Simple Summer Activities for Kids Ages 5–8 (No Pinterest Mom Required)
As I’m writing this, my kids are 5, 7 and 8 years old.
One thing I’ve learned after eight summers of motherhood is that my kids rarely remember the elaborate activities that take a lot of planning.
They remember the things we do over and over again.
The water balloons in the backyard. Running through the sprinkler. Popsicles outside. Evening walks. Catching fireflies.
This summer, I made a conscious effort not to sign my kids up for a packed schedule.
I shared more about this in my recent post, My Summer Favorites as a Mom of Three, because our family of five is at our best when we aren’t overscheduled.
Now - that does not mean every day is peaceful!!
My kids get bored. They get sick of each other. They fight. And at least once a week (or more), I wonder if I should have signed them up for more activities just to keep everyone occupied. I start to question everything the moment everyone breaks down (including myself).
But then, when Chad and I are hanging on the patio with a cocktail in hand and our kids are playing in the yard, I’m reminded that there is never going to be a perfect way to do this parenting thing.
We learn as we go, and we are all trying our best. And this is what’s working for our family right now.
And right now, we are embracing a little more time at home and the simple summer fun my kids never seem to get tired of.
Our Simple Summer Fun
Here are some things we do over and over again:
Water balloons
Running through a sprinkler
Swimming
Popsicles outside
Sidewalk chalk
Bike and scooter rides
Library trips
Backyard dinners
Baking cookies
Evening walks
Catching fireflies
Going to get sno cones or ice cream
Nothing groundbreaking. Nothing that requires a summer bucket list.
Sometimes we’ll fill a bucket with water balloons in the backyard. Sometimes we’ll walk around the block after dinner. Sometimes the kids run around with the neighbors until it gets dark and come inside dirty and exhausted. Sometimes (a lot of times), we watch a movie in pjs on the couch until they fall asleep.
A reminder that kids don’t always need elaborate plans. Sometimes the ordinary moments become the ones they remember most.
A Few Summer Things We Use Again and Again
Here are some of my favorite things for kids ages 5–8 that have made summer easier (and more fun) around here:
Pickleball Set
We’ve recently gotten into pickleball because all three of my kids are able to do it! It’s a little easier than tennis for my 5- and 7-year-olds, and it’s something we can all play together. Or if I have a babysitter for the morning, it’s been something easy they can take them to play together!
Reusable Water Balloons
These are a must-have in our backyard during the summer.
We keep a bucket outside that the kids can fill with water, and they play with them. You could also throw them into a pool or water table. So simple, but so fun.
Our Favorite Sidewalk Chalk
After buying sidewalk chalk for almost a decade, I’ve decided this is the only brand I will ever buy.
Apparently, I now have strong opinions about sidewalk chalk. Motherhood will do that to you.
Easy Set-Up Badminton Net
I once tried putting up a more complicated net and quickly gave up.
I grabbed this one at Target for less than $40, and our kids use it for badminton and volleyball too. HIGHLY recommend! You can set it up in about five minutes, which is exactly my speed.
CampSnap Camera
This reminds me of the disposable cameras we all had growing up, except you can keep using it!
The kids take pictures, and then we upload the photos to our computer and can get our favorites printed. We bring it on trips too, which means I’m not constantly pulling out my phone to take pictures.
Code URBANAPRON saves you money on your order.
My Favorite Mineral Sunscreen
We have the lotion, stick, and spray from this brand for the whole family. I started using it two years ago, and it’s the sunscreen I’ve repurchased the most. I try to buy mineral sunscreen and rounded up some favorites here.
And PS: this $7 mesh bag is clutch for keeping all of our sunscreen together in the pool bag! Sometimes it’s the little organizational wins.
Remember: Summer Doesn't Have to Be Elaborate
This season of motherhood feels full in every sense of the word. And while I’m still learning to balance all of the moving pieces, I’m trying to hold onto these simple moments a little tighter.
One thing I always tell my kids is that life isn’t about never having bad days. It’s about having more good days than bad ones.
I think summer is a little like that too.
It doesn’t have to be a perfectly planned bucket list or a magical day every day.
Sometimes a good summer is simply more afternoons at the pool. More popsicles outside. More neighbors in the backyard. More evening walks. More fireflies. More family time.
More good days than bad ones.
Thanks for being here and following along with our little corner of the internet.
Cheers to summer!
xx,
Anna
