Summer Fun with Pre-Teens & Teens: Simple & Nostalgic Ideas That Actually Work
Summer with preteens and teens is a whole different world than those early toddler years. Gone are the days of sidewalk chalk and water tables. And yet... they still need us. They still need connection, fun, and a break from routine. They just need it in ways that respect their growing independence and interests. I took my kids to a park recently, and honestly, we rarely go anymore because they are quickly outgrowing the park days. But this particular day, they actually asked me to take them so we went, and as they played floor is lava tag, I was reminiscing on the days when they would sit in the swing and ask me to push them or when they would want me to catch them at the bottom of the slide. But long gone are those days, and all though replaced, they can still be as sweet.
And here’s the truth: making memories with your big kids doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or overly scheduled.
If you're looking for ideas that feel nostalgic, creative, and truly summer-y (without spending a fortune), I’ve got you. This list is full of simple, connection-building activities that work for the teen and preteen crowd—plus a few that’ll tug on your 90s heartstrings.
🪁 Outdoor Adventures
Late-night stargazing with blankets and snacks
Glow stick hide-and-seek after dark (a top favorite)
Go on a local hiking trail and pack a weird snack picnic
Bike rides to a new-to-them destination (bonus if there’s ice cream involved)
Backyard water balloon baseball (trust me—so fun) or water slide kickball
Make a nature scavenger hunt—but let them design it for the rest of the family
Host a family “field day” competition—tug of war, three-legged race, etc.
Camp out in the backyard (with real s’mores and flashlights) or a real campout, even better!
slip and slide (no, they are not to old for that!)
concerts in the park (they are usually free)
find all the fireworks shows and watch them together
float down a river
🛼 Nostalgic + 90s-Inspired Fun
Make a summer playlist together (yes, add some your childhood faves!)
Have a family movie night with 90s throwbacks—Mrs. Doubtfire, Matilda, Hook, anyone?
Tie-dye t-shirts in the backyard (yes, it’s still cool again)
Teach them how to make mixtape-style playlists for different moods
Play M.A.S.H. and other old-school paper games
Get a cheap disposable camera and let them document the summer—no filters
Start a family water gun war. No warning. Just chaos.
foursquare
fly kites
🏸 Home-Based, Chill + Creative Ideas
Start a "Summer Skill Challenge" (learn how to grill, sew on a button, build a birdhouse, etc.)
Let them take over one dinner night a week—menu, grocery list, cooking
play kick the can in the back yard
outdoor movie night
Have a “no electricity for 2 hours” challenge—candles, games, stories
Set up a backyard “café” and serve iced coffee + treats for you and them
Make homemade popsicles or slushies—experiment with flavors
root beer floats of course
Hair wraps
rock painting
🎣 Connection-Focused Family Ideas
Plan a “yes day” (within reason!) where you let the kids choose all the activities
Start a summer book-to-movie challenge—read it together, then watch it
Family board game tournaments with prizes like “pick dinner” or “skip a chore”
Download a free printable with all of these ideas here!
It’s Not About Doing Everything
You don’t need to pack every day with activities. Let there be boredom. Let there be space. Summer isn’t about performing—it’s about reconnecting.
And when you do want to jump in with something intentional or fun, let this list be a guide—not a checklist. Preteens and teens might roll their eyes at first—but they remember the memories you’re making.
So go ahead. Buy the glow sticks. Make the yummy coke floats. And let this summer be one you all look back on with a smile.
looking for more ways to connect with your kids in this season of parenting, read this post with 4 of our tried and true tips on building deeper connections