Summer of fun activites, crafts and science projects for kids

So while I shared my Summer Bucket List of places to go and things to do out and about, here is a list of things to do at home using imagination, physical activity and creativity.  Most of these activities require items most people have at home already.  My son loves crafting and science projects.  I found most of these ideas on Pinterest and one of my new favorite blogs: Tinkerlab.  

Crafts and Science projects for kids

1. Elephant toothpaste 
2. Quill pen (writing or painting)  Tie this project in with a trip to Independence Hall, Ben Franklin's home and the Liberty Bell.
3. Magic scented foaming paint (for outdoor use!!) 
4. Bubble wrapped tree 
5. Homemade paint recipes 
6. Invisible ink/painting with citrus 
7. Rainbow flowers 
8. Magic Potion Spoons 
9. Salt and ice painting 
10. Soap making experiment 
11. Homemade paint
12. Plaster casting in sand This can be done in a sandbox or at the beach!
13. Make GAK!  (or slime!)

I also have picked up a few craft kits over the past year when I saw them on sale at the craft store or Target.  We have kits for:

1. Make a pop up book
2. Make bouncy balls
3. Make a hand impression in stone
4. Create a stepping stone
5. Sand art

Go outside!

And then there are activities to do outdoors that are just plain fun:

1. Have a water balloon fight with friends
2. Use water squirters with friends
3. Make "soup" in a pail with garden finds and water
4. Bury treasure in the sand box and go digging
5. Collect lightning bugs in a jar (and then let them go)
6. Have a relay race in the yard with friends
7. "Paint" with water...the house, the driveway, the playhouse
8. Chalk up the driveway with pictures
9. Blow bubbles
10. Play in the kiddie pool or with the sprinkler
11. Freeze small toys in a container.  Release frozen cube of ice into the pool.
12. Pull weeds!
13. Ride a bike or scooter
14. Practice the hula hoop
15. Play hopscotch
16. Set up the soccer goal net and practice those kicks
17. Go for a run
18. Walk around the neighborhood
19. Fly a kite! 

I'm sure we'll come up with many other activites too, but these lists give us a start on ideas to prevent boredom!

Tomorrow I'll have a post on a kid-friendly summer reading list!

Related articles

Mad scientist and a kiwi crate