37 Summer Activities with Your Kids
Kids are out of school, and you need some summer activity ideas. Look no further! We have assembled a list of ideas submitted by various Foothills moms.
37 SUMMER ACTIVITY IDEAS
Free!
1. "DINOSAUR TRAIL": DAVE MOORE'S NATURE AREA
Where: Lotus
Dinosaur Hunt, Hike, Swim, Picnic — We go to the Dave Moore Nature Area aka Dinosaur Trail in Lotus. It is right near the river but calmer parts of it and it’s a great about 1 mile hike for the kids. We usually pack a lunch and eat by the river and sometimes play in the river because it is so calm. It’s fun to look for dinosaurs around the trails that people have hidden and then you re-hide them for others to find. The river is about halfway through the trail so it’s a great stopping point for kids. And even my two year old can make it because they are all so busy looking for dinosaurs they don’t even focus on the hike that much.
More Info: Dave Moore Nature Trail, The Dinosaur Hike
Idea Submitted by Megan Sooth
___________
$$$
2. CAMERON PARK LAKE
Where: Cameron Park
Swim, Playground, Disc Golf, walk, explore —it's pretty shaded and my kids love exploring the lake while we walk.
More Info: Cameron Park Lake
Idea Submitted by Megan Sooth
___________
Free!
3. RASMUSSEN PARK
Where: Cameron Park
I take the kids to Rasmussen Park in less hot days and we hike Pine Hill Preserve that is home to Rasmussen Pond. It’s a fun little pond to throw rocks in and hike around. It is pretty sunny there though so we go earlier mornings for that or wait for less hot days.
More Info: Rasmussen Park
Idea Submitted by Megan Sooth
___________
Free!
4. SPLASH PAD: PROMONTORY PARK
Where: El Dorado Hills
Going to splash pads are super duper fun and free.
More Info: Promontory Community Park
Idea Submitted by Megan Sooth & Jessica Leary
__________
Free!
5. SPLASH PAD: HERON LANDING COMMUNITY PARK
Where: Rancho Cordova
Going to splash pads are super duper fun and free.
More Info: Heron Landing Community Park
Idea Submitted by Megan Sooth
__________
Free!
6. SPLASH PAD: LIVERMORE COMMUNITY PARK
Where: Folsom
Great little water play park for young children. Some tables/seating available, but best to bring picnic blanket and camp chairs. Kids love to float toys down the man-made creek and run through the waterfall feature.
More Info: Livermore Community Park
Idea Submitted by Karri Koenigs
__________
$$$
7. CUMMINGS FAMILY SKATE & BIKE PARK
Where: Folsom
The bike and skate parks are great for older kids, but plentiful sidewalks make it easy to entertain littles on wheels as well. These parks are well-maintained and monitored during hours of operation.
More Info: Cummings Family Skate & Bike Park
Idea Submitted by Karri Koenigs
__________
Free!
8. COMMUNITY OBSERVATORY
Where: Placerville
There's something exciting about a nighttime adventure for kids and this one starts with a little walk from the college parking lot up to the discovery of a community treasure; greatest of which are the people donating their time to share their passion for outerspace. Wonderful outdoor observatory, big telescopes, and some very cool laser pointers.
More Info: Community Observatory
Idea Submitted by Karri Koenigs
__________
$$$
9. POPE BEACH
Where: Tahoe
Mid-week is the best time to make a run for this day at the beach to avoid crowds and traffic. No dogs allowed (we learned this one the hard way).
More Info: Pope Beach
Idea Submitted by Karri Koenigs
__________
Free!
10. FOOTHILLS FAMILY FUNDAYS
Where: Foothills Church
4 family events that take place on Tuesday evenings and include food, so you can grab your crew after work and come hungry. Two water play evenings, and two movie nights. Info and registration on the Foothills Events page.
More Info: Foothills Events
Idea Submitted by Karri Koenigs
__________
$$$
11. MIWOK TRAIL
Where: Sly Park, Pollock Pines
We like the Miwok Trail at Sly Park Lake because it is short and toddler friendly. It is not stroller friendly though. It is a cute little hike that was created by an Eagle Scout and has a little bridge that the kids like to run over. We usually do the loop a couple of times and then have a snack at the picnic table near the trail head.
To get to the Miwok Trail, go to Sly Park Lake and pay the day use fee (usually around $15) and drive straight, taking the road that will lead you left at the lake. Follow this road for about 5 minutes until you see the sign for the Miwok Trail that will be on your left. You can park on the right side of the road in the dirt or in one of the spots in front of the trail head on the left.
4 family events that take place on Tuesday evenings and include food, so you can grab your crew after work and come hungry. Two water play evenings, and two movie nights. Info and registration on the Foothills Events page.
More Info: Miwok Trail inside Sly Park
Idea Submitted by Melissa James
__________
$$$
12. FUNDERLAND AMUSEMENT PARK
Where: Sacramento
Growing up I had no idea that this little amusement park existed. It is great for kids ages 2-10 I'd say, and has lots of fun rides similar to ones you would find at a fair or the kid section of an amusement park.
More Info: Funderland Park
Idea Submitted by Melissa James
__________
Free!
13. CHALK ART MOSAIC WITH PAINTER TAPE
Where: Home
More Info: Examples on Pinterest
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
14. MAKE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS (Get 'em done early!)
Where: Home
More Info: Examples on Pinterest
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
15. ICE CREAM MAKING
Where: Home
More Info: Examples on Pinterest
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
16. POPSICLE MAKING
Where: Home
More Info: Examples on Pinterest
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
17. DAYTIME CAMP-INS: CAMPING IN THE LIVING ROOM
Where: Home
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
18. ACT OUT A FAVORITE BOOK
Where: Home
Our backyard fort often becomes The Boxcar Children’s boxcar and they spend the day acting out their own book.
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
19. "LOVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD" PROJECT
Where: Home & Neighborhood
Make cookies and cards for neighbors. Fun to watch littles “sneak up“ to doors.
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
20. SET & CELEBRATE SUMMER GOALS
Where: Home
If you wanna get really crazy, we set summer goals. Something mom and dad want them to work on, and something they want to accomplish (they tend to pick more than one). At the end of summer we have a “party” (they design) to celebrate how hard everyone has worked/and goals accomplished. (Ex. Learning to swim, learning all the letters, tying a shoe, reading 10 books, etc)
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free or $$$
21. PHOTO WALKS
Where: Anywhere
Morning walks with a camera — see what they take pictures of. Rock walks, flower walks, etc. Just pick a different thing to focus on each time. We’ve even printed a book (snapfish) of all their fun finds.
More Info: SnapFish
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free or $$$
22. HIKING
Where: Sly Park
More Info: Sly Park
Idea Submitted by Shari Baldoni
__________
Free!
23. PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNTS
Where: Anywhere
More Info: Pinterest Ideas
Idea Submitted by Shari Baldoni
__________
Free!
24. GEOCACHING
Where: Anywhere
More Info: Geocaching
Idea Submitted by Shari Baldoni
__________
Free!
25. LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
Where: El Dorado County Libraries
Placerville Library has a weekly lego day on Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30 that is a favorite of my kids.
More Info: Library Calendar
Idea Submitted by Ella Brown
__________
$$$
26. RIVER PLAY AT HENNINGSEN LOTUS PARK
Where: Lotus
More Info: Henningsen Lotus Park
Idea Submitted by Ella Brown
__________
$$$
27. EL DORADO COUNTY FAIR
Where: Placerville
More Info: El Dorado County Fair
Idea Submitted by Ella Brow
__________
$$$
28. SUNSPLASH
Where: Roseville
More Info: Golfland Sunsplash
Idea Submitted by Ella Brow
__________
Free!
29. THEMED WEEKS
Where: Anywhere
Themed weeks that include a daily activity at: library, park, river, pool, etc.
Idea Submitted by Ella Brow
__________
$$$
30. DAYTRIP: DL BLISS STATE PARK OR MEEK'S BAY
Where: Tahoe
On super hot days or weeks I love to take the kids up to either DL Bliss State Park, or Meeks bay. Get there early and plan to spend the day: bring lunch, sand toys, water toys, chairs and lots of sunscreen! It’s a great way to escape the heat and thoroughly tire out the kids. Extra tip: bring a grandparent for extra eyes and hands on the kiddos!
More Info: DL Bliss State Park, Meek's Bay
Idea Submitted by Jessica Leary
__________
Free!
31. NATURE SCAVENGER HUNTS
Where: Anywhere
We like to do nature scavenger hunts which could be done on a hike, nature walk, or around your house; you can do different things each time
More Info: Pinterest Printable
Idea Submitted by Samantha Edens
__________
$$$
32. EXHILARATION STATION
Where: Placerville
Exhilaration Station in Placerville is also a wonderful place to let your kids play and get out some energy in an air conditioned play gym! The owners are fantastic and have hearts for serving the community. Our kids have lots of fun there!
More Info: Exhilaration Station
Idea Submitted by Samantha Edens
__________
$$$
33. DAYTRIP: YUBA CITY PUBLIC POOL & WATER SLIDE
Where: Yuba City
We love (of course) swimming…at home or if you’re up for a trip Yuba City has an awesome public pool/water slide spot!
More Info: The Gauche Aquatic Park
Idea Submitted by KayLynn Drummond
__________
$$$
34. DAYTRIP: LAKE ALMANOR
Where: Lake Almanor
Lake Almanor is one of our favorite get away places. Amazing lake to swim, jet ski, wakeboard, fish, camp…and Mt. Lassen national park is close by and so fun to explore!
More Info: Lake Almanor Area
Idea Submitted by KayLynn Drummond
__________
$$$
35. SACRAMENTO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Where: Rancho Cordova
More Info: Children's Museum
Idea Submitted by KayLynn Drummond
__________
Free!
36. BIKE GANG
Where: Neighborhood
We love riding bikes outside of our house. We go get as many neighbor kids we can and ask them to ride bikes with us.
Idea Submitted by Larissa Quintard
__________
Free or $$$
37. FISH HATCHERY & DISCOVERY TRAIL
Where: Gold River
The Salmon run is in the Fall, but Summer is still a nice time to visit, and it sets kids up for an exciting return in the Fall.
More Info: Nimbus Fish Hatchery, American River Discovery Trail
Idea Submitted by Karri Koenigs
1. "DINOSAUR TRAIL": DAVE MOORE'S NATURE AREA
Where: Lotus
Dinosaur Hunt, Hike, Swim, Picnic — We go to the Dave Moore Nature Area aka Dinosaur Trail in Lotus. It is right near the river but calmer parts of it and it’s a great about 1 mile hike for the kids. We usually pack a lunch and eat by the river and sometimes play in the river because it is so calm. It’s fun to look for dinosaurs around the trails that people have hidden and then you re-hide them for others to find. The river is about halfway through the trail so it’s a great stopping point for kids. And even my two year old can make it because they are all so busy looking for dinosaurs they don’t even focus on the hike that much.
More Info: Dave Moore Nature Trail, The Dinosaur Hike
Idea Submitted by Megan Sooth
___________
$$$
2. CAMERON PARK LAKE
Where: Cameron Park
Swim, Playground, Disc Golf, walk, explore —it's pretty shaded and my kids love exploring the lake while we walk.
More Info: Cameron Park Lake
Idea Submitted by Megan Sooth
___________
Free!
3. RASMUSSEN PARK
Where: Cameron Park
I take the kids to Rasmussen Park in less hot days and we hike Pine Hill Preserve that is home to Rasmussen Pond. It’s a fun little pond to throw rocks in and hike around. It is pretty sunny there though so we go earlier mornings for that or wait for less hot days.
More Info: Rasmussen Park
Idea Submitted by Megan Sooth
___________
Free!
4. SPLASH PAD: PROMONTORY PARK
Where: El Dorado Hills
Going to splash pads are super duper fun and free.
More Info: Promontory Community Park
Idea Submitted by Megan Sooth & Jessica Leary
__________
Free!
5. SPLASH PAD: HERON LANDING COMMUNITY PARK
Where: Rancho Cordova
Going to splash pads are super duper fun and free.
More Info: Heron Landing Community Park
Idea Submitted by Megan Sooth
__________
Free!
6. SPLASH PAD: LIVERMORE COMMUNITY PARK
Where: Folsom
Great little water play park for young children. Some tables/seating available, but best to bring picnic blanket and camp chairs. Kids love to float toys down the man-made creek and run through the waterfall feature.
More Info: Livermore Community Park
Idea Submitted by Karri Koenigs
__________
$$$
7. CUMMINGS FAMILY SKATE & BIKE PARK
Where: Folsom
The bike and skate parks are great for older kids, but plentiful sidewalks make it easy to entertain littles on wheels as well. These parks are well-maintained and monitored during hours of operation.
More Info: Cummings Family Skate & Bike Park
Idea Submitted by Karri Koenigs
__________
Free!
8. COMMUNITY OBSERVATORY
Where: Placerville
There's something exciting about a nighttime adventure for kids and this one starts with a little walk from the college parking lot up to the discovery of a community treasure; greatest of which are the people donating their time to share their passion for outerspace. Wonderful outdoor observatory, big telescopes, and some very cool laser pointers.
More Info: Community Observatory
Idea Submitted by Karri Koenigs
__________
$$$
9. POPE BEACH
Where: Tahoe
Mid-week is the best time to make a run for this day at the beach to avoid crowds and traffic. No dogs allowed (we learned this one the hard way).
More Info: Pope Beach
Idea Submitted by Karri Koenigs
__________
Free!
10. FOOTHILLS FAMILY FUNDAYS
Where: Foothills Church
4 family events that take place on Tuesday evenings and include food, so you can grab your crew after work and come hungry. Two water play evenings, and two movie nights. Info and registration on the Foothills Events page.
More Info: Foothills Events
Idea Submitted by Karri Koenigs
__________
$$$
11. MIWOK TRAIL
Where: Sly Park, Pollock Pines
We like the Miwok Trail at Sly Park Lake because it is short and toddler friendly. It is not stroller friendly though. It is a cute little hike that was created by an Eagle Scout and has a little bridge that the kids like to run over. We usually do the loop a couple of times and then have a snack at the picnic table near the trail head.
To get to the Miwok Trail, go to Sly Park Lake and pay the day use fee (usually around $15) and drive straight, taking the road that will lead you left at the lake. Follow this road for about 5 minutes until you see the sign for the Miwok Trail that will be on your left. You can park on the right side of the road in the dirt or in one of the spots in front of the trail head on the left.
4 family events that take place on Tuesday evenings and include food, so you can grab your crew after work and come hungry. Two water play evenings, and two movie nights. Info and registration on the Foothills Events page.
More Info: Miwok Trail inside Sly Park
Idea Submitted by Melissa James
__________
$$$
12. FUNDERLAND AMUSEMENT PARK
Where: Sacramento
Growing up I had no idea that this little amusement park existed. It is great for kids ages 2-10 I'd say, and has lots of fun rides similar to ones you would find at a fair or the kid section of an amusement park.
More Info: Funderland Park
Idea Submitted by Melissa James
__________
Free!
13. CHALK ART MOSAIC WITH PAINTER TAPE
Where: Home
More Info: Examples on Pinterest
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
14. MAKE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS (Get 'em done early!)
Where: Home
More Info: Examples on Pinterest
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
15. ICE CREAM MAKING
Where: Home
More Info: Examples on Pinterest
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
16. POPSICLE MAKING
Where: Home
More Info: Examples on Pinterest
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
17. DAYTIME CAMP-INS: CAMPING IN THE LIVING ROOM
Where: Home
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
18. ACT OUT A FAVORITE BOOK
Where: Home
Our backyard fort often becomes The Boxcar Children’s boxcar and they spend the day acting out their own book.
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
19. "LOVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD" PROJECT
Where: Home & Neighborhood
Make cookies and cards for neighbors. Fun to watch littles “sneak up“ to doors.
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free!
20. SET & CELEBRATE SUMMER GOALS
Where: Home
If you wanna get really crazy, we set summer goals. Something mom and dad want them to work on, and something they want to accomplish (they tend to pick more than one). At the end of summer we have a “party” (they design) to celebrate how hard everyone has worked/and goals accomplished. (Ex. Learning to swim, learning all the letters, tying a shoe, reading 10 books, etc)
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free or $$$
21. PHOTO WALKS
Where: Anywhere
Morning walks with a camera — see what they take pictures of. Rock walks, flower walks, etc. Just pick a different thing to focus on each time. We’ve even printed a book (snapfish) of all their fun finds.
More Info: SnapFish
Idea Submitted by Nicole Cimino
__________
Free or $$$
22. HIKING
Where: Sly Park
More Info: Sly Park
Idea Submitted by Shari Baldoni
__________
Free!
23. PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNTS
Where: Anywhere
More Info: Pinterest Ideas
Idea Submitted by Shari Baldoni
__________
Free!
24. GEOCACHING
Where: Anywhere
More Info: Geocaching
Idea Submitted by Shari Baldoni
__________
Free!
25. LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
Where: El Dorado County Libraries
Placerville Library has a weekly lego day on Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30 that is a favorite of my kids.
More Info: Library Calendar
Idea Submitted by Ella Brown
__________
$$$
26. RIVER PLAY AT HENNINGSEN LOTUS PARK
Where: Lotus
More Info: Henningsen Lotus Park
Idea Submitted by Ella Brown
__________
$$$
27. EL DORADO COUNTY FAIR
Where: Placerville
More Info: El Dorado County Fair
Idea Submitted by Ella Brow
__________
$$$
28. SUNSPLASH
Where: Roseville
More Info: Golfland Sunsplash
Idea Submitted by Ella Brow
__________
Free!
29. THEMED WEEKS
Where: Anywhere
Themed weeks that include a daily activity at: library, park, river, pool, etc.
Idea Submitted by Ella Brow
__________
$$$
30. DAYTRIP: DL BLISS STATE PARK OR MEEK'S BAY
Where: Tahoe
On super hot days or weeks I love to take the kids up to either DL Bliss State Park, or Meeks bay. Get there early and plan to spend the day: bring lunch, sand toys, water toys, chairs and lots of sunscreen! It’s a great way to escape the heat and thoroughly tire out the kids. Extra tip: bring a grandparent for extra eyes and hands on the kiddos!
More Info: DL Bliss State Park, Meek's Bay
Idea Submitted by Jessica Leary
__________
Free!
31. NATURE SCAVENGER HUNTS
Where: Anywhere
We like to do nature scavenger hunts which could be done on a hike, nature walk, or around your house; you can do different things each time
More Info: Pinterest Printable
Idea Submitted by Samantha Edens
__________
$$$
32. EXHILARATION STATION
Where: Placerville
Exhilaration Station in Placerville is also a wonderful place to let your kids play and get out some energy in an air conditioned play gym! The owners are fantastic and have hearts for serving the community. Our kids have lots of fun there!
More Info: Exhilaration Station
Idea Submitted by Samantha Edens
__________
$$$
33. DAYTRIP: YUBA CITY PUBLIC POOL & WATER SLIDE
Where: Yuba City
We love (of course) swimming…at home or if you’re up for a trip Yuba City has an awesome public pool/water slide spot!
More Info: The Gauche Aquatic Park
Idea Submitted by KayLynn Drummond
__________
$$$
34. DAYTRIP: LAKE ALMANOR
Where: Lake Almanor
Lake Almanor is one of our favorite get away places. Amazing lake to swim, jet ski, wakeboard, fish, camp…and Mt. Lassen national park is close by and so fun to explore!
More Info: Lake Almanor Area
Idea Submitted by KayLynn Drummond
__________
$$$
35. SACRAMENTO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Where: Rancho Cordova
More Info: Children's Museum
Idea Submitted by KayLynn Drummond
__________
Free!
36. BIKE GANG
Where: Neighborhood
We love riding bikes outside of our house. We go get as many neighbor kids we can and ask them to ride bikes with us.
Idea Submitted by Larissa Quintard
__________
Free or $$$
37. FISH HATCHERY & DISCOVERY TRAIL
Where: Gold River
The Salmon run is in the Fall, but Summer is still a nice time to visit, and it sets kids up for an exciting return in the Fall.
More Info: Nimbus Fish Hatchery, American River Discovery Trail
Idea Submitted by Karri Koenigs
Let us know in the comments what activity[ies] you are going to do with your kids this summer!
BIG THANKS to:
BIG THANKS to:
- Our Kids Director, Karri Koenigs, for contacting various moms to collect summer activity ideas for kids.
- All the moms that submitted ideas: Megan Sooth, Karri Koenigs, Melissa James, Nicole Cimino, Shari Baldoni, Ella Brown, Jessica Leary, Samantha Edens, KayLynn Drummond, and Larissa Quintard.
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