What to do with the kids now that school’s out

Top 5 things for kids to do over summer break

School supply lists are one thing—but have you started your summer supply list? Fear not, we’ve compiled our favorite things here for the kids to play with all summer long. Save these for later to keep a list of go-to ideas of what to do with the kids over summer break. You can’t go wrong with water games, and of course the intermittent brainy game to slow things down (and get a refill on the sunscreen lather). Summer 2025: We are so ready for you.

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Our 5 favorite things for kids summer 2025

1. Reusable water balloons 

You read that right: Water balloons you can use over and over again. Easier to fill, forget about tying tiny knots, and even after throwing them at each other, your kids can refill them to do it all over again. The creator of this one truly had parents in mind. 

Pssst, click here to jump to our favorite water balloon games

2. Slip + Slide: Fruit edition

Is there really any better way for them to run around, stay cool, and laugh all the laughs than in a slip + slide? With these fruit-themed slides, the season of summer is enhanced all the more. Follow with sliced watermelon and call it a day.

3. Storymatic Kids

It’s like Mad Libs, but crafting an entire story from scratch, with card prompts by the experts. Keep those imaginations swirling and creativity expanding when they get to create their very own story time anywhere they are. 

4. Cornhole

Because a traditional backyard game deserves a spot in everyone's yard. Feel free to add your own rules: Kids run a figure-8 around the boards when their bean bag falls off the board. Hey, stretch your imagination and keep them on their toes. It's Summer 2024, anything can happen.

5. Bright Games Playing Cards

For when it’s time to slow things down a little. Grab a picnic blanket, find a shady spot under a tree, and get to playing games. Spit, BS, Go Fish – the options are endless when the kids need a little breather from all the running around. Plus, keep those brain waves firing while out of the classroom ;) 

Summer is here, and it’s time to keep the kids sunscreened up and putting their energy to good use. Water games are second to none, IMO. 

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Water Balloon Games

There’s something about water bursting everywhere that brings an element of fun (and competitive spirits) to any game. 

1. Water Balloon Tag

• Start with one player as "it."
• Instead of tagging other players, they get to hit them with a water balloon.
• Once a player is hit, they become the new "it."
• Play until they’re so wet they admit they’ve had enough. 

2. Water Balloon Baseball

What you need:

• Plastic Bat: **We strongly recommend a plastic bat for this one. 
• Bases (or something to mark them: paper plates work great!)

How to play:

• Designate teams and split up among the bases and batting order.
• To Play: Pitcher tosses a water balloon to a "batter".
• If the batter successfully hits the balloon with the bat, they run the bases.
• Players in the field go after the balloon and tag the runner out.
• If the balloon bursts, the batting team gets a home run. 

3. Water Balloon Relay Race

• Divide the kids into two teams.
• Set up a start and finish line.
• Each player on the team has to carry a water balloon on a spoon or the rim of a cup 
• One at a time from each team, players race to the finish line without dropping or popping the balloon.
• If a balloon breaks, the player starts over from their start line.
• The first team to complete the relay with all players at the finish line wins.
  

4. Water Balloon Toss

• Divide kids into pairs of two.
• Position pairs standing facing each other, a short distance apart
• Players toss one water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch.
• The pair that tosses the balloon the farthest without it breaking wins.

5. Water Balloon Dodgeball

• Divide into two teams.
• Each team starts with an equal number of water balloons.
• Set up a court to play on, dividing in the middle. Each team stays on their side. 
• The teams stand on opposite sides of the court.
• Objective: Throw water balloons at the opposing team to hit all their players. 
• When a player is hit by a balloon, they are out.
• The team with the last player standing (and likely the driest) wins

Grab your towels, gear up in bathing suits, and game on.

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