Summer Activities for Aunts, Uncles & Kids

Fun summer activities for aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, including beach days, camping, swimming, road trips, hiking, biking, outdoor movies, ice cream outings, water activities, day trips and stargazing.

Summer is made for making memories.

Longer days, warmer weather and school being out create endless opportunities to spend more time together. You don't need an expensive vacation or a perfectly planned itinerary. Sometimes the best summer memories come from a spontaneous ice cream run, a backyard campout, a sunset walk or an afternoon at the beach.

Whether you're looking for something to do with a toddler, planning a weekend adventure with an elementary-age child, trying to keep a tween entertained or looking for ways to connect with a teenager, summer offers something for every age.

At Funcles & Faunties™, we're here to help you find fun, meaningful ways to spend time with the kids you love.

Pick an idea. Make some time. Go have fun.

What Are Fun Summer Activities for Kids?

Summer activities can be as simple or adventurous as you want them to be.

Try:

  • Beach days

  • Swimming

  • Hiking

  • Camping

  • Backyard camping

  • Bike rides

  • Water balloon games

  • Sprinkler play

  • Outdoor movies

  • Ice cream outings

  • Picnics

  • Road trips

  • Day trips

  • Nature walks

  • Stargazing

  • Outdoor sports

  • Farmers markets

  • Amusement parks

  • Exploring a new town

  • Outdoor crafts

  • Barbecues

  • Summer cooking projects

The best summer activity is one that fits your child's age, interests, energy level and your available time.

You might have an entire weekend.

Or maybe you only have two hours.

Either way, you can make it count.

Have a Beach Day

For many kids, summer isn't complete without a trip to the beach.

Build your day around simple activities:

  • Build sandcastles

  • Collect seashells where permitted

  • Walk along the water

  • Have a picnic

  • Play beach games

  • Look for interesting rocks

  • Take photos

  • Fly a kite

  • Watch the sunset

  • Get ice cream afterward

For younger children, keep the adventure simple and allow plenty of time for playing in the sand.

Older kids and teens might enjoy beach volleyball, paddleboarding, surfing lessons or simply hanging out by the water.

Always follow local beach rules and use appropriate water and sun safety.

[Explore Outdoor Activities →]

Go Swimming

Swimming can turn an ordinary summer afternoon into an entire adventure.

Depending on the child's age and swimming ability, try:

  • Pool games

  • Water play

  • Swim races

  • Diving games

  • Floating

  • Poolside snacks

  • Water toys

  • Swimming lessons

  • Playing at a supervised community pool

For younger children, always provide close, age-appropriate supervision around water.

For older kids, swimming can become part of a bigger summer tradition.

"Every summer, we have a pool day."

That's the kind of simple tradition kids remember.

Go Camping

Camping is one of the classic summer adventures.

You don't necessarily have to drive into the wilderness.

Try:

Backyard Camping

Set up a tent in the backyard, bring sleeping bags outside and spend the evening under the stars.

Add:

  • Flashlights

  • Campfire stories where appropriate

  • Outdoor games

  • Stargazing

  • Snacks

  • Breakfast outside

Real Camping

For a bigger adventure, plan an overnight camping trip.

Let your niece or nephew help:

  • Choose the destination

  • Plan meals

  • Pack supplies

  • Set up camp

  • Choose activities

  • Prepare food

Giving kids a role in planning can make the adventure even more exciting.

[Explore Adventure Activities →]

Have a Backyard Campout

Don't have time for a camping trip?

Bring the camping trip home.

Set up a tent or blanket fort in the backyard.

Make a simple dinner.

Tell stories.

Play games.

Look at the stars.

Then sleep outside if everyone is comfortable.

For younger kids, this can feel like a huge adventure without the logistics of a full camping trip.

Go on a Summer Road Trip

A road trip doesn't have to mean crossing the country.

Choose a destination within driving distance and make the journey part of the experience.

Try:

  • A nearby beach

  • A new town

  • A state park

  • A museum

  • A roadside attraction

  • A farmers market

  • A hiking trail

  • A favorite restaurant

  • A scenic destination

Create a road-trip playlist together.

Play travel games.

Stop somewhere unexpected.

Let your niece or nephew choose one of the stops.

The destination isn't always the most memorable part.

Sometimes it's everything that happens along the way.

Take a Summer Day Trip

You don't need a vacation to have a summer adventure.

Plan a day trip to somewhere you've never been.

Explore:

  • A nearby town

  • A museum

  • A zoo

  • An aquarium

  • A botanical garden

  • A beach

  • A hiking area

  • A historical site

  • A local attraction

  • A farmers market

Let your niece or nephew help choose the destination.

For tweens and teens, giving them ownership of the itinerary can make the experience feel much more exciting.

Go Hiking

Summer can be a great time to explore trails, especially during cooler parts of the day.

Choose a trail appropriate for the child's age and ability.

Bring:

  • Water

  • Snacks

  • Sun protection

  • Appropriate footwear

  • Necessary safety supplies

Turn the hike into a game.

Look for:

  • Birds

  • Flowers

  • Bugs

  • Interesting rocks

  • Animal tracks

  • Different trees

  • Interesting views

You don't have to reach the top of a mountain.

The adventure is the exploration.

Go on a Bike Adventure

Grab your bikes and explore somewhere new.

Try:

  • Neighborhood rides

  • Bike trails

  • Park rides

  • Beach paths

  • Bike-to-picnic adventures

  • Bike scavenger hunts

For younger children, use age-appropriate bikes, scooters or other riding equipment.

Older kids may enjoy planning their own route.

Always use appropriate helmets and follow local safety rules.

Have an Ice Cream Adventure

You could simply go for ice cream.

Or you could make it an event.

Visit a shop you've never tried.

Let everyone choose a flavor.

Try something completely different.

Rate the flavors.

Take a photo.

Walk around afterward.

Maybe it becomes your annual first-day-of-summer ice cream tradition.

Sometimes the simplest activities become the ones kids remember most.

Watch an Outdoor Movie

Check local community calendars for outdoor movie nights, or create your own at home.

Set up:

  • Blankets

  • Pillows

  • Chairs

  • Snacks

  • Popcorn

  • Drinks

Then watch a favorite movie under the stars.

For a backyard version, turn it into a full evening adventure with a picnic dinner beforehand.

Have a Water Day

You don't need a pool to have fun with water.

Try:

  • Sprinklers

  • Water balloons

  • Water tables

  • Splash pads

  • Spray bottles

  • Sponge games

  • Water relay races

  • DIY water games

  • Washing outdoor toys

  • Water painting

For younger kids, simple water play can provide hours of entertainment.

For older kids, create competitions and challenges.

[Explore Free Activities →]

Go Stargazing

Summer evenings are perfect for slowing down and looking up.

Find a comfortable spot and bring:

  • Blankets

  • Pillows

  • Snacks

  • Water

  • A flashlight

Then look at the sky.

Try spotting:

  • Stars

  • The moon

  • Constellations

  • Planets when visible

  • Shooting stars when conditions allow

Ask your niece or nephew:

"What do you think is out there?"

You don't need to know all the answers.

Wondering together is part of the fun.

Summer Picnic Adventures

Pack a lunch and find somewhere new to eat it.

Try:

  • A park

  • The beach

  • A hiking area

  • Your backyard

  • A lake

  • A scenic overlook

Let your niece or nephew help plan the menu.

Make it a theme:

Breakfast picnic.

Ice cream picnic.

Fruit picnic.

Pizza picnic.

Favorite-food picnic.

A picnic can turn a regular meal into an adventure.

Summer Cooking & Baking

Summer is a great time to get kids into the kitchen.

Try:

  • Homemade pizza

  • Ice cream sundaes

  • Fruit skewers

  • Smoothies

  • Homemade popsicles

  • Lemonade

  • Cupcake decorating

  • Taco night

  • Outdoor grilling with adult supervision

  • Family recipes

  • Trying foods from another country

For older kids, let them choose the recipe and help prepare the entire meal.

[Explore Food & Cooking Activities →]

Summer Outdoor Crafts

Take your creativity outside.

Try:

  • Sidewalk chalk art

  • Painted rocks

  • Nature collages

  • Flower crafts

  • Tie-dye

  • Painted flower pots

  • Outdoor painting

  • Nature photography

  • DIY decorations

  • Friendship bracelets

You can even combine a craft with another activity.

Nature walk + nature art.

Beach day + shell-inspired art.

Farmers market + summer recipe card.

Camping + nature journal.

[Explore Arts & Crafts Activities →]

Summer Activities by Age

The best summer activity depends on the child.

Ages 2–4

Try:

  • Splash pads

  • Playground adventures

  • Bubbles

  • Water play

  • Beach exploration

  • Ice cream outings

  • Backyard picnics

  • Nature walks

  • Simple crafts

  • Storytime outside

[Explore Activities for Ages 2–4 →]

Ages 4–6

Try:

  • Scavenger hunts

  • Swimming

  • Camping

  • Nature walks

  • Bike rides

  • Outdoor crafts

  • Beach days

  • Baking

  • Water games

  • Day trips

[Explore Activities for Ages 4–6 →]

Ages 6–8

Try:

  • Hiking

  • Camping

  • Fishing

  • Bike adventures

  • Cooking

  • Photography

  • Sports

  • Water activities

  • Day trips

  • Stargazing

[Explore Activities for Ages 6–8 →]

Ages 8–10

Try:

  • Road trips

  • Geocaching

  • Camping

  • Longer hikes

  • Fishing

  • Photography

  • Cooking challenges

  • Water activities

  • Outdoor sports

  • Adventure days

[Explore Activities for Ages 8–10 →]

Tweens

Try:

  • Shopping adventures

  • Hiking

  • Camping

  • Road trips

  • Concerts

  • Sporting events

  • Photography

  • Cooking challenges

  • Thrift-store adventures

  • Trying a new restaurant

  • Day trips

[Explore Activities for Tweens →]

Teens

Try:

  • Road trips

  • Concerts

  • Beach days

  • Hiking

  • Camping

  • Coffee dates

  • Photography

  • Travel

  • Restaurants

  • Sporting events

  • Volunteering

  • Learning a new skill

  • Exploring a new city

[Explore Activities for Teens →]

Free Summer Activities

Summer fun doesn't have to cost anything.

Try:

  • Parks

  • Nature walks

  • Backyard camping

  • Stargazing

  • Picnics

  • Hiking

  • Bike rides

  • Outdoor games

  • Water play

  • Scavenger hunts

  • Sidewalk chalk

  • Reading outside

  • Watching the sunset

  • Exploring your neighborhood

  • Free community events

[Explore Free Activities →]

Budget-Friendly Summer Activities

Looking for summer activities that won't break the budget?

Try:

  • Homemade popsicle nights

  • Library programs

  • Free outdoor movies

  • Picnic lunches

  • Hiking

  • Beach days

  • Backyard camping

  • Bike rides

  • Farmers markets

  • DIY crafts

  • Free museum days

  • Community festivals

  • Game nights

  • Homemade pizza

  • Nature photography

A memorable summer doesn't require an expensive vacation.

Summer Activities for a Rainy Day

Summer weather doesn't always cooperate.

When a storm rolls in, try:

  • Baking

  • Cooking

  • Board games

  • Movie marathons

  • Arts and crafts

  • Building forts

  • Indoor scavenger hunts

  • Reading

  • Puzzles

  • Indoor photography

  • Dance parties

  • Making homemade pizza

[Explore Rainy Day Activities →]

Summer Weekend Adventure Ideas

Have a whole weekend together?

Create a simple adventure.

Beach Weekend

Day 1: Beach + picnic + ice cream
Day 2: Breakfast + exploring + sunset

Camping Weekend

Day 1: Set up camp + hiking + dinner
Day 2: Breakfast + exploring + outdoor games

Staycation Weekend

Day 1: Explore a new local attraction
Day 2: Backyard camping + movie under the stars

Food Adventure Weekend

Day 1: Farmers market + cooking
Day 2: Try a new restaurant + ice cream

You don't need to pack every hour with activities.

Leave room for spontaneous fun.

Create a Summer Tradition

Summer is the perfect season to create traditions that happen year after year.

Maybe you:

Have your first ice cream outing of summer.

Take an annual beach trip.

Go camping together every summer.

Have a backyard movie night.

Take the same photo every summer.

Plan one day where your niece or nephew chooses everything.

Create a summer bucket list together.

Take an annual road trip.

The tradition doesn't have to be elaborate.

It just needs to be something they know is yours.

Create a Summer Bucket List Together

Sit down with your niece or nephew and create a list of things you'd like to do before summer ends.

Include a mix of:

Big Adventures

  • Go camping

  • Take a road trip

  • Visit a new beach

  • Explore a new town

Simple Adventures

  • Get ice cream

  • Have a picnic

  • Watch the sunset

  • Have a movie night

Creative Adventures

  • Tie-dye

  • Make friendship bracelets

  • Paint something

  • Make homemade pizza

Free Adventures

  • Go hiking

  • Visit a park

  • Stargaze

  • Ride bikes

Then check things off together throughout the summer.

The list becomes a summer memory all by itself.

The Best Summer Memories Don't Have to Be Big

When kids look back on summer, they may not remember every attraction you visited.

They may remember:

The ice cream that melted everywhere.

The tent that wouldn't stay up.

The road trip playlist.

The ridiculous inside joke.

The night you stayed outside too late.

The beach day.

The backyard campout.

The conversation in the car.

The time you said, "Let's just go see where this road takes us."

That's what summer is really about.

Time together.

Ready for Your Next Summer Adventure?

Whether you're a Funcle, Fauntie, aunt, uncle, godparent or another special adult in a child's life, summer gives you a thousand reasons to make time for the kids you love.

You don't need a perfect plan.

You don't need a big budget.

You don't need a major vacation.

Pick something. Make some time. Go have fun.

Because summer doesn't last forever.

But the memories you make together can.

Never Forget to Play.

More Ways to Find Your Next Activity

By Age

[Activities for Ages 2–4 →]
[Activities for Ages 4–6 →]
[Activities for Ages 6–8 →]
[Activities for Ages 8–10 →]
[Activities for Tweens →]
[Activities for Teens →]

By Type

[Indoor Activities →]
[Outdoor Activities →]
[Educational Activities →]
[Creative Activities →]
[Adventure Activities →]
[Free Activities →]
[Budget-Friendly Activities →]
[Travel Activities →]
[Food & Cooking Activities →]
[Arts & Crafts Activities →]

By Season

[Spring Activities →]
[Summer Activities →]
[Fall Activities →]
[Winter Activities →]

By Occasion

[Birthday Activities →]
[Christmas Activities →]
[Halloween Activities →]
[First Day of School Activities →]
[Summer Vacation Activities →]
[Rainy Day Activities →]