Looking for exciting summer activities for preschoolers that are both fun and enriching? Summer is the perfect time to let little ones explore, play, and grow through hands-on experiences. Whether you’re at home, outdoors, or just strolling the neighborhood, you’ll find plenty of engaging ways to make the most of the sunshine. In this guide, we’ll share over 20 ideas to inspire creativity, movement, and curiosity—all while helping you build lasting memories with your preschooler during the summer months.
Outdoor Summer Activities for Preschoolers
Get your preschoolers moving and exploring with these fun and simple outdoor summer activities:
1. Bubble Blowing Extravaganza
Blowing bubbles is a classic, simple outdoor activity that delights preschoolers. It encourages gross motor skills as they chase and pop bubbles, and fine motor skills as they hold the wand and blow.
Materials Needed:
- Bubble solution
- Bubble wands (various sizes if possible)
- Optional: Bubble machine for a continuous stream of bubbles
How to Do:
- Find an open outdoor space away from anything that could get slippery.
- Pour bubble solution into shallow containers for easy dipping.
- Show children how to dip the wand into the solution and gently blow to create bubbles.
- Encourage them to chase and pop the bubbles.
- Experiment with different sized wands to see what kind of bubbles they create.
- You can also try making giant bubbles with larger wands or homemade bubble solution.
2. Outdoor Art with Sidewalk Chalk
Let creativity flow with vibrant sidewalk chalk. This activity allows for large-scale drawing and encourages imaginative play. It’s also easy to clean up!
Materials Needed:
- Sidewalk chalk (various colors)
- Pavement or concrete surface
How to Do:
- Find a suitable paved area, like a driveway, sidewalk, or patio.
- Give each child a selection of chalk colors.
- Encourage them to draw anything they like – self-portraits, animals, houses, abstract designs, or even hopscotch grids.
- You can suggest themes or simply let their imaginations guide them.
- Take photos of their masterpieces before they fade or wash away.
3. Backyard Obstacle Course
Create a simple and fun obstacle course using items you have around the yard. This promotes gross motor skills, problem-solving, and coordination.
Materials Needed:
- Hula hoops
- Cones or small toys
- Blankets or pillows
- Tunnel (play tunnel or a large cardboard box)
- Low chairs or stools
- Jump rope (for older preschoolers)
How to Do:
Set up a series of “obstacles” in your backyard. Examples:
- Crawl through a tunnel.
- Jump over a blanket.
- Step through hula hoops.
- Weave around cones.
- Crawl under a low chair.
- Do five jumping jacks.
- Demonstrate each obstacle for the children.
- Have them go through the course one by one or in small groups.
- Encourage cheering and positive reinforcement.
- Change up the course regularly to keep it exciting.
4. Nature Collage
Collect natural elements and turn them into beautiful artwork. This activity fosters an appreciation for nature and develops fine motor skills.
Materials Needed:
- Sturdy paper or cardboard
- Glue (liquid glue or glue sticks)
- Found natural items: leaves, small twigs, pebbles, flower petals (check for allergies), grass, sand, pinecones, etc.
How to Do:
- Go for a walk and collect a variety of interesting natural items. Discuss textures, colors, and shapes.
- Lay out the collected items on a table or blanket.
- Give each child a piece of paper or cardboard.
- Show them how to apply glue to their paper and then arrange and press the natural items onto the glue to create a collage.
- Encourage them to create patterns, pictures, or abstract designs.
- Let the collages dry completely.
5. Bug Hunt and Observation
Spark curiosity about the natural world by looking for and observing insects. This activity teaches children about living creatures and encourages careful observation.
Materials Needed:
- Magnifying glass
- Small clear containers with air holes (e.g., plastic jars or bug viewers)
- Bug identification book (optional, for older preschoolers or adults)
- Paper and crayons for drawing observations (optional)
How to Do:
- Go to an area where bugs are likely to be found, such as under rocks, in tall grass, near flowers, or in damp soil.
- Explain to children that they should observe bugs gently and not harm them.
- Use the magnifying glass to get a closer look at ants, beetles, ladybugs, butterflies, and other insects.
- If using a container, carefully scoop a bug inside for a closer look, then release it back where it was found.
- Discuss what you see: how many legs does it have? What color is it? How does it move?
- Encourage children to draw the bugs they observe.
Cool off and beat the heat with these exciting water games perfect for little ones:
6. Sprinkler Fun
Simple, refreshing, and endlessly entertaining, running through a sprinkler is a quintessential summer activity for preschoolers. It encourages gross motor skills and provides a cool way to beat the heat.
Materials Needed:
- Garden hose
- Sprinkler attachment (various types offer different water patterns)
- Swimsuits or clothes that can get wet
- Towels
How to Do:
- Attach the sprinkler to your garden hose and place it in an open area of your yard.
- Turn on the water to a gentle setting.
- Encourage children to run, jump, and dance through the water spray.
- You can vary the water pressure to create different effects.
- Make sure the area around the sprinkler isn’t too slippery.
- Supervise closely to ensure safety.
7. Sponge Squeeze Race
This activity combines water play with a fun race, promoting fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and a bit of friendly competition.
Materials Needed:
- Two buckets or large containers filled with water
- Two empty buckets or containers
- Several large sponges
- Optional: Small measuring cups or scoops
How to Do:
- Place two full buckets of water at a starting line and two empty buckets a short distance away (e.g., 10-15 feet).
- Give each child a sponge.
- The goal is to soak the sponge in the full bucket, carry it to the empty bucket, and squeeze the water into it.
- The first one to fill their empty bucket (or get the most water in a set time) wins.
- For a cooperative version, have them work together to fill one large bucket.
8. Duck, Duck, Splash! (Water-themed Duck, Duck, Goose)
A refreshing twist on a classic game, “Duck, Duck, Splash!” incorporates water for an extra element of summer fun.
Materials Needed:
- Small cup of water for each child (or one large container and a scoop)
- Swimsuits or clothes that can get wet
How to Do:
- Have children sit in a circle.
- One child is “it” and walks around the outside of the circle, gently tapping each child on the head while saying “Duck.”
- When they choose a child to be “Goose,” they say “Splash!” and gently pour a small amount of water over that child’s head or arm.
- The “Goose” then chases the “it” child around the circle. If they tag them before they sit in the “Goose’s” spot, the “Goose” becomes “it” again. If not, the “Goose” becomes the new “it.”
- Ensure the water amounts are small and the pouring is gentle.
9. Water Table Exploration
A water table provides a contained space for open-ended water play, encouraging sensory exploration, imaginative play, and fine motor development.
Materials Needed:
- Water table (or a large plastic bin filled with water)
- Various water toys: plastic cups, funnels, small boats, floating toys, sponges, scoops, small plastic animals, watering cans
How to Do:
- Fill the water table with a shallow amount of water.
- Add a variety of water toys.
- Allow children to freely explore and experiment.
- Encourage them to pour water from one container to another, float boats, make splashes, and engage in imaginative scenarios with the toys.
- Supervise to prevent splashing outside the designated area (unless that’s part of the fun!).
10. Ice Cube Painting
This creative activity combines art with a cool sensory experience, perfect for a hot summer day.
Materials Needed:
- Ice cube tray
- Liquid watercolors or food coloring
- Small paper or cardstock
- Popsicle sticks (optional, for handles)
How to Do:
- Fill an ice cube tray with water.
- Add a few drops of different liquid watercolors or food coloring to each cube compartment.
- Optional: Place a popsicle stick into each cube before freezing to create handles.
- Freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, pop out the colored ice cubes.
- Give children paper and let them “paint” with the melting ice cubes, watching the colors blend and change.
- This is best done outside as it can be a bit messy.
Turn everyday walks into mini adventures with these fun ideas for exploring your local neighborhood:
11. Neighborhood Nature Walk
Turn a regular walk into an exciting adventure by focusing on nature. This activity encourages observation, curiosity, and an appreciation for the local environment.
Materials Needed:
Small bag or container for collecting approved items (e.g., fallen leaves, interesting stones), magnifying glass, clipboard and paper for drawing observations
How to Do:
- Before starting, discuss what you hope to see (birds, specific types of trees, flowers, insects).
- As you walk, point out interesting natural elements. Ask questions like: “What color is that flower?” “Do you see any birds in that tree?” “What kind of leaves are these?”
- Encourage children to use their senses – what do they hear (birds chirping, leaves rustling)? What do they smell (flowers, freshly cut grass)?
- Collect a few approved natural items (e.g., fallen leaves, small smooth stones) if your neighborhood allows.
- Take time to stop and observe insects or small creatures from a distance.
12. Community Helper Spotting
Introduce children to the important people who help make their neighborhood a great place to live. This builds community awareness and appreciation.
Materials Needed:
List of community helpers to look for (e.g., mail carrier, sanitation worker, police officer, firefighter, crossing guard), camera to take pictures (with permission)
How to Do:
- Before your walk, talk about different community helpers and what they do.
- As you walk around your neighborhood, actively look for these individuals.
- When you spot a community helper, quietly point them out and discuss their role. For example, “Look, there’s our mail carrier! They deliver our letters and packages.”
- If appropriate and safe, you can wave and say “hello” from a respectful distance.
- Reinforce that these people help keep the community safe and running smoothly.
13. Alphabet/Number Walk
Turn a walk into a learning game by looking for letters and numbers in the environment. This reinforces early literacy and numeracy skills in a fun, engaging way.
Materials Needed:
Checklist of letters or numbers to find, camera to take pictures of what you find
How to Do:
- Before heading out, decide whether you’ll be looking for letters, numbers, or both.
- As you walk, point out letters and numbers on signs, mailboxes, house numbers, license plates, store fronts, and street signs.
- Ask questions like: “Do you see the letter ‘A’ anywhere?” or “Can you find the number ‘5’ on that sign?”
- Encourage children to shout out the letters or numbers they find.
- You can make it a scavenger hunt by having them check off letters/numbers on a list as they find them.
14. Playground Adventure
A trip to the local playground is a wonderful way for preschoolers to engage in gross motor play, social interaction, and imaginative scenarios.
Materials Needed:
- Appropriate clothing and shoes for play
- Water bottle
- Snacks (optional)
- Sunscreen and hats
How to Do:
- Visit a local playground.
- Allow children to freely explore the different equipment: slides, swings, climbing structures, monkey bars (with assistance), sandboxes.
- Encourage them to try new things and engage in imaginative play (e.g., “This is a pirate ship!”).
- Supervise closely to ensure safety on equipment.
- Encourage social interaction with other children at the playground.
- Remember to emphasize sharing and taking turns.
15. Neighborhood “I Spy”
A classic game that can be played anywhere, “I Spy” encourages observation skills, vocabulary, and active looking at the environment.
How to Do:
- As you walk, one person starts by saying, “I spy with my little eye something…” and then gives a clue about an object they see. Clues can be based on color, shape, texture, or category.
- For preschoolers, keep the clues simple and the objects relatively easy to spot. For example: “…something green” (grass), “…something round” (a wheel), “…something that grows” (a tree).
- The other person (or people) guesses until they find the correct object.
- Then, it’s their turn to “spy” something.
- This game can be played anywhere and helps children pay attention to their surroundings.
16. Visit a Local Library
While not strictly “outdoor,” visiting your local library can be a fantastic summer activity that involves a short neighborhood exploration and opens up a world of indoor fun and learning.
Materials Needed:
- Library card (if you have one)
- Reusable bag for books
- Enthusiasm for reading!
How to Do:
- Walk or bike to your local public library (if it’s within a safe and manageable distance). This provides a sense of community exploration.
- Upon arrival, explain the purpose of the library and its rules (e.g., quiet voices).
- Head to the children’s section. Let your child browse and choose books that interest them.
- Many libraries have special summer reading programs, story times, or events for preschoolers. Check their schedule!
- Encourage quiet exploration and respectful handling of books.
- Borrow books to take home and enjoy reading them together.
Indoor Summer Activities for Preschoolers
When it’s too hot or rainy outside, try these engaging indoor activities to keep preschoolers entertained:
1. Build a Fort
Building a fort is a classic indoor activity that sparks imagination, encourages cooperative play, and provides a cozy hideaway.
Materials Needed:
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Chairs
- Couch cushions
- Clothesline or string
- Clothespins or binder clips
- Optional: Flashlights, books, small toys for inside the fort
How to Do:
- Gather all your materials.
- Work with your child to create a sturdy frame using chairs, couches, or by draping blankets over furniture.
- Use a clothesline or string to create crossbeams if needed, and secure blankets with clothespins or clips.
- Drape blankets over the frame to create walls and a roof.
- Fill the inside with pillows, blankets, and favorite toys to make it cozy.
- Encourage imaginative play once the fort is complete – it can be a castle, a spaceship, a cozy reading nook, or anything they imagine!
2. Sensory Bin Play
Sensory bins offer a contained space for tactile exploration, fine motor development, and imaginative play using various materials.
Materials Needed:
- Large plastic bin or container
- Base material: dried beans, rice, pasta, water beads, sand, cotton balls, shredded paper, oats
- Scoops, cups, small toys, plastic animals, cookie cutters, small blocks
- Optional: Tweezers or tongs for fine motor practice
How to Do:
- Choose a base material and pour it into the bin.
- Add a variety of small toys and tools.
- Encourage children to explore the textures, scoop and pour, and engage in imaginative play with the items.
- You can create themed bins (e.g., “farm,” “ocean,” “construction”) by adding relevant toys.
- Supervise to ensure no small parts are ingested, especially with younger preschoolers.
3. Indoor Picnic
Bring the fun of eating outdoors inside! An indoor picnic is a simple way to make a meal special and provides a change of pace.
Materials Needed:
- Blanket or picnic blanket
- Picnic basket or container
- Finger foods: sandwiches, fruit slices, cheese sticks, crackers, muffins
- Drinks in spill-proof cups
- Plates and napkins
How to Do:
- Choose a clear spot on the floor, away from breakable items.
- Spread out a blanket.
- Prepare simple, kid-friendly finger foods and pack them in a picnic basket.
- Sit on the blanket and enjoy your meal together as if you were outside.
- You can extend the fun by reading a book together or playing a quiet game after the meal.
4. Cardboard Box Creations
Recycle old cardboard boxes into imaginative creations. This activity fosters creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills.
Materials Needed:
- Large cardboard boxes (various sizes if possible)
- Markers, crayons, paint (tempera or washable), glitter, construction paper
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue or tape
- Optional: Stickers, fabric scraps, pipe cleaners
How to Do:
- Provide children with cardboard boxes and a variety of art supplies.
- Encourage them to transform the boxes into anything they can imagine: a car, a house, a robot, a spaceship, a pet carrier, a puppet theater.
- Help them cut openings for doors or windows (if needed) and guide them in decorating their creations.
- Let them lead the process and see what amazing things they come up with!
5. Sock Puppet Show
Creating and performing with sock puppets is a fantastic way to encourage storytelling, imaginative play, and fine motor skills.
Materials Needed:
- Old socks
- Googly eyes
- Yarn, felt scraps, buttons, fabric glue, markers
- Optional: Cardboard box for a puppet stage
How to Do:
- Gather old socks and various craft supplies.
- Help children decorate their socks to create unique puppet characters. Use fabric glue to attach eyes, yarn for hair, felt scraps for noses or mouths, and markers for details.
- Let the puppets dry completely.
- Once dry, encourage children to put on a puppet show! They can use a couch or a flipped-over cardboard box as a stage.
- Help them create simple stories or just let them improvise.
FAQs
1. What is the best summer activity for kids?
One of the best summer activities for kids is bubble blowing. It’s simple, fun, and encourages outdoor play while helping develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Other great options include sidewalk chalk art, backyard obstacle courses, and nature walks—all of which keep kids active and engaged during the summer.
2. How can I keep summer activities for preschoolers safe?
To keep summer activities safe for preschoolers, always provide close supervision, use age-appropriate materials, apply sunscreen for outdoor play, ensure plenty of water breaks, and avoid slippery surfaces during water games. Safety allows kids to enjoy fun experiences while minimizing risks.
Final thoughts
Summer is a wonderful time to spark joy, curiosity, and creativity in little ones. With these 20+ summer activities for preschoolers, you’ll have plenty of ways to keep them entertained, learning, and thriving all season long. Whether you’re playing in the backyard, exploring the neighborhood, or enjoying creative indoor moments, each activity brings an opportunity to bond, grow, and make lasting memories together.
Looking for even more ways to make summer magical? Explore our collection of fun and educational summer worksheets and activities to keep your little ones learning and smiling all season long!
