

1. Swimming

It’s hot. Everyday. If you don’t have your own pool, plan a few times a month to take the kids to the pool to cool off. make sure to bring tons of sunscreen and some snacks.

2. Paint Outside

Kids love to get messy and be creative so why not have them paint outside and have them create masterpieces. Grab some white poster boards, some paint and have them use brushes and hands to make their memories.

3. Pool Noodle Obstacle Course

Run to the dollar store and grab a ton of pool noodles to create a backyard obstacle course for the kids. Keeping them busy for hours, you can switch the noodles around to create different courses.

4. Water Balloons

Whether you get the disposable or the reusable, water balloons are a great way to keep kids of any age busy and having fun.

5. Explore Park

Our city offers a ton of different city parks that are compatible with all age groups. Try out different parks with the kids so that a park trip doesn’t always feel repetitive!

Activities for Toddlers & Babies

6. Water Table

Water tables are great for younger kids to play outside with. Have them try to scoop blocks or play with their bath toys. Water tables can also help keep them in one place while older kids run around freely.

7. Create Sensory Bins

Fill a bin with fun materials for your baby to touch and play with. Try kinetic sands, jellos, water, etc. Depending on what you make them with it may be more of an outside activity than an inside one, but either way will keep your little busy for some time.

Activities for Older Kids

8. Indoor Playgrounds

Taking the older kids to an indoor trampoline park can be a great way to get out of the heat and encourage play. Not to mention jumping for hours will wear them out by the end of the day.

9. Make a Fort

Round up all the pillows, blankets, and chairs and create massive forts with the kids. Have your kids take charge of creating the fort to encourage creativity and problem-solving. Once it’s finished hang out, watch movies, or take naps in your new fort.

10. Go to the Library or Museums

Get the kids out of the house and out of the sun by taking them on a day trip to the library to read some books. Or travel to the museum district for a fun day of exploring.

Outside of these activities, there are tons of DIY projects and at-home science experiments on Pinterest that will keep kids occupied and out of the state of boredom. Just make sure to apply tons of sunscreen and remember these messes will make amazing memories. Happy Summer mamas!

XOXO – A Busy Mama