Enjoy this summer and strengthen your family bond with this second week of simple and fun family summer activities.
Planning a Family First Summer
Make this summer count!
These activities will not only help you make memories as a family, but they also won’t break the bank!
A Family First Summer means prioritizing family time. How do you do that? Do one activity a day!
Are you ready for week 2? Let’s dive in!
(If you missed the Week 1 Family First Activities, you can see them here.)
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Week 2 Family First Activities
These summer activities are perfect for busy families and work for kids of all ages.
Day 8: Build an Indoor Fort
You don’t need to wait for rain. Today is the day to build an epic indoor blanket fort!
You need only blankets, pillows, cushions, chairs, and clips (these beach towel clips work amazingly).
You can build the fort for play or turn it into the ultimate reading nook.
If you have a family tent, you could assemble that in your living room as an alternative to a fort.
Day 9: Bake and Decorate Cookies Together
Why wait for Christmas to bake and decorate cookies? Summer is also a great time to bake together!
Would you like some recipe inspiration? Try these:
- Super Simple 3 Ingredient Shortbread
- Salted Caramel Apple Cookies
- Soccer Cookie Pops
- Peppermint Cookies
Day 10: Create a Family Art Gallery with Homemade Art
Make a family art gallery for a week (or a year!).
Step One: Create the Art
- Coloring pages (check out this whole site of free coloring pages for kids and adults)
- Apple Print Artwork
- Summer Drawing Prompts
Step Two: Display the Art
You can display the art on a bulletin board or a series of clipboards hanging from the wall.
You can display the art on a WOW wall or a particular shelf for something extra special.
These are places where the exceptional art pieces go, the ones that make you go WOW!
The “WOW wall” or “Special Shelf” can be time and piece limited.
These special places avoid the clutter of displaying many pieces around the house.
Day 11: Living Room Dance Party
You can dance your way to summer memories!
Select some kid-friendly tunes the whole family will enjoy.
If you want to go the extra mile, decorate the space by hanging string lights (dig out the Christmas lights).
Crank up the volume and dance like nobody is watching!
Day 12: DIY Science Experiments with Household Items
Science is never more fun than when it is hands-on.
Complete some DIY science experiments with items you have around the house (no shopping trips needed!).
Here are some ideas:
- 7 Backyard Science Experiments
- Easy Pencil Through a Bag Experiment
- Chlorophyll Experiment
- 15 Preschool Science Experiments
- 10 Hands-on Experiments for Kids
Day 13: Play Board Games or Card Games as a Family
It’s time for a family game night!
Dig into the game closet to unearth your favorite board games, or borrow some new-to-you games from another family.
Here are some ideas for games:
- Family Games
- Minute to Win It Games (if you want something livelier than board games)
- Board Games that Practice Math Skills
- Best Board Games for Kids
Day 14: Family Bike Ride
Pump up the tires, strap on your helmets, and head out for a family bike ride around the neighborhood.
Who knows? This could be the start of a new family hobby!