Fun Summer Activities for Preschoolers

Summer is right around the corner! Now is the perfect time to engage your preschooler in exciting activities that will be stimulating and bring them joy. Whether you're looking to beat the heat or create lasting memories indoors, we at Small Strides compiled a list of summer activities specifically tailored for preschoolers. Let's dive in!

At-Home Summer Activities

Water Play Bonanza

Transform your backyard into a mini water park by setting up a kiddie pool, sprinklers, water toys, and whatever else you can dream up. Your preschooler will delight in splashing, sliding, and staying cool while developing their sensory and motor skills.

DIY Art Masterpieces

Encourage your little artist's creativity by providing them with art supplies like paper, crayons, washable paints, and brushes. Let their imagination soar as they create beautiful summer-themed masterpieces, and display their artwork around the house to boost their self-confidence.

Backyard Camping Adventure

Create a camping experience right in your backyard! Set up a tent with blankets and pillows, grab some flashlights, and gather favorite stuffed animals. Sing campfire songs, tell stories, and enjoy some yummy s'mores. It's a fun way to spark your preschooler's imagination while avoiding the hassle of visiting a campsite.

Sensory Bin Exploration

Create a sensory bin using a large plastic container filled with materials like colored rice, sand, water beads, or even cooked pasta. Add small toys or objects and let your preschooler dig, pour, and explore, stimulating their tactile senses and encouraging imaginative play.

Backyard Scavenger Hunt

Organize a scavenger hunt in your backyard or nearby park. Create a list of items your preschooler needs to find, such as leaves, rocks, flowers, or insects. This activity promotes observation skills, problem-solving, and encourages a love for nature.

Ice Cube Painting

Freeze water and food coloring in ice cube trays, then let your preschooler use them as paintbrushes on paper or even on the sidewalk. The coolness of the ice adds a refreshing twist to traditional painting and allows for experimentation with colors and textures.

Storytime Adventures

Bring stories to life by acting them out with your preschooler. Choose a favorite book and encourage them to dress up as the characters, create props, and even invent new endings. This imaginative play helps improve vocabulary, comprehension, and social skills.

DIY Mini Obstacle Course

Design a simple obstacle course using household items like hula hoops, pillows, cones, and boxes. Set up challenges such as jumping over obstacles, crawling under tables, or balancing on a line. This activity enhances gross motor skills, coordination, and provides a healthy outlet for energy.

Popsicle Party

Cool down with a refreshing popsicle-making session. Use fruit juices, yogurt, or smoothies to create healthy frozen treats. Involve your preschooler in pouring and mixing ingredients, then freeze them in molds. Enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor while bonding over sweet summertime flavors.

Dance Party

Turn up the music and have a dance party in your living room! Encourage your preschooler to move, groove, and express themselves through dance. This activity enhances motor skills and coordination, and boosts their mood while providing an opportunity for quality family bonding.

Community Activities in Reno/Sparks

Wild Island Family Adventure Park

Whatever your family is in the mood for, Wild Island Family Adventure Park has something for the perfect summer day. Bowling, mini-golf and glow-in-the-dark go-karting offer endless thrills, while Wild Islands’ indoor arcades and play area are a great way to have fun out of the sun. Wild Island Waterpark is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and provides splashy fun for kids of all ages.

The Discovery Museum

The Discovery Museum is the perfect stop to engage, learn and stay entertained. Kids can learn about everything from human anatomy, to nature, art, and science. 

Animal Ark

Animal Ark is a sanctuary for animals of all kinds, including foxes, wolves, birds of prey, big cats, bears, and even a desert tortoise! 

Make the Most of Your Summer

With these fun summer activities, you can ensure that your preschooler has an unforgettable summer while learning, exploring, and having a blast. From water play to imaginative adventures, these activities foster creativity, physical development, and family connections. Embrace the summer spirit and make lifelong memories with your little one right at home. Happy summer!