35 fun things to do outside with your kids this summer

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It’s finally summer! I compiled this giant list of 35 fun things to do outside with your kids this summer.

To me, summer means meals outside, sticky ice cream on my kids’ hands, and sunshine. Good ol, Mr. Sun. Summer also means the sweet smell of sunscreen on my kids. When it comes to protecting my children from the sun, I don’t take any chances. My family has a history of skin cancer, so I want to make sure I do everything I can to minimize my children’s chances of sun exposure any time we are outside. Whether we’re eating outside, playing in the sprinkler, or at the pool, I make sure any of their exposed skin is slathered with sunblock.

Last summer, I went back to work from my maternity leave in June. So this is my first summer home with my kids and I am so excited to let them spend lots of time outside. While it does get hot and humid here in the midwest, it’s usually best to do something outside, if it’s not water related, in the morning or evening. We like to spend the early afternoon at the pool or playing in the water, then both kids are exhausted and ready for a nap right after. #score.

35 fun things to do outside with your kids this summer

1| go for a walk
2| play in the sprinkler
3| play playdoh
4| color with sidewalk chalk
5| blow bubbles
6| go to the zoo
7| swing
8| play hopscotch
9| go to the park
10| play in the sand
11| dig for worms
12| have a picnic
13| go for a bike ride
14| water the flowers
15| jump in rain puddles
16| catch lightning bugs
17| swim
18| plant a garden
19| go for a boat ride
20| explore a local park
21| try a new (local) ice cream shop
22| catch butterflies
23| pick flowers
24| play with water balloons
25| set up an obstacle course
26| paint a “pet” rock
27| make/buy a bird (or squirrel) feeder – then animal watch
28| wear glow bracelets and play tag in the dark
29| roast marshmallows
30| go to a baseball game
31| watch fireworks
32| go to a splash pad
33| visit a lake, river or beach
34| hike at a state park
35| splash in a water table

We use Aveeno Baby because it’s safe for both of our children’s sensitive skin.

Aveeno Baby is a hypoallergenic, natural sunscreen with 100% mineral sun blockers. I am happy to know we can enjoy our time in the sun without having to worry about Blaire or Ben’s sun exposure. We keep a tube in the diaper bag, my purse, and in each car because you never know when I’ll take it out of the diaper bag and leave it sitting on the counter. It never hurts to have a back up! We also provide the suncare we authorize daycare to use on Blaire. So we buy the 2 packs of AVEENO® Baby CONTINUOUS PROTECTION Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 at Walmart.  Now through July you can save $5 on the AVEENO® Baby CONTINUOUS PROTECTION Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Twin Pack at Walmart through Ibotta.

I love that this sunblock doesn’t have the traditional whitening formula. Since I slather both of my children with sunscreen, they both sometimes look like ghosts when we’ve tried other sunscreens. (That looks super cool! Not.) It is also 100% Zinc-Oxide UVA/UVB mineral protection for those of you who are wondering.

I hope you enjoy your summer with your family! I love that kids don’t care how fancy something is. Blaire has just as much fun in the sprinkler or the sandbox in our own backyard as she did at the beach. You don’t need a big vacation to make your kids happy. You just need some time together outdoors.