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Big Summer 😎 Fun for Little Ones (On a Budget That Won’t Melt Your Wallet)

28 items

Heather Hughes Page

Spending summers with my granddaughter is one of the highlights of my year—but I’ve also been a summer nanny for a busy little toddler, so trust me when I say: I’ve tested a lot of activities. This list is packed with budget-friendly ideas, toys, and...

Sections

Summer Activity Box

Podcasts Your Little Ones will Love

Summer Reading List for Children 4-7

Summer Activity Box

Toddlers + water = guaranteed happiness. Bonus points for adding plastic animals or measuring cups to turn it into a mini sensory lab.

Water Table Fun (or DIY with Tupperware + Cups)

Draw a hop, skip, spin-your-body challenge and cheer them on like it's the toddler Olympics. memories = priceless. This kit will have you set for the summer! And there will be no fighting with the neighbors as there is plenty for them too!

Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course

You could blow them yourself... or you could sip your iced coffee while a machine creates pure magic.

Bubble Machine That Goes the Distance

Let your toddler help pour fruit purée into molds for a healthy treat. Just don’t forget to label “Mom’s stash” separately. In case you don’t have any mold yet these are perfect for tiny hands!

DIY Popsicle Party (With Just a Blender + Mold)

Free entertainment, social time, and books you don’t have to read 600 times in a row? Yes, please. Every child should get a library card with their name on it – true memories! I remember this from my childhood and one of the best memories is walking ...

Local Library Story Time (And Indoor AC Bonus)

Set up a tent (or your RV in the driveway) roast fake marshmallows, and read stories under the stars—or under the patio string lights. It counts. Or the living room floor works too 😎cuz sleeping outside is not for everyone!) – If you are like me and...

Backyard Camping with Flashlights and Stuffies

All you need is a large bucket and an old paint brush or roller! Zero mess, total satisfaction. Toddlers love “painting” the sidewalk or fence. You’ll love not scrubbing paint off the dog.

Paint With Water Books

Turn up the tunes and let the wild rumpus start. A cheap ribbon on a stick becomes their new favorite instrument. I created a playlist here feel free to use it or create your own - Wiggle and Giggle Jam

Wiggle & Giggle Jam - Curated Spotify Dance List

Sudsy water, a sponge, and a spray bottle = hours of washing their trike like it’s a sports car. Bonus: it cleans your stuff too.

DIY Car Wash for kids to ride their toys through. How fun! 🚗

Can they find something green, something round, and something that makes a sound? Tailor it to their age and hype it up like a mission. – these cards make it super easy and leaves more time to have fun!

Park Scavenger Hunt (Toddler Edition)

Perfect for quiet time, travel, or waiting for the ice cream truck. Bonus: reusable = less waste.

Reusable Sticker Books or Felt Boards

Let them mix leaves, dirt, and water to their heart’s content. You’ll get the Best Parent Award—and maybe a pinecone soup. Bonus idea: get a small outdoor pool and do it outside. You’ll be the talk of the neighborhood. For real kitchen mud magic chec...

Mud Kitchen Recipes for Magical & Muddy Hands

They love to dig. You want something planted. Meet in the middle and call it a summer project.

Toddler-Friendly Garden Tools

Blankets over chairs, some board books, a flashlight, and toddler snacks? That’s a rainy-day retreat worth remembering. I will admit the must frustrating thing is building a fort that clapses. I love these buildable forts that you can then put blanke...

Camp Indoors With a Cozy Reading Fort

Podcasts Your Little Ones will Love

Best For: Bedtime, quiet time, or when you want a break from screen time but still want a magical story vibe. Pro Tip: Search by episode titles with animals or character names—they tend to be the most fun for this age group.

Circle Round

Best For: Curious kiddos who love to ask “why?” Episodes to start with: “Why do we laugh?” “How does popcorn pop?”

Brains On! Science podcast for kids

Best For: Little dino enthusiasts who want story + science. Episodes are short (5–10 mins), so great for short attention spans.

Dinosaur Stories For Kids

Best For: Music time, dance breaks, or days when they just can’t stop moving. Episodes to try first: “Funky Moose” “Teeny Tiny Opera”

Noodle Loaf - Music Education Podcast for Kids

Best For: Calm storytelling time, especially right before bed or during quiet play. Sweet bonus: Lots of animal characters, imaginative worlds, and gentle humor.

Little Stories for Tiny People: Anytime and bedtime stories for kids

Summer Reading List for Children 4-7

ere’s a list of 10 must-read books this summer for children ages 4–7, with a mix of classics, newer releases, and diverse voices. These are perfect for reading under a shady tree, on a beach towel, or during those lazy post-popsicle afternoons.

A hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt story about a little T-Rex navigating her first day of school. Spoiler: her classmates are delicious-looking humans.

We Don't Eat Our Classmates: Penelope Rex

This charming tale about friendship and inclusivity features a boy and his pet elephant who aren’t welcome at the pet club—so they make their own.

Strictly No Elephants (Pet Club Series)

A stunning, gentle story about identity and self-expression. It’s short, sweet, and sparkles with acceptance.

Julián is a Mermaid - Jessica Love

A summer wouldn't be complete without at least one "If You Give a..." book. They're delightfully chaotic and loop around in the most fun way.

If You Give a Moose a Muffin

Three friends head out on a nature hike and discover adventure in their own backyard. Includes labeled drawings of plants and animals—great for budding naturalists!

The Hike: Nature Book for Kids, Outdoors

The Pigeon is back with his very strong opinions (and even stronger stench). Great for kids who resist bathtime—wink wink.

The Pigeon Needs A Bath! Willems, Mo, Author, Illustrator Hyperion | PDF

A heartwarming, visually stunning story about a mother and daughter who make the most of a not-so-perfect Saturday. Full of love and relatability.

Saturday: Mora, Oge

This classic still holds up! A little fish teaches a big lesson in teamwork and courage. Bonus points if your kid loves ocean life.

Swimmy: Lionni, Leo

Inspired by real women in STEM, this book is equal parts funny and empowering. Great for kids who take apart the toaster just to see how it works.

Ada Twist, Scientist: A Picture Book