Top 20 Fun Things to Do in Summer

Summer has arrived with its promise of long, sun-drenched days and endless possibilities for adventure. There's something magical about those golden months when the school bell stops ringing and families suddenly find themselves with precious time to create lasting memories together. Whether you're a parent looking to keep the kids entertained during the holidays, or an event planner seeking fresh ideas for summer gatherings, this season offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable experiences.

The beauty of summer fun lies in its diversity. From simple DIY projects that cost nothing but creativity, to spectacular rental-based celebrations that transform your garden into a wonderland, there's something for every family, budget, and occasion. These activity ideas are designed to suit a wide range of ages, from curious toddlers taking their first steps into adventure, to teenagers seeking thrills, and even adults who are kids at heart. So grab your sunhat, gather the family, and let's dive into 20 brilliant ways to make this summer absolutely spectacular.

Outdoor Adventure & Backyard Fun

1. Host a Bouncy Castle Backyard Bash

Transform your garden into the ultimate party destination with a bouncy castle celebration. Perfect for birthdays, summer BBQs, or simply because it's a beautiful weekend, bouncy castles create instant joy for children and adults alike. The infectious laughter and squeals of delight as kids bounce, jump, and play together creates memories that last long after the castle is packed away.

Wacky World Hire offers an impressive range of bouncy castles suitable for different age groups and garden sizes. From compact options perfect for smaller spaces to larger themed inflatables that can accommodate mixed-age groups, there's something to suit every celebration. The all-age bouncers ensure that even the grown-ups can join in the fun, creating those precious family moments where everyone's inner child comes out to play.

2. Water Fight Day with Balloons & Splash Pads

Nothing beats the heat quite like an epic water battle. Set up your garden battlefield with water balloons, buckets, super soakers, and sprinklers for the ultimate cooling experience. For younger children, create gentler water play areas with splash pads, shallow paddling pools, and soft spray bottles filled with cool water.

The key to a successful water fight day is variety – have different zones for different comfort levels. Set up a filling station with multiple taps, create targets using plastic bottles, and don't forget to have plenty of towels and dry clothes ready. This activity is perfect for hot afternoons when everyone needs to cool down whilst having an absolute blast.

3. DIY Garden Obstacle Course

Unleash your creativity by building an exciting obstacle course using everyday items. Pool noodles become hurdles, ropes turn into balance beams, garden cones mark slalom courses, and hula hoops create jumping challenges. This activity combines physical exercise with problem-solving skills as children navigate through your homemade adventure course.

For those looking to create something truly spectacular, consider upgrading your obstacle course with professional inflatables like the Velcro Fly Wall or Rock'N'Roll Gladiator Duel. These additions transform a simple garden course into an epic adventure playground that will have neighbourhood children talking for weeks.

4. Family Camping Night — In the Garden!

Bring the great outdoors to your doorstep with a garden camping adventure. Set up tents, hang battery-operated lanterns, and gather around a safe fire pit (or camping stove) for marshmallow toasting and storytelling. This activity offers all the excitement of camping without the stress of packing and travelling.

Create a magical surprise by arranging for a mascot character to make a bedtime appearance. Imagine the children's delight when their favourite character arrives to tell bedtime stories under the stars. It's these unexpected moments that transform a simple camping night into an extraordinary adventure.

Entertainment & Group Activities

5. Throw a Backyard Movie Night

Transform your garden into an outdoor cinema with a projector, white sheet, and comfortable seating arrangements. Create a cosy atmosphere with fairy lights, blankets, and cushions scattered across the grass. Prepare themed snacks like popcorn, sweets, and refreshing drinks to complete the cinema experience.

Consider hosting themed movie nights – superhero films paired with character mascots like Batman or Captain America create an immersive experience that brings stories to life. The combination of outdoor ambiance and beloved characters makes for an unforgettable evening that rivals any commercial cinema.

6. Mascot Meet & Greet for Kids

Create pure magic by arranging surprise visits from beloved characters. Whether it's a birthday celebration, community event, or just a special summer surprise, mascot entertainers bring stories to life and create moments of wonder that children treasure forever.

Wacky World Hire offers an extensive range of mascot characters including Barbie, Alvin & the Chipmunks, and Buzz & Woody. These professional entertainers don't just appear in costume – they bring characters to life through interactive storytelling, games, and photo opportunities. There's even a fantastic 20% discount available when booking four or more characters, making it perfect for larger celebrations or community events.

7. Hold a Summer Carnival at Home

Create your own fairground atmosphere with simple homemade stalls and games. Set up ring toss using bottles and hoops, bean bag toss with decorated targets, and face painting stations with washable paints. The joy lies in the variety and the sense of achievement children feel when they master each challenge.

Elevate your carnival experience by incorporating inflatables like the Basketball Hoopla or Hungry Hippos. These additions provide that authentic carnival atmosphere whilst ensuring everyone has plenty of activities to enjoy throughout the day.

8. Organise a Colour Powder Run or Relay Race

Create a vibrant, Instagram-worthy event using safe, eco-friendly colour powders and old white shirts. Design relay races where teams complete challenges before throwing colour powder in celebration. This activity works brilliantly for school groups, summer camps, or neighbourhood gatherings.

The visual impact of colour powder events is spectacular, but the real magic happens in the teamwork and celebration. It's an activity that breaks down barriers, encourages participation, and creates those joyful moments where everyone ends up laughing together, covered in rainbow colours.

Nature & Learning-Based Activities

9. Nature Scavenger Hunt or Bug Safari

Transform your garden or local park into an exploration zone with carefully crafted scavenger hunts. Create lists featuring items like "smooth pebble," "feather," or "heart-shaped leaf." For younger children, use pictures instead of words to make the hunt accessible and exciting.

Bug safaris add an educational element whilst maintaining the adventure spirit. Equip children with magnifying glasses, collection containers, and identification charts. This activity builds curiosity about the natural world whilst encouraging gentle observation and respect for wildlife.

10. Outdoor Arts & Crafts Session

Take creativity outside with nature-inspired arts and crafts. Leaf printing using hammers and fabric, spray bottle art on fences, sand art in containers, or creating nature crowns using flowers and leaves found in the garden. These activities combine artistic expression with outdoor exploration.

The beauty of outdoor crafts lies in their temporary nature and the freedom they provide. Children can be messy, experimental, and bold in ways that indoor activities sometimes don't allow. Plus, the natural materials add texture and authenticity to their creations.

11. Plant a Mini Garden or Grow-Your-Own Veggies

Involve children in creating their own garden space where they can plant seeds, tend to growing plants, and eventually harvest their efforts. This long-term project teaches responsibility, patience, and the satisfaction of nurturing something from seed to harvest.

Choose fast-growing options like cress, radishes, or sunflowers for quick results that maintain children's interest. Create individual garden sections so each child has their own space to tend, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their growing achievements.

Water-Based & Cool-Down Activities

12. DIY Foam Party

Create a spectacular foam party using safe foam machines or simple bubble solutions. This activity provides incredible sensory fun whilst offering relief from summer heat. Children love the texture and playfulness of foam, and the cleanup becomes part of the fun.

For those seeking a more professional setup, consider renting foam cannons or inflatable foam pits where available. These additions create a festival-like atmosphere that transforms your garden into a foam wonderland.

13. Visit Local Lakes or Splash Parks

Pack a picnic, grab the floaties, and head to local water attractions. This classic summer activity combines the joy of water play with the adventure of exploring new locations. Don't forget sun cream, shade, and plenty of snacks for hungry, active children.

Research local facilities beforehand to ensure they're suitable for your group's age range and swimming abilities. Many locations offer additional activities like mini golf, playgrounds, or nature trails that extend the adventure beyond just water play.

14. Ice Block Excavation Activity

Freeze small toys, treasures, or colourful objects in containers filled with water. Give children tools like spoons, warm water, and salt to "excavate" their frozen discoveries. This activity combines science learning with treasure hunting excitement.

Create different difficulty levels by varying ice thickness and excavation tools. Younger children might use warm water and brushes, whilst older kids can handle more challenging excavation methods. The satisfaction of freeing their frozen treasures creates genuine excitement and achievement.

Themed Days & Celebrations

15. Superhero Training Camp

Transform your garden into a hero headquarters with costume dress-up, challenge courses, and mission-based activities. Create certificates for completed training modules and design obstacles that test different "superpowers" like agility, strength, and problem-solving.

Elevate the experience by arranging for professional superhero mascots like Spiderman or Captain America to conduct training sessions or present certificates. The combination of active play and character interaction creates an immersive experience that makes children feel like genuine superheroes.

16. Backyard Beach Day

Bring seaside vibes to your garden with beach towels, paddling pools, and tropical snacks. Create a playlist featuring steel drum or ukulele music, set up beach umbrellas for shade, and encourage everyone to dress in their favourite beach attire.

Sand play can be recreated using sandpits or large containers filled with play sand. Add beach toys, buckets, and spades for building competitions. This activity captures the essence of beach holidays without the travel, making it perfect for families who can't get away.

17. Christmas in July Party

Celebrate the festive season during summer with this delightfully unexpected theme. Play holiday music, decorate with tinsel and lights, serve iced cocoa and cold mince pies, and encourage festive dress-up in shorts and Santa hats.

Add extra magic by hiring the Christmas Elf mascot to bring authentic North Pole atmosphere to your midsummer celebration. The contrast between Christmas themes and summer weather creates a wonderfully quirky experience that guests will remember for years.

Relaxation & Chill Time

18. Create an Outdoor Reading Nook

Design a peaceful retreat using blankets, cushions, and shade structures where children can enjoy books in the fresh air. Stock the area with a variety of age-appropriate books, healthy snacks, and refreshing drinks.

This quieter activity provides essential downtime between more energetic adventures. It encourages reading whilst maintaining the outdoor summer theme, creating positive associations between books and relaxation.

19. Picnic & Chill Day at the Park

Sometimes the simplest activities create the most lasting memories. Pack a delicious picnic, bring along hula hoops, kites, and frisbees, and spend the day enjoying each other's company in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Include traditional group games like rounders, tag, or sack races that encourage interaction between different age groups. These timeless activities create connections and laughter that transcend generational differences.

Bonus Group Experience

20. Host a Community Summer Play Day

Bring neighbours, family friends, and school mates together for a spectacular community celebration. This larger-scale event creates opportunities for children to make new friendships whilst strengthening community bonds.

Consider renting multiple inflatables like the Meltdown Inflatable, Climbing Wall, and Unclimbable Ladder to create a festival atmosphere that accommodates larger crowds. Wacky World Hire handles full setup and takedown, allowing you to focus on enjoying the celebration rather than worrying about logistics.

Safety & Supervision Tips

Summer fun should always prioritise safety alongside excitement. Always supervise children on inflatables and ensure age-appropriate equipment usage. Keep everyone hydrated with regular drink breaks and provide shaded rest areas during hot weather. Apply sun cream regularly and have a first aid kit readily available. Remember that tired children are more accident-prone, so schedule quiet activities between energetic ones.

Also Read: - Top kids birthday party ideas

Final Thoughts

Summer represents precious time when families can step away from routine pressures and create those magical moments that become treasured memories. These twenty activities offer a perfect blend of DIY creativity and professional entertainment options, ensuring every family can find ideas that suit their circumstances and preferences.

The key to successful summer fun lies in variety, preparation, and embracing the unexpected moments of joy that arise when families play together. Whether you choose simple garden adventures or spectacular inflatable celebrations, the most important element is the time spent connecting with loved ones.

Ready to make this summer extraordinary? Browse the fantastic range of inflatables and mascot entertainers available at Wacky World Hire to transform your summer celebrations into unforgettable adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some fun outdoor activities for kids in the summer? 

Summer offers endless possibilities including bouncy castle parties, water fights, DIY obstacle courses, outdoor movie nights, nature scavenger hunts, and themed celebration days. The key is choosing activities that match your children's interests and energy levels.

How can I make a backyard party special for my children? 

Transform ordinary celebrations with themed decorations, interactive games, and surprise elements like mascot character visits. Combining multiple activities such as inflatables, crafts, and entertainment creates memorable experiences that children will treasure.

Are bouncy castles safe for younger kids? 

Yes, when properly supervised and age-appropriate equipment is used. Wacky World Hire provides bouncy castles specifically designed for different age groups, with safety features and guidelines to ensure everyone can enjoy bouncing safely.

Can I hire multiple inflatables for a community event? 

Absolutely! Multiple inflatables create festival-like atmospheres perfect for community gatherings. Professional setup and takedown services ensure your event runs smoothly whilst you focus on enjoying the celebration.

What mascot characters are available for summer parties at Wacky World Hire? 

A wide range of beloved characters including Barbie, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Buzz & Woody, Batman, Captain America, Spiderman, and the Christmas Elf. Professional entertainers bring these characters to life through interactive storytelling and games, with discounts available for multiple character bookings.