Summer school is a fantastic time for kids to learn and have fun outside regular classrooms. Our curated fun summer school activities for kids offer a mix of learning and enjoyment, proven to enhance math and reading skills and boost social-emotional growth. Get ready to explore a world of fun educational summer activities!
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50+ Fun Summer School Activities
1. Summer Reading
Who is it for: PreK to Grade 5
Summer is the perfect time for diving into books, and reading is one of the most fun summer school activities for kids. If you’re looking for a diverse selection of fun reading materials, SplashLearn offers hundreds of digital books ranging from popular titles to fiction, non-fiction, and series across themes like animals, early learning, fairy tales, and more. Teachers can easily integrate these books into summer reading programs by assigning specific titles or allowing students to choose their own, making reading an exciting daily activity.
Each book features whimsical illustrations and options like “Read to Me” and “Read Myself,” enhancing engagement and reading skills. These features help students improve their literacy by allowing them to hear fluent reading and practice at their own pace, fostering a love for reading and boosting comprehension.
2. Summer Themed Word Search Challenge
Who is it for: Grades 1 to 5
Introduce students to a Summer-Themed Word Search Challenge to boost their vocabulary and spelling skills in a fun, engaging way. This activity features word searches with summer-related terms, from “beach” to “sunscreen.” As one of many fun summer school activities for kids, teachers can use these word searches as a quiet activity to wind down after more active learning or as a competitive challenge by timing students to see who can find all the words the fastest.
3. Wordplay
Who is it for: Grades 1-5
Stimulate your child’s language skills with wordplay activities. Explore puns, riddles, and word games that spark creativity and linguistic understanding. This summer school class idea encourages vocabulary expansion, critical thinking, and verbal expression. Incorporating wordplay into the curriculum adds a playful and interactive element to learning, perfect for engaging students in fun summer school activities.
4. Scavenger Hunt
Who is it for: Grades 1-5
Organizing a scavenger hunt is a classic and engaging summer school activity for kids. Divide them into teams and provide them with lists of items or tasks to find or complete. Set a time limit, like 5 minutes, and declare that the team that finds the most items is the winner. This interactive and fun-filled activity keeps kids entertained and enhances problem-solving skills, teamwork, and critical thinking abilities. A scavenger hunt is a must-try summer school activity for kids!
Related Reading: Best Scavenger Hunt Riddles For Kids
5. Outdoor Math Games
Who is it for: Grades 1-5
Transform math learning into an interactive adventure with fun outdoor math games. From hopscotch to number line races, these activities combine physical movement with numerical skills. Fun summer school activities for kids such as outdoor math games make learning enjoyable and help them develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
Related Reading: Best Math Games for Kids That Are Fun to Play
6. Numbers and Counting
Who is it for: Preschool to Kindergarten
Set up a number and counting activity station where kids can engage in hands-on learning. Fun summer school activities for kids involving counting beads, arranging number cards, and exploring different materials enhance their numeracy skills. These activities make learning numbers and counting an exciting experience.
7. DIY Lava Lamp
Who is it for: Grades 3 to 5
Guide students in creating their own lava lamps using simple household items. Fill a clear plastic or glass bottle a quarter full with water, add vegetable oil until it’s almost full, then drop food coloring into the oil. Finally, add an Alka-Seltzer tablet to set the colorful bubbles in motion. Students will learn about liquid density and chemical reactions. Integrating such challenges into summer school class ideas keeps learning enjoyable and engaging.
8. Planting a Garden
Who is it for: Kindergarten to Grade 3
Engage kids in the wonders of nature by involving them in a summer school garden project. Planting and nurturing a seed teaches them responsibility, patience, and environmental awareness. Fun summer school activities for kids like gardening allow them to witness the beauty of growth and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Related Reading: How to Make Gardening With Children Fun and Educational
9. Museum Tours
Who is it for: Grades 1-5
A simple but memorable summer school idea is to take kids on engaging virtual or in-person museum tours where they can explore art, history, and science exhibits. These fun summer school activities for kids open their minds to new knowledge and inspiration. Museum tours broaden their horizons, ignite curiosity, and offer unique educational experiences outside the traditional classroom.
10. Learning to Play a Musical Instrument
Who is it for: Grades 1-5
Introduce kids to the joy of music by offering summer school lessons on playing a musical instrument. This fun summer school activity for kids allows them to explore different instruments and discover their musical talents. Learning to play an instrument enhances cognitive abilities, fosters creativity, and provides a lifelong appreciation for music. Such summer school class ideas keep kids engaged.
11. Volcano Science Experiment
Who is it for: Grades 1 to 5
Create a volcano using clay or dirt mounded around a bottle. Mix baking soda, dish soap, and red food coloring in the bottle. When ready, pour vinegar into the mixture and watch the dramatic eruption. This fun summer activity teaches about chemical reactions and geological processes.
12. DIY Solar Oven
Who is it for: Grades 3 to 5
Start by lining the inside of a cardboard box with aluminum foil, ensuring the shiny side faces inward to reflect sunlight effectively. Next, cut a flap in the lid of the box, cover it with clear plastic wrap to create a window for sunlight to enter, and seal the edges with tape. Place black construction paper inside the box to absorb heat. Finally, let students place cookie dough or s’mores inside the oven and set it in direct sunlight. Monitor as the sun’s rays cook the treats!
This is one of the most fun summer school activities for kids that teach them about solar energy and its applications, understanding how renewable resources can be used for everyday tasks like cooking.
13. Baking
Who is it for: Grades 2 to 5
Introduce kids to the joys of baking during summer school. From measuring ingredients to following recipes, this activity enhances their math and reading skills while creating delicious treats. Fun summer school activities for kids like baking promote creativity, teamwork, and confidence in the kitchen. Let them explore their culinary talents!
Related Reading: Best & Fun Cooking Activities for Preschoolers
14. Car Race Counting Game
Who is it for: Preschool to Grade 1
Set up a mini racetrack and use toy cars for a counting game. Have kids race their cars, counting laps, or adding and subtracting numbers with each lap to incorporate basic arithmetic. This activity reinforces math skills like counting, addition, and subtraction in an engaging way.
Related Reading: Best Counting Activities for Preschoolers
15. Real World Tally Marks
Who is it for: Grades 1-3
Teach students to use tally marks by observing and counting items like birds or cars. Explain tally marks, then let them record observations outdoors or by a window, enhancing their data representation skills and ability to interpret real-world data in a fun and engaging way.
16. Geocaching
Who is it for: Grades 3 to 5
Introduce kids to geocaching, a treasure hunt that uses GPS or smartphone apps to find hidden caches. Guide them through using the technology to navigate and explore their environment. these fun summer school activities for kids enhance critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and appreciation for the outdoors while fostering teamwork and adventure.
Related Reading: Best Indoor and Outdoor Team Building Activities for Kids
17. Pool Noodle Olympics
Who is it for: Grades K-5
Host a pool noodle Olympics where kids can participate in various fun-filled games and challenges using pool noodles. From balancing activities to relay races, this summer school activity encourages physical activity, teamwork, and friendly competition. Summer class activities like this promote sportsmanship and laughter.
18. Marshmallow 3D Shapes
Who is it for: Grades 1-3
Introduce kids to geometry by building 3D shapes using marshmallows and toothpicks. This hands-on activity allows them to visualize and construct shapes like cubes, pyramids, and prisms. Fun summer school activities for kids involving 3D shapes enhance spatial awareness and critical thinking skills.
19. Building a Birdhouse
Who is it for: Grades 2-5
Combine woodworking skills with nature appreciation by building birdhouses. Kids can learn basic carpentry while creating a safe haven for birds. This is one of the most fun summer school activities for kindergarten kids. It enhances creativity, problem solving and an understanding of wildlife.
20. DIY Friendship Bracelets
Who is it for: Grades 3 to 5
Encourage creativity and friendship-building with DIY friendship bracelets. Provide colorful threads and teach them various bracelet-making techniques. Summer classes ideas for kids like this promote fine motor skills, self-expression, and social connections. Let them showcase their handmade bracelets and cherish the bonds they create.
Related Reading: Best Fine Motor Activities for Kids
21. Summer Sketching
Who is it for: Grades K-5
Encourage your child’s artistic abilities with summer sketching classes. Provide them with sketchbooks, pencils, and colored markers to capture the beauty of the season. Summer sketching not only enhances their creativity but also fosters observation skills and self-expression. Incorporating fun summer school class ideas for elementary and above, like summer sketching, will inspire your child’s artistic growth.
Related Reading: Best Drawing Ideas for Kids They Will Love
22. Summer Sports
Who is it for: Grades K-5
Get your child moving and active with summer sports classes. Offer a variety of outdoor games such as soccer, basketball, or swimming. These activities promote teamwork, physical fitness, and sportsmanship. Summer school class ideas that include sports help your child develop essential motor skills and a healthy lifestyle.
23. Hiking
Who is it for: Grades 1-5
Hiking is an excellent way to combine physical activity and exploration during summer school. Take the kids on exciting hikes through nature trails or local parks. They can observe and appreciate the flora and fauna around them while getting some exercise. Hiking is a fun summer school activity for kids that promotes a love for the outdoors and environmental awareness.
24. Making Slime
Who is it for: Kindergarten to Grade 2
Turn slime-making into a science adventure! Provide materials such as glue, baking soda, and food coloring. Guide students through mixing these ingredients and slowly adding saline solution to watch the slime form. They can experiment with different colors and textures, adding items like glitter or beads for extra fun. This activity enhances understanding of chemical reactions and sensory exploration.
25. Planning a Dream Vacation
Who is it for: Grades 3 to 5
Fuel your child’s imagination by inviting them to plan their dream vacation. Guide them to research destinations, create itineraries, and learn about different cultures. This summer school class idea enhances geography knowledge, research skills, and budgeting. Allowing children to plan their dream vacation within summer school class ideas encourages exploration and broadens their worldview.
26. Water Balloon Ring Toss
Who is it for: Grades K-5
Beat the summer heat with a thrilling water balloon ring toss game. Set up targets and challenge children to aim and throw water balloons through the rings. This outdoor activity improves hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and teamwork. Summer school class ideas that include water balloon ring toss bring laughter and excitement to the learning environment.
27. Indoor Sports
Who is it for: Grades K-5
On days when outdoor activities are not possible, engage your child with indoor sports classes. Options may include indoor soccer, basketball, or yoga. These activities promote physical fitness, concentration, and balance. Integrating indoor sports into summer school class ideas ensures that learning continues even on rainy days.
Related Reading: Best Rainy Day Activities for Kids to Have Indoor Fun
28. Board Game Championship
Who is it for: Grades 1-5
Organize a board game championship where children can compete in various strategy-based games. From chess to Scrabble, this activity enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and sportsmanship. Summer school class ideas that involve board game championships create a friendly competitive atmosphere while fostering cognitive skills.
Related Reading: Best Math Board Games for kids
29. Nature Detective
Who is it for: Grades 2-5
Transform students into nature detectives, where they explore local ecosystems to identify various plants, insects, and animals. Equip them with magnifying glasses and guidebooks to help them document their findings in a nature journal. This engaging summer school activity promotes environmental awareness, hones observational skills, and nurtures a sense of wonder about the natural world.
30. Popsicle Stick Catapult
Who is it for: Grades 2 to 5
Let the children unleash their creativity by building their own popsicle stick catapults. They can experiment with different designs and launch small objects, learning about physics and engineering in a hands-on way. Popsicle stick catapults are a perfect addition to fun summer school classes.
31. Paper Mosaic Art
Who is it for: Grades 1-4
Introduce students to the world of paper mosaic art one of the most fun free summer school activities. Provide them with colored paper, scissors, and glue. Guide them in cutting the paper into small shapes and arranging them to form vibrant mosaics. This activity enhances fine motor skills, encourages artistic expression, and promotes understanding of color and design principles.
Related Reading: Super Cool Art Activities for Kids
32. DIY Wind Chimes
Who is it for: Grades 2 to 5
Add a creative twist to your summer school activities with DIY Wind Chimes. Have students craft their own wind chimes using materials like beads, shells, small bells, and recycled objects. They will prepare the base with sticks or a metal ring, cut and decorate strings with various materials, and attach them to the base. This hands-on project enhances fine motor skills and artistic expression.
33. Create Instruments
Who is it for: Grades K-5
Let the children explore their musical side by creating their own instruments. They can use household items to make drums, shakers, or even guitars. This activity encourages imagination, fine motor skills, and an understanding of different sounds and rhythms. Creating instruments is a fantastic addition to fun summer school classes.
34. Design A Water Filter
Who is it for: Grades 3 to 5
Challenge students to design their own water filters using simple materials such as sand, gravel, and activated charcoal. Guide them through layering these materials in a plastic bottle cut in half, with the neck part inverted. This hands-on project teaches environmental sustainability, scientific principles, and engineering skills, making it a practical and educational summer school activity.
35. Obstacle Course
Who is it for: Grades K-5
Set up an exciting obstacle course for the children to navigate. They can crawl under ropes, jump over hurdles, and balance on beams. You can make this more fun by making them run through water or balloons. This activity promotes physical fitness, coordination, and problem-solving skills. Creating an obstacle course adds an element of adventure to your summer school program ideas.
36. Relay Race
Who is it for: Grades K-5
Organize a thrilling relay race where children can compete in teams. This activity promotes teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship. You can customize the relay race with different challenges like carrying objects or completing tasks. Relay races are a classic and energetic addition to fun summer classroom ideas.
Related Reading: Best PE Running Games For Kids
37. Make a Solar Light
Who is it for: Grades 3 to 5
Teach students about solar energy by guiding them to create their own solar-powered lights in this engaging summer school activity. Provide each child with a small solar panel, LEDs, and rechargeable batteries. Help them connect these components to assemble simple circuits that power the LEDs. Making a solar light combines creativity and science in summer school fun activities.
38. Water Balloon Experiment
Who is it for: Grades 1-5
Beat the summer heat with a water balloon experiment. Children can explore the concepts of water pressure, motion, and gravity by conducting various experiments using water balloons. They can measure the distance traveled, observe the impact of different factors, and have a splashing good time. Water balloon experiments are an exciting addition to fun summer school classes.
39. Color Changing Playdough
Who is it for: Preschool to Grade 2
Let the students unleash their creativity while learning about chemical reactions with color-changing playdough. They can make their own playdough using simple ingredients and add color-changing substances like thermochromic pigment. This activity not only enhances their sensory and fine motor skills but also introduces them to basic chemistry concepts. Color-changing playdough is a mesmerizing addition to summer school fun activities.
40. Homemade Bubble Solution
Who is it for: Preschool to Grade 2
Creating a homemade bubble solution is a delightful activity that sparks joy and wonder in children. To make the solution, mix water, dish soap, and a little bit of glycerin. Show the students how to make bubble wands using pipe cleaners or plastic straws. They’ll have a blast blowing bubbles and observing their colorful creations float in the air.
41. DIY Suncatcher
Who is it for: Grades K-3
Let the students explore their artistic side by making their own suncatchers. Provide them with translucent plastic sheets or wax paper and a variety of materials like tissue paper, sequins, and beads. Show them how to cut shapes and arrange the materials on the plastic. Once finished, they can hang their suncatchers near a window and watch as the sunlight creates beautiful patterns.
42. Exploding Watermelon Science Experiment
Who is it for: Grades 2 to 5
Capture students’ attention with an explosive science experiment demonstrating the power of pressure. Guide them in safely wrapping rubber bands around a watermelon, one at a time, until the cumulative pressure causes it to burst. This visually striking experiment teaches about force, pressure, and the scientific method, sparking curiosity and excitement about the natural forces at play.
Related Reading: Best Science Activities for Curious Preschoolers
43. Bubble Painting
Who is it for: Preschool to Grade 2
Combine the joy of bubbles with the creativity of painting by introducing bubble painting to your students. Prepare a mixture of liquid watercolors or food coloring and bubble solution. Show them how to blow bubbles onto paper and capture the colorful patterns. They can also experiment with different blowing techniques and create unique artwork.
Related Reading: Best & Easy Painting Ideas for Kids
44. Building a Campfire
Who is it for: Grades 1 and above
Building a campfire is a fun summer school activity for kids and a fantastic opportunity for them to learn about fire safety and teamwork. Gather the students together, teach them to light campfires, roast marshmallows, and share stories. This hands-on experience will create lasting memories and teach them important survival skills.
Related Reading: Fantastic Summer Camp Kids Activities
45. DIY Ice Cream
Who is it for: Grades 1-5
If you’re wondering how to make summer school fun, this right here is your answer. Beat the summer heat by teaching your students how to make their own delicious ice cream. Show them the “how to” of creating a simple ice cream base using milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. They can then personalize their creations by adding their favorite toppings and mix-ins. This hands-on activity is sure to delight their taste buds and introduce them to the science of freezing and mixing ingredients.
46. Flower Ice Cubes
Who is it for: Grades K-3
Turn ordinary ice cubes into beautiful creations with the addition of colorful flowers. Show the students how to place small edible flowers or flower petals in ice cube trays and fill them with water. Once frozen, they can use the flower ice cubes to add a touch of elegance to their summer drinks. This activity combines creativity and a refreshing twist.
47. Knitting
Who is it for: Grades 3 to 5
Introduce your students to the art of knitting by providing them with knitting needles and colorful yarn. Show them the basic knitting stitches and guide them as they create simple projects like scarves or coasters. Knitting helps develop their fine motor skills, concentration, and patience while fostering a sense of accomplishment.
48. Handprint Craft
Who is it for: Preschool to Grade 2
Encourage creativity and personal expression with a handprint craft activity. Provide paint and paper, and show the students how to dip their hands in the paint and create handprint masterpieces. They can turn their handprints into animals, flowers, or any imaginative creation they desire. This activity celebrates individuality and leaves a lasting keepsake.
Related Reading: Fun Summer Crafts for Preschoolers
49. Pendulum Painting
Who is it for: Grades 3 to 5
Unleash the students’ inner artists with pendulum painting. Set up a large canvas or paper outdoors and hang a container filled with paint from a tree branch or support. Show them how to release the paint by swinging the container like a pendulum. As it swings, the paint will create unique patterns on the canvas. This activity combines art and science in a mesmerizing way.
50. Group ’em up
Who is it for: Grades 2-5
Divide the students in groups for math quiz face offs. Each group prepares simple math questions to ask other groups, and the group with the maximum score wins. Such games, while helping students retain the concepts they were taught in the previous grade, also hone their analytical skills.
51. Tangram fun
Who is it for: Grades 1-5
How about creating spatial awareness and a sense of geometry this summer? Tangrams build an intuitive sense for shapes and help improve math skills. Now, get your hands on big tangram pieces and introduce students to some geometry fun. Students would leave no stone unturned to create the final image of the tangram puzzle.
Related Reading: Best Math Brain Teasers for Kids
52. Soak up the sun
Who is it for: Grades 1-5
Have your students stand in a circle and give one of them a ball. Ask a simple question – is 15 even or odd? what is 3+5? name any three colors and the fruits of the same colors – to the student with the ball. Before the student answers, she should pass the ball to the student next to her. The other students pass the ball quickly among themselves, while the student who is asked the question aims to answer before the ball comes back to her. The student who has the ball when the correct answer is given can be asked the next question.
Conclusion
Summer school provides a great opportunity for students to engage in fun and educational activities and make the most out of their summers. By incorporating a diverse range of summer school activities for kids, we can ensure an enriching summer learning experience for them so that they can learn various skills and enjoy at the same time. This will fill up their summer school journey with the spirit of growth, imagination, and unforgettable adventures.
Related Reading: Fantastic Summer Camp Kids Activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can you make summer learning engaging?
- Explore different methods to teach a subject
- Involve students in sports
- Indulge them in art
- Explore different hobbies like instrumental music, different dance forms, craft ideas etc.
- Help students explore a new language
- Involve them in tech advancements
- Figure out what students like the most and help them explore that field
- Encourage collaborative learning with peers and parents
How long is summer break in the US?
In the US, the summer break is usually two and a half months long. The new school year typically starts between end of August and early September.
What are some practical tips for organizing a successful summer school program?
When organizing a summer school program, it’s essential to plan a well-rounded curriculum, create a supportive and inclusive learning environment, establish clear goals and objectives, provide ongoing assessment and feedback, and ensure effective communication with parents and guardians.
How can I encourage my child's enthusiasm and active participation in summer school?
Foster your child’s enthusiasm and engagement by involving them in the planning process, incorporating hands-on and interactive summer classroom activities, promoting a positive and encouraging atmosphere, celebrating achievements, and providing opportunities for self-expression and choice within the curriculum.
Can these summer school ideas be implemented in a virtual summer school setting?
Absolutely! Many of the summer school activities for kids mentioned can be adapted for a virtual summer school environment. For instance, DIY crafts can be done using materials easily found at home, and online classes can be structured to include interactive elements like quizzes or virtual experiments.
