Ready to kick off summer? Here is our ultimate summer bucket list of 100 (mostly) FREE ways you can pack more play into your day with indoor and outdoor games and activities. Our list includes fun crafts, games, experiments, and more. And these summer bucket list ideas aren't just for kids—they're fun and engaging activities for the whole family. After all, grown-ups need time to play, too!

We've also got you covered for those summer days when you want to get out and explore your town. Check out your local Summer Activities Guide for things to do in your city with kids this summer. 

Need even more ideas for summertime fun? Bookmark our Ultimate Kids Summer Vacation Guide! It's full of everything from water games for kids to backyard science experiments for messy outdoor fun.

Can't remember the lyrics to your favorite kids campfire songs? We've got you covered.

There's no better way to end a day in the woods filled with hiking games and camping games than sitting around a fire and singing some campfire songs. We've rounded up the most fun, catchy songs to sing along to during your next camping trip, from classic campfire songs to funny campfire songs to campfire songs for preschoolers that are easy to sign along and learn. Some of the videos even have the campfire song lyrics in them. So grab the marshmallows, stoke the campfire, warm up your singing voice, and get ready to sing these 21 campfire songs with kids.

Be sure to check out our Camping Travel Guide for Families for more camping tips and fun.

Bookmark this for the academic calendars and school dates of every district around Houston.

Exciting news for NYC families: Lincoln Center is about to get a major upgrade—especially for neighbors and kids on the west side of the complex! A bold redesign is in the works for the Amsterdam Avenue side of its campus, and it’s all about making the arts and outdoor space more accessible, welcoming, and fun for everyone. If you’re looking for more places to play, relax, and catch incredible performances with your kids, this is a project to watch!

A complete reimagining of Damrosch Park is set to bring a huge lawn perfect for picnics, a playful water feature with mist and jets, shaded groves with seating, and a brand-new outdoor performance venue for music, dance, and theater. Read on for all the details, which were designed with lots of input from the community. While the new project is set for a 2028 debut, there are still plenty of things to do at Lincoln Center in the meantime, including an action-packed Summer for the City calendar.

Summer is here, and whether you are joining a pool, going on vacation, heading to the Shore, or sending your kids off to camp, chances are that swimming is part of your plans. While your kids are still young, mommy-and-me swimming (or daddy-and-me) classes for infants and toddlers are a great way to carve out some special time for you and your child to bond while teaching water safety to babies.

These swimming lessons usually run for children 6-36 months—although some start even younger—and involve a parent in the water along with the child. Singing, toys, and water play are often incorporated into these swimming lessons to help children feel comfortable in the water and have fun while learning valuable water safety skills. 

If you are interested in signing your infant or toddler up, read on for a description of swim clubs that offer these mommy-and-me classes throughout New Jersey. 

For more mommy-and-me activities, see our review of the Best Mommy and Me Classes in NJ. Interested in classes for slightly older children? See our review of the best swimming lessons in NJ. 

The huge number of free summer sports and outdoor programs in NYC means children can enjoy a summer filled with sports and fresh air while living in the concrete jungle. New York City offers many free summer sports opportunities for kids to learn team sports and try swimming, tennis, golf, basketball, fishing, kayaking, camping, and more.

Of course, registering for these free summer sports programs takes a little legwork and (since many are first come, first served) punctuality. We've got the scoop on free summer sports in NYC and how your kids can vie for spots. You can find more no-cost activities in our Free in NYC Guide, or check out these free and inexpensive summer camp options around NYC.

Cape Cod has always been my go-to for a family summer vacation. I grew up spending summers there, and it still gives me that magical “this is what summer feels like” vibe—laid-back, breezy, and full of family-friendly charm. But staying at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster, MA truly brought my classic Cape Cod vacation to the next level.

It’s the perfect home away from home, with spacious accommodations and every amenity you could need to make traveling with kids easy and enjoyable. Set right on Cape Cod Bay, Ocean Edge has it all—including beach bonfires, oyster tours, a plethora of pools, biking trails, and endless kid-friendly activities. If you're dreaming of a summer escape that blends nostalgia with a touch of luxury, this New England gem is it.

To plan your Cape Cod getaway, check out our Guide to Visiting Cape Cod with Kids.

Learn how to make a flower crown for kids with only three things and in three easy steps.

Picking flowers at a pick-your-own field or farm is a great way to spend a summer day! I know what to do when I pick too many blueberries (freeze them), pick too many strawberries (jam them), or pick too many apples (sauce them).  But, I was a bit stumped about a project for "what to do with all these flowers!"  

Scrolling through Instagram one day, I was completely inspired by the idea of flower crowns.  There have been so many gorgeous examples floating through my feed, that I just knew I had to learn how to make flower crowns for kids. It turns out they are pretty simple to fumble your way through. Note: this is really fun for kids, but this project definitely requires adult hands, fingers, and patience. 

Read on for step-by-step and picture-by-picture instructions on how to make a flower crown for kids!

To find a flower field near you, check your local Guide to Farms and Pick Your Own Berries & Flowers.