Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to make unforgettable memories with your family!

With school out of session, our kids are looking for entertaining ways to stay occupied, but still discover new things. We know quality time as a family is important for keeping our relationships strong, but it’s not always easy to come up with something fun and creative to do.

We’ve got you covered! Check out this fun guide to simple and diverse summer activities with your children.

Looking for some fresh air and a way to run off extra energy? Find local trails and nature parks near your home and plan a family day outdoors. As your children explore and discover new pieces of the outdoors, share the creation story from Genesis 3:31,“God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.”

Don’t forget to pack quick and easy snack packs and plenty of water for your adventure into the wilderness … or at least the wild outdoors of your local parks.

There’s something special about spending a day by the water. Whether you live near the ocean or closer to a local lake or river, head to the waterside and try activities like building sandcastles, swimming, or exploring the shorelines. Look for some new and fun ideas to try.

Take the time to discuss God’s handiwork in everything He created, sharing Psalm 95:5, “The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land.” It’s also a great opportunity to teach water safety.

It doesn’t take much to make water days amazing. Create your own water park with sprinklers, slides, and small pools. Have a water balloon fight or create your own water games. Bring out the water squirters and chase each other around the yard.

As a family, incorporate the account of Jesus walking on the water from Matthew 14:22-23, and talk about what it looks like to have faith in challenging circumstances.

Water days provide a cool and refreshing twist to outdoor fun, and everyone can join in the family competitions.

Experience the fun of sleeping under the stars in your own backyard! Pull out the tents and sleeping bags, and start a campfire for roasting gooey marshmallows. Turn off the electronics and spend quality time outdoors by finding different star constellations and create a fun story as a family.

Share how people like Moses and the Israelites camped and traveled across the wilderness and how that experience details God’s faithfulness to all of us. Use Exodus 13:21-22 as a starting point.

Enjoy the convenience and comfort of camping at home while making lasting memories.

Make time to get crafty! Dive into some Pinterest boards and create crafts for your kiddos based on biblical accounts and verses like Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6-9) or the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Art projects can range from painting to DIY jewelry to scrapbooking and more. Let your child’s creativity loose and see what they come up with. Take turns coming up with ideas for what to make next and exploring new ideas. The possibilities are absolutely endless.

Enjoy a cozy night-in with an epic family movie night. Pull out the blankets and find the comfiest seats. Create a family list of movies to watch, mixing classics, new family-friendly films, and mix deeper stories you can discuss afterward. You can even research tasty snacks to whip together before showtime. Who knows? You may find a new favorite treat and a new family film together.

Movie night can easily become a weekly or monthly tradition to generate time to bond and unwind together.

Make it an interactive outing! Look for local museums in your city that offer family-friendly activities and shows. Hands-on exhibits help children engage in subjects such as science and history in a way that brings the learning to life.

Many museums offer free or discounted days, or search for museums that offer free admission or have free entrance for children. Who said learning couldn’t be fun?

Have fun with DIY science experiments using household items. Check out some local resources at your library or head to the vast world of science videos online. You’ll be able to teach science safety while encouraging curiosity. Try connecting experiments to Bible stories, like creating a mini Red Sea that splits in half by using water and cornstarch and share what happened from Exodus 14:21-22.

Science experiments can illustrate the importance of trial and error, following instructions, and discovering new things together.

Summer is primetime for family fairs and festivals. These events offer a variety of activities, from fruit picking fairs to carnivals with games, rides, and prizes to win. Try new foods, conquer a ride together, or attend community and kids-specific events at your local church. Arrive early and stay hydrated, and bring snacks if planning an all-day outing.

Be camera ready and capture unforgettable moments of the family fun!

Volunteering together creates a special bond within your family. Discuss the importance of helping the community by sharing how Jesus spoke about serving others in Matthew 25:35-40.

Look for opportunities like park clean-ups, food drives, or reading to the elderly. Volunteering teaches compassion and teamwork, and it’s a way for families to experience new things together while giving back to the community.

We’ve explored numerous ways families can connect and have fun over the summer. Don’t hesitate to try out something new or daring. Make the most of your summer by integrating faith and fun.

What fun activities will your family try this summer?