While the warmth of summer can be a blessing, sometimes it just gets unbearable, leaving everyone trapped inside. This can lead to boredom, feeling antsy, and kids having lots of energy to burn off with no outlet to do so. As summer approaches, it doesn’t hurt to have an “emergency activity” prepared for these types of days to save yourself from the insanity. Take a look at our GameTruck approved list of indoor activities for when it’s too hot outside. 

1. Spy/Superhero Training Course

From Laser Limbo to Balloon Crawl to ladder drills, a training course is the ultimate way to release that energy for kids. With a little bit of prep and money for cheap materials, this idea can help entertain the kids for hours. You could include things like Laser Limbo made from streamers, a balloon crawl under the table with balloons hanging down, various ladder drills made from painters tape on the carpet, cones for agility training, and so many other ideas! 

2. GameTruck Party

Let us help you save the day from boredom with a video game party! Grab some mom friends and have a ladies’ day while the kids have a blast with over 200 games to choose from! The kids get to create awesome memories with their friends, while you enjoy the quiet in any way you like with no stress or clean up. Click Here to find your local GameTruck franchise.

3. Have a Fort Building Contest

Customize this idea by either having kids challenge one another or by doing it as a family. Create categories by which to judge the fort(s). 

4. Fitness Fun

No gym membership? No problem! Find tons of free kid-focused workout routines online with Google, Pinterest, or Youtube. They get to burn off that energy while learning about a healthy lifestyle. 

5. Make Smoothies

Grab some fresh fruit, veggies, and the blender for some healthy food fun. Try a recipe or two that you’ve never made before or get adventurous and make your own! Vote on which is your favorite and share it online with your friends and family. 

6. Do an Art or Science Kit

Learning can and should be fun! Grab an art or science kit that you know your child will love and do it with them. These kits can be found online or in most stores. Go on a learning or creative journey with your kid to learn right alongside them. 

7. Make a Non-Dairy Treat

Since June is Non-Dairy Month, google and make a non-dairy treat to enjoy together. Don’t worry if it doesn’t turn out Pinterest Perfect. Memories are what truly matter.  

9.Write a Letter to Someone

Everyone loves receiving stuff in the mail – except bills. Your kids can learn a lost skill and brighten a relative’s or friend’s day by writing and mailing a letter to someone.  

10. Karaoke

Have a Singing Competition with Karaoke! This idea can be done with little or no prep and is super customizable! It can be done with or without a Karaoke machine. If you don’t have one, pull up Youtube and find the lyrics to the song. You could select song genres or categories to add more challenges to the competition. 

1. Additional Note: If the kids need to burn a bit more energy, add a dance element to the competition to get them moving and grooving. 

The summer sun can be a blessing and a curse at the same time, but don’t let those hot temperatures keep your family from having an awesome summer! Try an idea off our list, customize it, and beat the boredom! 

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Summer is for new, fun-filled adventures! Need help coming up with family time ideas that’ll entertain the whole family without spending a lot of money? Are you struggling to come up with activities that would appeal to your kids? Try one (or all) of these awesome ideas!

1. Create & Perform a Summer Play

Tailor this idea to fit your child’s interests. Writing the script, creating the set, acting, and directing all can be explored in this event. Let your child explore their creative side with the dramatic arts in a fun, laid-back way that the whole family and extended family can enjoy. 

2. Engage in Squirt Gun Painting for Summer Fun

Unleash the inner artist with this unique approach to painting! You’ll need some paper, an easel, watercolors, and of course, that deadly weapon. 

3. Experience Gelly Ball: A Safe and Fun Summer Activity

This safe, fun alternative to airsoft and paintball will entertain your kids for hours. The best part? There’s NO mess! Let us help you create this awesome summer experience with our gear, obstacles, various types of missions, and expert game coaches. Click here to see if your local GameTruck offers Gelly Ball. For more cool information on Gelly Ball, click here. 

4. Make a Time Capsule for a Memorable Summer Keepsake

Memories are priceless, and that’s what’s special about this idea. Your kid(s) will love getting to put this together, and will cherish the moment you get to open the capsule as a family in the future. 

Bonus Idea: Make a treasure map to where your capsule is buried.

5. Volunteer as a Family in Your Child’s Passionate Summer Cause

Help your child develop their sense of citizenship by volunteering as a family. Let them pick something they are passionate about. From walking dogs at the animal shelter to filling up a blessing box, there are numerous ways that kids can help make the world a better place. 

6. Host a Laser Tag Party for Epic Summer Entertainment

Grab some friends and host a Laser Tag Party! Whether it’s for adults, kids, or both, everyone will have a great time! Want help setting up and running the party? Check with your local Game Truck to see if they can help. They offer obstacles to transform your backyard into a thrilling combat arena, taggers, various exciting missions, a game coach to referee, and so much more!

7. Plant an Herb Garden for Summer Learning and Enjoyment

Want to teach your child a valuable life skill for pennies? Grab mason jars or old containers you have around the house, fill with dirt, and select some herbs. Each one presents a different benefit. Allow your child to help you research and pick which ones you’d like to plant. Make sure to store your garden on a windowsill or the patio!

8. Play Flashlight Tag for Nighttime Summer Adventures

Bust out those flashlights for some night-time fun! This game combines tag with hide an seek for a game that kids are sure to love! 

9. Craft Your Own Summer Aquarium as a Family Fun Project

This fun craft is a great way to spend the afternoon. 

You will need…

• Mason Jars
• Water and Blue Food Coloring 
• Decorations: Plastic fish or aquatic life, plastic plants and rocks, and glitter (optional)

Instructions…

• Place rocks, plants, and any other decorations first.
• Fill with water. Add Food Coloring. (If you are using glitter, you may add it now). 
• Add your fish. 

Gently swirl your craft to watch the aquarium come to life! 

10. Break the Summer Heat with Refreshing Water Piñata

Fill up a ballon with water, and get a cool, pleasant surprise when it breaks that doesn’t involve lots of sugar. Your kid(s) will love getting to break this pinata over and over again. 

Summer is the perfect time to create new memories everyday as a family! Give your kids a summer they’ll remember for years to come!

For more exciting summer family activities, check out our article on 10 Fun and Affordable Summer Activities for the Whole Family.