Fun and Easy Daycare Activity Ideas for Busy Summer Months
Summer is here, and for daycare centers, home daycare providers, and early childhood educators, that means a whole new level of busy. With older kids out of school and long sunny days ahead, it’s the perfect time to freshen up your routine with some new daycare activity ideas and engaging summer daycare program ideas.
Whether you’re running a summer camp-style schedule or just need ideas for keeping little ones entertained on a hot day, here’s a roundup of simple, fun, and low-cost ideas to keep your summer running smoothly.
1. Water Play to Beat the Heat
When the sun is blazing, nothing beats water-based summer activities. You don’t need a pool—just a hose, some buckets, and imagination!
Sponge relay races — Have kids run with a soaked sponge to fill a bucket across the yard. It keeps them moving and laughing.
DIY car wash — Set up a car wash for ride-on toys with soapy water and sponges. Great for sensory play and teamwork.
Sprinkler dance party — Hook up a sprinkler, turn on some kid-friendly tunes, and let them groove.
Bonus Tip: Schedule water play in the morning when it’s cooler, and always keep towels and sunscreen on hand.
2. Themed Weeks to Stay Organized
Themed weeks give your summer daycare program ideas structure and make planning easier.
Try ideas like:
Bug Bonanza — Go on a bug hunt, make caterpillar crafts, and read books about insects.
Under the Sea — Water play, ocean animal crafts, and a DIY “beach” sensory bin.
Mini Olympics — Host outdoor games like a relay race, three-legged race, or bean bag toss.
Themed weeks help create a sense of excitement and variety while making it easier to plan games, snacks, and crafts.
3. Creative Arts and Crafts for Rainy Days
Summer storms are inevitable, so having indoor daycare activity ideas ready is key.
Here are a few low-mess favorites:
Paper plate masks for animals, emojis, or favorite summer snacks
Frozen paint cubes: Freeze watered-down paint in ice trays for a cool twist on painting.
Sun catchers made with contact paper and tissue paper to decorate windows
Arts and crafts also give kids a chance to work independently and express themselves creatively.
4. Easy, Healthy Summer Snacks
Feeding a group of kids in summer heat? Keep snacks cool, simple, and refreshing.
Try some of the following snack ideas to get kids excited:
Fruit kabobs with melon, strawberries, and grapes
Yogurt parfaits with granola and blueberries
Homemade popsicles using blended fruit and coconut water
Let the kids help assemble their snacks to make it a fun part of your activity schedule. Just be mindful of allergies and choking hazards depending on the age group.
5. Interactive Play that Builds Skills
Not all summer fun has to be chaotic. Incorporate quieter, skill-building games that keep kids learning through play.
Some interactive ideas include:
Scavenger hunts (indoor or outdoor) to encourage observation and teamwork
Story stones or puppets to spark storytelling and imaginative play
Obstacle courses for gross motor development and confidence building
These activities are easy to modify for toddlers and older kids alike, making them a versatile addition to any summer daycare program ideas list.
6. Nature-Based Learning and Exploration
Take advantage of nature! Outdoor learning isn’t just fun; it supports curiosity and connection with the world.
Garden together: Start a simple herb or vegetable garden in containers.
Nature journaling: Provide notebooks where kids can draw or write what they see, hear, and feel.
Bird watching or bug observation: Use magnifying glasses or binoculars to spark interest.
Nature exploration pairs beautifully with your themed weeks or as a daily calming activity.
Make This Summer a Season to Remember with Fun and Easy Daycare Plans
Running a Minnesota daycare in the summer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few go-to daycare activity ideas and themed summer daycare program ideas, you can turn even the busiest months into a season full of fun, learning, and laughter.
Looking for more ways to enhance your daycare schedule? Visit trusted resources like EarlyEdStation.com, LifeAsMama.com, and Lillio.com for inspiration, or follow parenting and education podcasts like those on TopPodcast.com.
Keep your summer sunny, safe, and full of smiles!
