Fun Places to Go with Kids

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Make the most of summer days — and the summer daze. Brainstorm a list of summer fun places to go with kids and make this a season to remember.

Whether you focus on family friendly day trips or are looking for full-blown family vacation ideas, be sure to include these stops with children in mind when planning your itinerary. It’s always good to have a list of fun places to go!

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Summer is officially in full gear. While some are trying to get us to start thinking about back to school, I’d like to hold off for a few more weeks. I mean how often do we look forward a few months without enjoying the here and now. Let’s milk summer for all it’s worth!

It’s easy to let summer pass you by with all kinds of busyness, but it doesn’t have to. In fact, when you intentionally plan kid friendly outings, you’re making a point to put your children first and let busyness take a backseat.

Why It Matters

As the saying goes, kids don’t keep. They grow up. And even though it may feel like a bit of a hassle to find fun places to go with kids of all ages, especially older kids, it’s well-worth the effort.

You’ll make family memories, explore the world outside your door, and maybe even learn a little history while you’re checking off your list these fun places to go with kids.

Plus, if you have a list of fun places to go with kids, you’ll have a back-up plan whenever you need one. No more “what should we do today?” when you have time to get out and about.

boy with raised arms waiting for a wave to approach on beach.

How to Decide

1. Talk to the fam.

Before you go planning a day outing or vacation for the whole family, start brainstorming ideas with your partner and children. One may want to do historical things like visit a national park or a local museum while another is pining for a water park or the rides at Disney World.

Get the lay of the land by gathering info as to what your people like to do.

2. Start your list.

Print off our free checklist of fun places to go with kids. (You can get immediate access when you subscribe to the Life as Mom newsletter.)

There are two pages: one pre-filled and an empty one. You can use the pre-filled page to get your ideas going or start generating ideas with your kids on the blank page.

girl at the zoo in the butterfly room with a butterfly on her arm.

Possible ideas

Consider adding these fun places to go with kids to your list:

  • zoo
  • beach, lake, river
  • pier or wharf
  • harbor or docks
  • local park or playground
  • state park or national forest
  • museum
  • berry farm or other U-pick farm
  • farmer’s market
  • a ghost town or historical monument
  • campground
  • public garden
  • nature center
  • library
  • science center
  • bookstore
  • ice cream shop
  • swimming pool
  • water park or splash pad
  • theme park or fair
  • grandparents or other family member’s home
  • aquarium
  • bakery
  • food factory
  • hotel

Get the Free Printable

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Get the free printable with fun places to go with kids when you subscribe to the Life as Mom newsletter.

At the same time, you’ll get instant access to the Life as Mom Free Resource Library, including guides and printables for all seasons and holidays.

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What works for you?

Leave a comment below and let us know what works for you.

This post was originally published on May 29, 2013. It has been updated for content and clarity.

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10 Comments

  1. Now that the kids are getting older, it’s hard to find things that are FUN and FREE! We have our usual spots….the library, area splash pads, parks….but I wish the local museums/aquariums ran a combo deal for a summer fun pass. We had a zoo pass and pool pass last year but we had to cut our expenses this summer and the kids are getting bored and I’m running out of ideas…lol. We have a camping trip coming up so we’re all looking forward to that.

  2. We’ve made a Summer Fun List and have it posted in the kitchen where everyone can see it! I think it is a great way to hold us parents accountable to check off items on that list. I hate it when it gets to August and I feel like we didn’t do anything the kids wanted to do that summer!

    1. That’s exactly how I feel. I don’t want to squander the days.

  3. Thank you so much for this. I swear my brain is not functioning at full capacity this summer. Maybe it is because the weather has been so awful (we had snow on Saturday). This makes our summer easy to plan! We will shoot for two a week. You rescued me once again!

      1. Snow-two inches of heavy wet snow! It was all gone in a matter of hours, but still, when it is almost June, you think you are safe. Apparently, here in New Hampshire, anything goes!

  4. My younger girls have two weeks to go, my teen daughter has been on sick leave for months, and my 18 yo son will be busy until the end of the year, so I’m not sure when our summer will begin. But I do want to be more intentional about it this year and make sure we make memories. Thanks for reminding me about that over and over! 🙂

      1. No, Jessica, it’s good to be repetitive about good things. I’m relying on you to keep it up so I won’t forget about it. 🙂