50+ fun things to do in the summer with your kids

Today is the last day of school for my children and summer is HERE!

And I know for many of you, you’re already into summer or just a few weeks away.

Since summer can be a little overwhelming with so many days to fill with everyone home, I’ve collected posts from my nearly 13 years of blogging all in one place as an easy resource!

There are book lists, ideas for reading with your kids, audiobook suggestions, tips for using the library, and all sorts of fun things to do in the summer, whether you’re staying home or hitting the road.

I hope this will be helpful to you all summer long.

Bring on the sunshine!

Summer Reading Lists for Kids

Picture Books

• 100 picture books to read this summer
• Interactive picture books 
• Books about unicorns
• Our favorite I Spy books
• Princess Picture books (that won’t make you want to stab your eyes out)
• 11 (Somewhat) Indestructible Lift the Flap Books
• The best activity books (perfect for road trips, airplane rides or long afternoons at home)
• 8 First Day of School Kindergarten Books
• Our Favorite Alphabet Books
• 10 fun poetry books for kids

Chapter Books

• Read-aloud books for elementary schoolers
• Books to read aloud with preschoolers and kindergarteners
• Graphic novels for elementary schoolers
• Drawing books
• Favorite series for elementary schoolers

Reading for Grown-Ups

• The 2019 Summer Reading Guide
• The best beach reads
• My favorite love stories (sounds better than romance novels. . . )
• The 10 Best Books I Read in 2018

Making reading fun

• The FREE printable summer reading chart
• 5 fun book trackers
• How to read to multiple kids
• Tips for reading to wiggly babies and toddlers
• How to host a summer reading camp
• My favorite book subscription box for kids
• Where to find good book recommendations
• How to buy books for practically nothing

Audiobooks for Kids

• Tips for introducing children to audiobooks
• Audiobooks for 2-4 year olds
• Audiobooks for the whole family (a lifesaver on road trips!)
• Activities to keep your child’s hands busy while they listen to audiobooks
• How to use Audible (plus get two free Audible books here!)
• Scribd is my newest easy way to listen to audiobooks – try it for free here.

Using the library

• How to make library visits less stressful
• How to find good books at the library so you come home with books you actually want to read!

Our favorite podcasts for children

• Circle Round (Our all-time favorite)
• Stories Podcast
• Story Pirates

at home activities

• 7 non-TV activities
• How to start a toddler’s music group
• 20 easy summer activities for kids
• 10 games I actually like playing with my kids
• 10 MORE games I don’t hate playing
• My kids are OBSESSED with Kiwi Crate (and a promo code for a free box!)
• How to host a book swap party
• Tips for doing a daily quiet time

Outings

• 11 outings when it’s too hot to be outside
• Tips for taking your kids to the pool
• 8 Secrets for a Fun Family Outing

Summer Travel

• 6 Simple Family Vacation Traditions
• Road Trip Tips for traveling with young children
• Disneyland Tips for Families with Young Children

Any other fun things to do in the summer with your kids? I’d love to hear!