40 Summer Boredom Busters for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Low-Prep + Inexpensive!)
Looking for low-prep, inexpensive summer boredom busters for toddlers and preschoolers? This mega list of 40 indoor and outdoor ideas will keep little ones busy and happy all summer long, without breaking the bank.
If you’re in the thick of summer with toddlers or preschoolers at home, you know the phrase “I’m boooored!” hits hard by about 10 a.m. every day. Keeping little ones entertained (without screens) can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already juggling snack requests, sibling squabbles and the occasional meltdown over the “wrong” color popsicle.
But don’t worry, you don’t need a fully stocked craft closet or a backyard water park to make summer fun. These 40 summer boredom busters for toddlers and preschoolers are all low-prep, inexpensive, and require little to no special materials. They’re perfect for busy parents who just need something easy that works.
Let’s dive into the fun, starting with indoor ideas for those too-hot (or too-rainy) days.
Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.
20 Indoor Summer Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
These ideas are great for beating the heat while keeping your little ones busy and engaged:
Sticker sorting by color or shape – Build fine motor skills while staying mess-free.
Build a blanket fort – Add books, flashlights, or even snacks for bonus cozy points.
DIY sensory bin – Add scoops, funnels, and measuring cups. (Have extra time? Learn how to dye rice for sensory bins for some colorful fun)
Make a cereal necklace – Great for hand-eye coordination (and snacking).
Freeze dance party – Just hit play on a playlist and let the giggles begin.
Color scavenger hunt – Search the house for something red, then blue, and so on.
Make paper bag puppets – Add googly eyes or draw faces with markers.
Washi tape roads for toy cars – Instant raceway on your kitchen floor.
Sink or float science – Use a bowl of water and test household items (remember to always supervise toddlers and preschoolers around containers of water)
Indoor obstacle course – Use pillows, tunnels, chairs, and more!
Playdough with cookie cutters – No fancy tools needed.
Family photo matching game – Print photos and make your own memory game.
Paint with water – Let kids “paint” construction paper or the windows.
Couch cushion climbing course – Supervised, of course!
Ice cube painting – Freeze water with food coloring and paint on paper.
Cup stacking – Build and knock down towers with plastic cups.
Pretend restaurant – Take orders, serve meals, and let them “cook.”
Dot sticker art – Great for working on patterns and colors.
Puzzle race – See how many puzzles your child can complete in 10 minutes.
Write letters to family – Let them decorate cards or send scribbles in the mail.
20 Outdoor Summer Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Got a backyard, driveway or neighborhood park? These fun ideas will help your kids burn energy outside with little effort or cost.
Sidewalk chalk obstacle course – Hopscotch, lines to balance on, circles to jump in.
Nature scavenger hunt – Find a leaf, a bug, something round, something yellow…
Paint with water – Use old paintbrushes and “paint” the fence or driveway.
Bubble blowing contest – Who can make the biggest bubble?
Backyard car wash – Wash ride-on toys or bikes with sponges and soapy water.
Rock painting – Collect rocks and create colorful critters.
Mud kitchen – Mix up muddy “soup” or serve grass pies.
Backyard picnic – Snacks taste better on a blanket!
Bug collecting – Look for ladybugs, worms, or ants (and gently return them).
Sprinkler play or sponge toss – Cool off and get those wiggles out.
DIY obstacle course – Use cones, rope, boxes, or whatever you have.
Nature art – Use leaves, twigs, and petals to make pictures or collages. My kids love creating leaf men!
Balance beam – Try a plank of wood or masking tape on pavement.
Water sensory bin – Fill a plastic bin with water and measuring cups and small toys (remember to always supervise toddlers around open containers of water).
Toy parade – March favorite stuffed animals or dolls around the yard.
Storytime under a tree – Bring a book and a blanket.
Shadow tag – Try to step on each other’s shadows.
DIY outdoor stage – Let them put on a play or musical performance.
Sidewalk chalk paint – Mix cornstarch, water, and food coloring for washable fun.
Toy washing station – Clean dolls, dinosaurs, or action figures with soap and water.
Final Thoughts on These Summer Boredom Busters
If your idea of a break is hiding in the pantry for a minute of silence—we see you. You’re not failing; you’re just raising tiny humans in the middle of summer.
These boredom busters aren’t about doing it all. They’re here to give you a moment to drink your coffee hot, answer an email or just breathe. Even ten quiet minutes can feel like a miracle when your toddler is busy painting ice cubes or hunting for bugs.
So give yourself some grace, and keep this list handy for the days when you need a quick win.
Pin This for Later!
📌 Save this post to your “Mom Hacks” or “Summer Survival” board so you’re never out of ideas!
