Summer is an exciting time for the whole family! The weather is warm, the daylight lasts a little longer, and there's no better way to spend the season than with fun activities the whole family can enjoy. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the sunshine.

Film Your Own Music Video or Short Film

For this activity, you'll only need a phone and a can-do attitude. Start by choosing a song or a story, then brainstorm ideas together. Get creative with props and costumes, either by making something new or raiding your Halloween closet to play dress-up. If you're recording a music video, consider making instruments to pretend to play while filming. When you're finished, display whatever you create on the side of your home with a portable projector and host a viewing party.

Create an Obstacle Course

This one might take a little planning, but it can get everybody working together or competing individually. Create an obstacle course around your yard with hula hoops (or old tires) to step through, tape together boxes in an arch to crawl under, jump around pool noodles or broom handles, and toss bean bags at a target. Want to make a hot summer feel a little cooler? Get creative with sprinklers and water toys to run through.

Start or Enhance a Garden

Gardens come in all shapes and sizes. Beside planting flowers, fruits, veggies, or herbs, you could also start a butterfly or hummingbird garden. Plus, tending to a garden and watching it grow will provide more fun for the whole family throughout the rest of the season. If you have a garden already, consider adding a bird feeder! You can buy bird food, but if you're looking for another activity, try making your own at home.

Plan Arts and Crafts Time

Summer's warm weather is a great excuse for taking messier arts-and-crafts projects outside, where it's easier to clean! Sidewalk chalk is an easy place to start, and you can even make your own with water, cornstarch, and food coloring. Tie-dying shirts or bedsheets is a great opportunity to let each family member express themselves with their favorite colors.

Painting flower pots or rocks for a garden is another great outdoor craft—just make sure the forecast doesn't call for rain when you're letting your projects dry overnight. Want to lean into your imagination? Make fairy houses to decorate your garden or porch with recycled cardboard or natural materials you find outside like leaves, sticks, and pinecones.

Play Outdoor Family Games

Refresh your family game night by taking it outside. You can play your typical, indoor board games on a deck or patio, but games like cornhole, capture the flag, or even tug of war can get everybody moving in a new way while still expending competitive energy. Consider making a picnic to eat between the games, or put your grill to work. Are pool games more your style? Turn on our Poolside Vibes playlist while you're competing!

Camp in or Camp out

Camping at home can be a lot of fun…with all the joys of indoor plumbing! Pitch a tent in the backyard or sleep under the stars on your backyard deck. Build a backyard firepit for campfire nachos, grilled skewers, and s'mores. Tell stories around the fire or plan a nighttime scavenger hunt with flashlights. If the weather changes at the last minute, don't be afraid to pull the sleeping bags inside and make microwaved s'mores with a movie night instead! No matter what your summer looks like, we hope you enjoy it in your home! If you're on the lookout for your dream home, Freedom Homes™ can connect you with a top real estate agent!