45 Fun Summer Activities for Nannies and Kids (Plus Your Essential Summer Nanny Bag Checklist!)
Summer is here, and that means sunshine, smiles, and lots of opportunities to keep kids active, entertained, and happy! As a professional nanny, you know that having a few great activities up your sleeve can make every babysitting appointment even more enjoyable, for both you and the children.
Whether you're planning outdoor adventures, creative indoor projects, or something in between, we've rounded up 45 summer activity ideas perfect for kids ages 3 to 13.
Plus, we’ve included a handy list of essentials to pack in your nanny bag this season!
Outdoor Adventures
Nature scavenger hunt at the park
Sidewalk chalk art challenge
Visit a local splash pad or wading pool
Build a fort with sticks and leaves in the backyard
Bike ride around the neighborhood
Outdoor obstacle course with cones, ropes, and hula hoops
Fly a kite on a breezy day
Host a mini sports day with races and ball games
Water balloon toss
Bubble blowing contest
Picnic lunch in a shady park
Create a DIY bird feeder
Go on a bug hunt with magnifying glasses
Outdoor painting session (with washable paints!)
Visit a local farmers' market and pick out fresh fruit
Make giant bubbles with homemade bubble wands
Backyard camping with tents and pretend campfires
Decorate the sidewalk with positive messages
Create nature-themed crafts (like leaf rubbings)
Play “freeze dance” with a Bluetooth speaker outside
Indoor Fun for Hot or Rainy Days
Make homemade popsicles
Create a summer scrapbook with drawings and photos
Set up an indoor “beach” with towels, music, and beach ball games
DIY tie-dye shirts
Build an epic blanket fort and read inside
Bake summer-themed cookies or cupcakes
Host a “Chopped Junior” kitchen challenge (with safe ingredients)
Create your own board games
Make friendship bracelets
Science experiments (like a DIY volcano or slime)
Watch a classic kids’ summer movie with popcorn
Paint kindness rocks to hide around the neighborhood
Put on a talent show or puppet play
Host a mini indoor Olympics with silly games
DIY paper sailboats and race them in a kiddie pool or bathtub
Make cool crafts like sun catchers or paper fans
Dance party with summer playlists
Indoor yoga or stretching sessions
Ice excavation activity (freeze small toys in a block of ice and "dig" them out)
Journaling or storytelling time: write a summer adventure story together
Bonus: Low-Prep, Easy Ideas
Card games like Go Fish, Crazy Eights, or Uno
Water painting the sidewalk (just with water and brushes)
Create a lemonade stand (even just for family!)
Backyard treasure hunt with small prizes
DIY sensory bins (sand, water beads, or rice)
Your Essential Summer Nanny Bag Checklist
A well-stocked nanny bag can make the difference between a smooth, successful day and a stressful one! Here’s what we recommend for summer babysitting appointments:
Sun Protection:
Kid-friendly sunscreen (and check with parents for any specific brands)
Sun hats
Sunglasses
Extra T-shirts or cover-ups
Hydration & Snacks:
Refillable water bottles
Healthy, non-perishable snacks (always confirm allergies with parents!)
Outdoor Essentials:
Bug spray or wipes
Picnic blanket or towels
Sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and small sports balls
Band-aids and a small first aid kit
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Indoor Fun Supplies:
Crayons, markers, colouring books
A few small craft supplies (glue sticks, scissors, paper)
A favourite storybook or two
A deck of cards or travel-sized games
Just in Case:
Change of clothes for younger children
Wet wipes and tissues
Plastic bags for wet clothes or messy items
Final Tips for Summer Babysitting
Before each appointment, it's a good idea to ask parents about any special summer plans, routines, or rules (like sunscreen reapplication schedules, preferred parks, or no-water-balloon rules!).
Summer is a magical time for kids and as their nanny, you have the special opportunity to create joyful memories they’ll remember forever.
Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the sunshine!