Kids will love it! Summer vacation games, recreation, and hands-on activities
Summer vacation feels really long, doesn’t it? Even kids who are happy to have every day off may start to feel their playtime getting a bit monotonous when the break goes on and on.
When they say things like, “I’m tired of going to the pool every day!” or “I’m bored—there’s nothing to do!” it can leave you wondering what to do next.
In this article, we’ve gathered summertime play ideas and activities that kids will love.
If you’re a parent thinking, “What should we do tomorrow…?” please use this as a reference.
From everyday play to activities perfect for special days like during trips, there are plenty of recommendations!
- Play ideas kids can enjoy from 1st to 6th grade [indoors & outdoors]
- Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for summer
- [List] A roundup of games and recreational activities kids love
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- Games that liven up festivals. Ideas that children can enjoy.
- [Make with Kids] Handmade Outdoor Play Toy Special
- [For Kids] Exciting Class-vs-Class Games: Team Competition Activities
- A big hit at after-school childcare! A special feature on group games and activities you can play without any equipment
- Fun! Spring activities for children: recreation and hands-on play
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- [Summer Vacation Crafts] Not just make-and-done! A collection of practical ideas you can use every day
- [Enjoy Summer to the Fullest] A Roundup of Games and Recreational Activities at the Sea and on the Beach
Kids will love it! Summer vacation games, recreation, and experiences (51–60)
Boating
If you’re looking for somewhere to go in the summer, why not try a place where you can ride boats? In the sweltering heat, water activities help you feel cool, and the kids are sure to have a blast.
“Boating” can mean lots of things—floating down a river in an inflatable raft, going on a cruise, and more—so choose the style you like.
Russian roulette
Some of you may have tried Russian roulette with sweets: they’re supposed to be filled with sweet cream, but one of them is spicy.
But have you heard of “Russian Nurette”? First, you put on a helmet with a water tank attached.
Then you pull out the rods sticking out from the tank one by one.
One of those rods acts as a plug that releases the water from the tank.
If you pull that one, the person wearing the helmet gets their head soaked.
It’s perfect for summer fun!
Factory tour
I’m sure many of you went on factory tours as part of school field trips.
But did you know that there are plenty of facilities you can visit on your own, as long as you make a reservation? You can enjoy them indoors without the heat, and depending on the factory, there are places where you can try hands-on activities.
An ice cream factory, for example, would be a big hit with kids.
With the long summer vacation, there will probably be times when you get tired of pools and water play.
At times like that, how about taking a factory tour to have fun while learning something new? You might even find ideas for an independent research project!
Underwater Drawing Showdown
These days, you can buy waterproof notepads and pens that let you write even underwater.
This game is an “Underwater Drawing Showdown” that uses those innovative products! Choose two people to draw and one person to be the judge.
Then, underwater, each artist draws the prompt, and the judge decides which drawing best matches it.
The person whose drawing the judge approves wins! Since this game is played while submerged, the drawing time lasts only “as long as you can hold your breath underwater.” It looks like lung capacity might matter more than artistic skill!
Kids Will Love It! Summer Vacation Games, Recreational Activities, and Experiences (61–70)
Feeding experience at the aquarium
Aquariums, where you can stay cool and have fun indoors, are especially popular during the hot summer.
Speaking of aquariums, did you know that more and more places now let you try feeding the animals? Kids get super excited because they can feed popular residents like penguins and seals directly.
Annual passes for aquariums are reasonably priced, so you can go and enjoy them as many times as you want during summer vacation.
sumo
Sumo may be Japan’s national sport, but you can play it casually in a park without formal stances.
Keep the rules simple—no slapping, and you win by pushing your opponent out.
It’s a game that favors bigger, stronger bodies.
Since there’s body-to-body contact, be careful to avoid injuries.
Insect showdown
Boys love insects like rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles! If you’re looking for play ideas for such boys, how about trying a bug battle? If catching real bugs is difficult, we recommend toys that let you have bug battles.
These toys are shaped like insects and can be operated like remote-controlled cars.
Since it’s a collaboration of two things boys love—RC toys and insects—it really gets them excited.