20 Fun & Easy Summer Activities for Preschoolers: Outdoor and Classroom Ideas

Summer is a magical time for preschoolers — full of sunshine, adventure, and boundless opportunities for fun. It’s also the perfect season for blending play with hands-on learning. The longer days and warmer weather provide a fantastic backdrop for activities that stimulate young minds and encourage exploration. Whether it's a sunny afternoon in the backyard or a quiet day indoors, there are countless ways to keep little ones engaged, active, and curious.

This list includes a variety of 20 exciting activities divided into outdoor adventures and indoor classroom ideas. Whether you’re a parent looking to make the most of summer break or a teacher planning for a summer program, these ideas are adaptable and simple to set up. Best of all, they strike the perfect balance between entertainment and education. So, let’s dive in and discover fun ways to spark joy and learning in preschoolers this season!

Outdoor Summer Activities for Preschoolers

1. Water Balloon Piñatas

Fill balloons with water instead of air, hang them up on tree branches or a clothesline, and let kids take turns trying to burst them with a soft bat or stick. Perfect for a hot summer day! This activity not only cools children down but also improves their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

2. Water Table Sensory Play

Set up a water table with colored ice cubes, floating toys, and sponges. Let kids scoop, pour, and splash to explore different textures and temperatures. Adding small containers and sieves can introduce concepts of volume and cause-and-effect.

3. Nature Weaving

Gather sticks to create simple frames and help preschoolers weave in grass, flowers, and leaves. This activity combines art and nature, enhancing fine motor skills and encouraging creativity. You can also discuss plant names and textures to introduce basic science concepts.

4. DIY Bird Feeders

Help preschoolers spread peanut butter on pinecones, roll them in birdseed, and hang them outside. It’s a great way to teach kids about wildlife and responsibility as they observe birds visiting their feeders.

5. Red Light, Green Light (Summer Edition)

Add fun summer commands like “Yellow Light = Dance!” or “Blue Light = Swim in Place!” to the classic game. This keeps kids physically active while sharpening their listening and reaction skills.

6. Duck, Duck, Goose (Summer-Themed)

Spice up this classic by using summer animals like “Fish, Fish, Shark!” Kids love themed twists, and it’s an exciting way to build social interaction, teamwork, and agility.

7. Colored Sand Play

Dye sand with food coloring and let kids build vibrant sandcastles or create sand art. You can also hide small toys in the sand for a mini “treasure hunt,” adding an element of discovery.

8. Shaving Cream Painting

Spray shaving cream on an outdoor surface like a table or driveway, add a few drops of food coloring, and let kids mix and paint with their hands. This sensory activity encourages creativity, color recognition, and tactile exploration.

9. Oobleck Play

Make oobleck by mixing cornstarch and water, and let children explore this gooey, magical substance outdoors. Oobleck behaves like both a solid and a liquid, making it a fun introduction to simple science concepts.

10. Mud Pies

Set up a “mud kitchen” with old pots, spoons, and containers. Encourage preschoolers to create pretend pies using mud, water, and natural ingredients like leaves and petals. This activity boosts imaginative play and sensory exploration.

Indoor Classroom Activities for Preschoolers

11. Paper Plate Watermelon Crafts

Cut paper plates into semi-circles, paint them red and green, and add black dots for seeds. Kids can create their own fruity masterpieces while practicing color recognition and hand coordination.

12. Seashell Painting

Provide seashells and non-toxic paints for children to decorate their own ocean treasures. Encourage them to explore patterns, mixing colors, and textures, stimulating their artistic expression.