Exciting Summer Activities in Jacksonville, FL

Ahhh, Summer is finally here! If you’re like me, I savor every single second of Summer with my boys. That, however, does not mean that I’m super great at filling the days and avoiding the inevitable, “I’m BOOOOOORED!!!!” comments. As much as I wish Summer was all bonding and memories, the reality is that sometimes it’s a downright struggle to keep them entertained, and it only gets harder the older they get. As a mama to teens, I can definitely recommend a few things to make summers fun with your elementary and younger kiddos. My first recommendation is always to make a Summer Bucket List! Sit down with your children and see what they want to do this summer! My boys always like to add “cereals we want to try” or “bakeries we want to sample” to their list. The Jacksonville Zoo has an awesome little splash pad, and my boys used to love spending a day with the animals and then cooling off at the splash pad. Hanna Park also has a rad splash pad. Of course we can all plan beach days at Jacksonville’s awesome beaches, schedule an awesome day trip adventure, or do a quick internet search and come up with all the typical ideas. Fantastic parks and museums abound in Jacksonville, FL, the rock climbing gym is always an awesome indoor hit, and everybody has a favorite ice cream or doughnut shop. Rock painting, water balloon fights, surfing and skating, and even bowling are all obvious ideas. But what about those days when you just want to do something fun and free (or cheap)?! Here are five delightful (and fun!) ideas for summer activities with your kids:

1. Plan a Picnic: Pack a delicious lunch and head to a local park or beach for a picnic. Let the kids help choose and prepare the food, and don't forget to bring games and activities to keep them entertained. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have quality family time. We love to hit the beach for picnics and bring Spike Ball. You can totally just do this in your own yard or neighborhood, too!

2. Create a Backyard Water Park: Set up a mini water park in your backyard with sprinklers, water balloons, a slip 'n slide, and a kiddie pool. Let the kids cool off and have a blast while staying close to home. You can even have water-themed contests or obstacle courses for added fun. One of the things my boys loved when they were younger was a bike wash (like a car wash, but for bikes)! Invite friends over and have some water fun.

3. Create an Outdoor Game: I saw this life-size Angry Birds idea on Pinterest, and my 11-year-old can’t wait to try it out this summer. We plan to decorate the boxes and balls, and invite friends over for an Angry Birds War. Bonus: you can find the supplies for super cheap at Dollar Tree and Five Below.

4. Explore Nature with Scavenger Hunts: Organize nature scavenger hunts where kids search for specific items like leaves, rocks, or different types of flowers. You can create a checklist or provide them with a map to follow. It's a great way to engage their curiosity and teach them about the natural world. Hop on Pinterest, and there are loads of these available for free.

5. Build a Fort or Tent: Encourage your kids' creativity by building a fort or tent indoors or outdoors. Use blankets, sheets, and furniture to construct the structure. Let them decorate it with pillows, fairy lights, and their favorite toys. It becomes their hideout for imaginative play or a cozy reading nook. This is extra great for rainy days or when it’s just too hot to be outside. We’ve been known to create a fort or ten outside, too!

Make the most of this hot, Jacksonville summer with your kids by engaging in these exciting and memorable activities. From outdoor adventures to creative indoor projects, there's something for everyone. Embrace the warmth and joy of the season while making precious memories that your children will cherish for a lifetime. And if you try the Angry Birds thing, you have to send me pictures!