Keeping kids busy this summer is a topic we are all interested in. We have gotten the question in our DMs, our Sunday question box and in person! Our team has 9 kids between us ages 3-12, so we have compiled a huge list of our favorite items and ideas on keeping kids busy this summer. Whether you’re at home, at the pool, or traveling, we’ve got you! We hope you find this list helpful!
Our favorite LITTLE kid items
This “dustless” chalk is great for keeping little fingers clean and less mess, but reviews do say its slightly harder to clean off!
Keep your littles busy with a spray bottle. Have them “water” the plants, spray off their driveway chalk, etc.
If you don’t care about dust, this is our favorite set of chalk for the summer! Great colors!
Perfect for a rainy day when you have to be inside!
This super lightweight ball is fun in or out of the house! They can even color it! One of our top sellers.
Make a fun game of catch just a little bit easier and even something the littles can do together!
For the kiddos that are interested in art and want to learn how to start drawing simple items!
Another top seller!! A bubble gun is so fun!
These are reusable water balls that don’t have to be opened. They are soft and just soak up the water! They also won’t hurt when thrown.
This is such a fun set of cards to give your kids if you want them to stay busy outside. You can make it a race with siblings, neighbor kids, or even help them!
This little line maker is great for practicing hand writing. But it’s also great for making roads. Give your kiddos a big piece of paper, and have them build a city! Then they can use their cars and drive on it.
A painting magnet set is a fun idea to pull out on a rainy day or quiet afternoon. Love having a special drawer or closet basket of new ideas for special occasions.
Our favorite BIG kid items
Who doesn’t love a good oragami challenge! We had a kit in our craft drawer for a while and it was a hit!
This book has been a top seller and it full of really great ideas to keep kids off their devices. Maybe have them do 1-2 of the activities before getting technology time!
This little kit is so fun! It kept my girls busy for hours. They make little squishy critters with water, gel and molds!
We all own this bracelet making bead kit and have given it to so many friends. It’s great to have on hand and our kids love it!
Glow in the dark sports ball are so fun for summer! This company makes basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, and more!
Love this air-dry clay for a great introduction to sculpting! Perfect for kids that like hands on art.
Love this book that teaches kids (and adults, ha!) how to draw. Would be fun to do with your kids!
Mini flash lights for all of the outdoor night games the kids will play this summer!
This book has a ton of outdoor game ideas, many that are new to me after looking through it! Would be fun for the kids to try new ones.
A wiffle ball set for a fun activity that will get the kids moving!
This book has all of the classic games we loved as kids, but maybe don’t remember the rules. So many nostalgic games in here!
We just got this pickleball net for our driveway and we love it! Has kept the kids busy. Such a fun game!
Our favorite POOL items
These skip balls are great for playing catch in the water. They also float!!
This watermelon ball is so fun! We’ve had it in our pool for a few years. It’s filled with water, so when you throw it in, it sinks and the slowly floats to the top. Fun to play with under water.
We love these little gems for older kids and diving. It’s so fun to throw them all in and see who can get the most!
Our favorite swim goggles for kids!
Love these diving torpedos for another dive option for kids!
Everyone’s favorite reusable water balloons are a must for the pool and just summer in general! This brand specifically has been great.
For the ROAD TRIPS
Perfect to keep kids busy and also intentional on a fun, family trip! They can also keep them as a memory of the trip too.
This backseat organizer is perfect for a long road trip! It comes with 2 writing tablets as well and has a spot for their actual tablet to watch videos.
Cards that prompt games, challenges and conversation! Better for older kids based on the reviews.
We’ve had this for years and love playing car scavenger hunt with our kids! Keeps us busy for a while.
These “magnet men” are just another way to keep your kid busy during a long car ride!
Our favorite road trip trivia podcast that we get questions on all the time. Fun for the whole family!
Travel puzzle book that will keep your kids busy! Packs up nicely.
Car bingo for the whole family. Pack a few fun prizes for the winners!
Wikki stix are another fun, hands on toy for kids to play with on a long drive. Pack a bin and give them a new toy to play with every half hour or so!
