Hey there,

Summer break is officially here! With the kids out of school and the summer solstice quickly approaching, it’s time to soak up the sunshine and create some unforgettable memories! 🌻

Visit Rhythms of Play to see all the fun art, craft, and activity tutorials on this massive list of summer activity ideas, and get ready to make this one of the best summers yet!

The ideas included are sure to keep everyone active, engaged, and smiling through the long days of summer.

Here are a few simple ideas that you can try to kick things off:

🎨 Arts and Crafts – Break out the art and craft supplies for some DIY fun indoors or on the porch or patio.

🌳 Nature Walks & Park Playdates – Great way to explore the outdoors, burn energy, and maybe even spot some wildlife.

💦 Splash Days – Whether it’s the sprinkler in the backyard, a visit to a splash pad, or a trip to the pool, beach, creek, or lake, water play is always a hit with children and adults of all ages!

🍉 Picnics – Pack lunch and enjoy it outside, even if it’s only on a blanket in your backyard. Of course, it's always nice to go to the park or out in the middle of nature somewhere, but backyard picnics are a great way to break up the day when you're at home.

📚 Summer Reading Challenges – Keep those brains sharp with a fun reading list and maybe a little reward system. Help children earn points to save for something they want or take them out for ice cream or frozen yogurt when they finish a chapter book or complete a specific reading goal.

For more tips and instructions on each of the ideas above, including several summer art and craft ideas, be sure to check out the list of summer activities on Rhythms of Play.

It is chock-full of fun ideas, ranging from classic favorites to off-the-beaten-path adventures. It will surely spark your imagination and excite you for the sunny days ahead.

Best of all, brief descriptions with links to simple tutorials are included for most of the activities, making it easy to incorporate the ideas from the list into your day. In other words, it's more than just a list of ideas.

It even includes a printable Summer activity checklist you can keep on hand whenever you find yourself stumped for ideas.

Members of the Rhythms of PLAY CLUB (and those with prior access to the bucket list) can find the updated 2025 version of the Summer Bucket List in their product dashboard within the Rhythms of Play Learning Center.

I also added each of our bucket lists to the product dashboard for those of you who purchased the Family Systems Toolbox, so you have access to the most recent versions.

Whether planning a solo adventure, a family outing, or a day of fun with friends, the list of ideas, complete with tips and instructions for each summer activity, is your guide to making this summer one for the books.

Wishing you a fun, safe, and sunshine-filled summer!

P.S. If you are looking for last-minute gifts the kids can make for Dad, take a peek at the gift ideas HERE--> Homemade Gifts for Dad.