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  • 15 Family Summer Fun Ideas

    15 Family Summer Fun Ideas

    Summer feels endless when you’re in it — but you only get 18 of them with your kids before they leave the nest. These 15 family summer fun ideas are tried, tested, and family-approved, so you can stop scrolling and start making memories that your kids will still talk about years from now.

    This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Love & Harvest!

    family summer fun ideas

    You think you only have 18 years with your kids before they grow up. But in reality, you only have 18 summers with them.

    Bam! Did it hit you yet? Summer is a time for families to connect. With only 18 summers, creating memories that will last a lifetime can feel intimidating. Don’t worry though — we’ve got you covered with some amazing family activities for the summer!

    summer activities list

    These 15 family summer fun ideas are tried, tested, and true! We got all our kids involved in previous summers and some of the memories we created are things they still talk about to this day. Each year that passes they become more of their little human self — constantly as parents we are playing catch up to their yearly transformation. So put the phones away, keep it inexpensive, and let’s explore all 15 ideas!

    1. Simple Meal Preparation

    A fun summer activity at home! Getting the kids more involved with their food is great fun for them. They learn how to read instructions and use their math skills to convert measurements. It’s a proud experience when they cook to feed the family. While I get my kids involved in the kitchen, I love talking to them about the food we cook — where it comes from, how it grows, and what it tastes like. Today, they love to learn about all sorts of food.

    An easy recipe to start with is our Blender Oatmeal Pancakes. Just throw everything in the blender — minimal cleanup and maximum deliciousness!

    2. Reading Projects

    Learning how to read plays a major impact on education. Summer is a great time to review everything learned in school and give kids the leg up on their reading skills. Great places to find books:

    • Visit your local library — a vast collection of books your kids can choose from. Let them choose what they want to read to encourage interest in books.
    • Reading apps — we love using the reading app called Epic! It has a large library with 40,000+ books, read-along options, and is perfect for kids just starting to learn.

    activities for hot summer days

    3. Outdoor Walks

    Walking in the morning encourages a great habit for kids. For us, we enjoy our first walk before breakfast. The kids always bring a bag for treasure hunting — leaves, flowers, branches — to make art pieces later in the day.

    • Cover conversational topics about the earth, environment, recycling, weather, seasons, and biodiversity.
    • Walk with your pets — dog walking subconsciously teaches empathy and responsibility.
    • Bring a bag — let their creative mind go free with what they find.

    summer vacation ideas

    4. Camping

    Great fun for both kids and parents. Camping is a great opportunity for skill-building, following instructions, and interacting with nature. This is by far our favourite thing to do in the summer! My best memories as a child are always camping and outdoor-related. Beyond the fun and fresh air, camping teaches kids valuable life lessons about taking risks, respecting nature, and being active.

    family trip in summer

    5. Visit a Local Museum

    Museums are always open in summer with special exhibits and shows catered to children. Visit your local museum website to see what special events are happening. In Puebla, our two favourites are the natural history museum and the space museum.

    6. Hike

    Another great family summer idea! Hiking gets the kids moving, and it’s one of our favourite ways to spend a summer day together. In Vancouver there are tons of trails to hike with family. My favourite family-friendly trails:

    unique family vacations

    7. Picnic

    Always a great family bonding moment — no computers, no housework, just focus on the kids. Pack up a spray bottle for hot days and head outdoors! Some easy picnic meal ideas from our kitchen:

    8. Road Trip

    After COVID, traveling by plane has gotten expensive and chaotic. Why not do a road trip? It’s affordable for the whole family and you can stop anytime you see something cool. Let the kids help plan the destination — they’ll learn how to execute a plan and how to be flexible when things don’t go exactly as expected. No road trip ever goes exactly to plan, and that’s the beauty of it.

    9. Entrepreneur Project

    Teaching the kids how to make money is a great way to get them thinking about money management. Once they make money, don’t stop there — teach them how to reinvest in their business. At the lemonade stand, they can reinvest in a professional lemon juicer to improve customer service!

    • Lemonade stand
    • Making and selling cookies
    • Washing cars for neighbours
    • Walking dogs for friends and family
    • Collecting recyclables

    10. Art Projects

    Art stimulates creativity and problem-solving. It helps with self-esteem, self-expression, and fine motor skill development. A great activity for hot summer days staying indoors with the AC. Family craft ideas:

    • Build a family picture frame together
    • Paint a large canvas using only fingerprints
    • Assemble easy DIY planters and paint them together

    best family vacations on a budget

    11. Planting and Gardening

    Every kid secretly loves gardening. Learning to plant seeds teaches responsibility (caring for plants) and understanding the cause and effect of watering. We love growing plants from seeds — once the vegetables are ready, I let my kids harvest and cook them. We’ve grown green peas, lettuce, and okra, and they ate everything! Buy seeds online at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — free shipping to the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

    summer ideas giveback

    12. Giving Back

    Teaching kids kindness early on is essential. Here are some examples of what giving back can look like:

    • Participate in a senior home
    • Randomly gifting something at a grocery store
    • Helping grandparents without being asked
    • Baking a cake for a family member
    • Releasing insects or animals back into the wild
    • Planting a tree
    • Donating to a cause they care about

    13. Board Game Night

    We are a board game family. Board game night is always paired with tons of snacks and drinks. We learn to laugh at ourselves and each other — teaching ourselves not to take things too seriously. Board games we love:

    14. Movie with the Family

    Cuddling is probably one of my favourite things to do with the kids. It’s such a cozy feeling getting to watch a movie while holding them and enjoying some popcorn. We treat screen time as a prize for the kids — they’ve earned it by behaving well during the day. Some streaming services we love: Netflix, HBO Max, Prime Video, Disney Plus.

    summer ideas with friends

    15. Enjoy the Simple Moments

    All the summer ideas we recommend are meant to be enjoyed, so remember to actually enjoy them. It’s really the small and insignificant moments in our lives that make the difference — watching those small lips curve into a smile, or the quirky way your little one dances. Embrace it and enjoy it. After all, we only have 18 summers with them, or maybe even less.

    For more summer food inspiration, check out our Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for the perfect outdoor barbecue crowd-pleaser, and our Blender Oatmeal Pancakes for a fun morning cooking project with the kids.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the best free summer activities for families?

    Outdoor walks, library visits, hiking local trails, and gardening are all free or very low-cost summer activities that kids love. Many local museums also offer free days during the summer. The library is especially great because kids can choose their own books, which builds excitement around reading.

    How do I keep my kids entertained all summer without screens?

    Structure helps. Start mornings with an outdoor walk, follow up with a reading block, then move to a hands-on project like art or gardening. Save screens (movie night, reading apps) as intentional rewards rather than defaults. With variety and a loose routine, kids stay engaged without reaching for devices.

    What summer activities help kids learn real-life skills?

    Simple meal preparation teaches math, reading, and following instructions. Entrepreneur projects (lemonade stands, car washing) teach money management and customer service. Gardening teaches responsibility and cause-and-effect. Camping teaches risk-taking, problem-solving, and respecting nature.

    How do you make summer fun on a budget?

    Most of these 15 ideas cost very little. Walks, art projects, board games, and reading are essentially free. Gardening seeds are a few dollars. Picnics are cheaper than restaurants. Focus on time and creativity, not spending — the memories your kids will cherish most are the ones where you were fully present, not the expensive ones.

    How do I get my kids excited about summer activities?

    Let them choose. Give them two or three options and let them pick. Kids are much more enthusiastic about activities they feel ownership over. Also, do it alongside them — kids feed off your energy. If you’re genuinely excited about the walk or the picnic, they will be too.

    What are some meaningful summer activities that go beyond just having fun?

    Giving back is the most meaningful activity on this list. Whether it’s donating to a local SPCA, helping grandparents, or planting a tree, these experiences shape who your kids become. Combine it with an entrepreneur project and they learn both generosity and financial wisdom at the same time.

  • Delicious Beer Gravy Honey Mustard Chicken 🍺

    Delicious Beer Gravy Honey Mustard Chicken 🍺

    When the weather turns cool and the family is hungry, this Beer Gravy Honey Mustard Chicken is the recipe I reach for every time. It is one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma before it even hits the table — and with a total cook time of 40 minutes, it is weeknight-ready without sacrificing an ounce of flavour.

    This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Love & Harvest!

    Honey mustard chicken thighs with rosemary in a cast iron panHoney mustard chicken thighs with rosemary in a cast iron pan

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • Everyone loves it, including kids — when I have chicken in the fridge that needs to be used quickly, this is the recipe I always reach for. The kids love this dish, and they always ask for more sauce on their rice.
    • So delicious — there is something magical about beer and chicken cooked together. The aroma is intoxicating and will draw people into the kitchen asking what you are making.
    • Easy recipe — marinate the chicken, lay it on the skillet, and deglaze the pan with beer. In 40 minutes your meal is ready to be served and devoured.

    Beer in the Gravy — Is It Safe for Children?

    Short answer: yes. Because we are cooking the beer with the chicken, the alcohol burns off while the chicken cooks. All that remains is the beer flavour, which is mild. We are only adding half a can so it is not overpowering. You can always use a quarter of the can, or skip it entirely — the gravy is still delicious and thick without the beer.

    Ingredients

    Chicken

    This recipe calls for chicken legs and thighs. Any part of the chicken works, but bone-in thighs and drumsticks are ideal because they stay moist and flavourful even with extended cooking. I buy the whole chicken leg and separate the thighs and drumsticks at home before marinating.

    • Why bone-in matters: The bone adds flavour to the gravy and protects the meat from drying out. The skin also crisps beautifully in the cast iron skillet.

    Honey and Mustard

    We use salt and honey to marinate the chicken and mustard (both regular and mustard seed) in the gravy. Give the salt, honey, and mustard time to work into the chicken — a minimum of 15 minutes guarantees more flavour penetration. If you don’t have regular mustard, Dijon works equally well.

    • Why honey: Honey breaks down when it contacts salt and chicken, turning from thick to a watery consistency that coats every surface. It caramelises beautifully in the hot pan and adds a sticky sweetness to the crust.

    Beer

    Beer tenderises the chicken and creates the base for the gravy. Use whatever beer you enjoy drinking. A light lager — like Modelo — gives a crisp, clean flavour that works well for children. Darker beers add more complexity but can be intense for kids.

    • Why beer in the gravy: The beer deglazes all the caramelised bits from the bottom of the pan, which is where all the flavour is. It also keeps the chicken moist throughout the entire cook time.

    Cast Iron Skillet

    A cast iron skillet is the ideal pan for this recipe. It distributes heat evenly across the entire surface, which is critical for bone-in chicken that needs thorough cooking from all angles. Use a quality Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet — it browns the chicken perfectly and gets better with every use.

    • Why cast iron: Even heat distribution means the chicken cooks consistently. The skillet retains heat well, so the temperature stays stable when you add the cold chicken to the pan.

    If you love chicken recipes with bold flavours, try my Traditional Hong Kong Curry Chicken or Lemongrass Chicken Drumsticks for more weeknight-friendly options.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What kind of beer works best in this recipe?

    A light lager is the best choice — it adds flavour without being overpowering, and the alcohol burns off during cooking, leaving behind only the subtle beer taste. Modelo, Heineken, or any standard light lager works great. If you want a richer, more complex gravy, try a pale ale. Avoid very dark stouts for this recipe unless you enjoy a bitter, roasted note in the sauce.

    Can I make this recipe without beer?

    Yes. Replace the beer with chicken broth or apple cider for a similarly rich gravy. The flavour will be different — slightly less complex — but still delicious. The key is to deglaze the pan with a liquid that has some body and flavour.

    How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

    The internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C). Visually, the juices should run clear when you pierce the meat near the bone. The chicken should feel firm rather than rubbery when pressed. Drumsticks and thighs typically need 25-30 minutes total in the pan.

    Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs and drumsticks?

    Yes, though chicken breast tends to dry out more quickly. The beer in the sauce helps prevent this significantly. If using breast, reduce the covered cooking time to 15-18 minutes and check for doneness early. Keeping the lid on during cooking traps moisture and helps prevent drying.

    How do I store leftovers?

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the gravy. The chicken reheats beautifully and the gravy thickens further, making leftovers arguably better than the original.

    Honey Mustard Chicken with Beer Gravy

    This honey mustard chicken is a warm autumn dish perfect for your family. Delicious beer gravy swimming in the sweetness of honey and savoury flavour of the chicken.
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time:15 minsCook Time:25 mins

    Ingredients

    Chicken Marinate

    • ½ kg chicken drumstick and thighs cleaned and pat dry, skin on
    • 2 tsp sea salt
    • 1½ tbsp honey
    • 2 tbsp mustard
    • ½ can light lager beer

    Gravy Sauce

    • 2 tbsp butter
    • ½ white onion chopped
    • 2 garlic clove minced
    • 1½ cups water
    • 3 tbsp mustard seed
    • ¼ cup cream
    • rosemary garnish

    Instructions

    Chicken Marinate

    • In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, salt, honey, and beer together. Mix evenly. Let it sit on the counter for at least 15 minutes.

    To cook the chicken

    • Put the skillet on medium high heat. Melt the butter and sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 2 minutes.
    • Carefully take the chicken with tongs and place it on the skillet. Reserve the beer marinate.
    • Sear the surface of the chicken for 5 minutes each side until slightly brown.
    • Once both sides are browned, add the reserved beer marinate along with the mustard and water. Put a lid on top and let it cook on medium for 25 minutes.
    • For the last 5 minutes of cooking, take the lid off and add the cream.
    • Place the chicken on a deep dish and pour the sauce over it. Garnish with fresh rosemary.