Summer in Central Mass is packed with possibility and whether you’re a planner or a “let’s just see where the day takes us” kind of family, having a little inspiration on hand never hurts. We put together this list of 50 things to do this summer with local families in mind, mixing free and low-cost activities, hidden gems, beloved local spots, and a few creative ideas you can pull off right in your own backyard. From farmers markets and food trucks to firefly hunts and festive traditions, consider this your go-to guide for making the most of the season, one adventure at a time.
50 Things To Do To with Kids This Summer
- Explore a new park or playground and bring a portable bubble machine to elevate the fun. My 3 favorite parks include: Dean Park in Shrewsbury, Assabet Park in Northborough and Norcross Park in Grafton.
- Check out a new library. Some of my personal favorites include Northborough, West Boylston, Shrewsbury & Grafton.
- Visit your local library and inquire about any discounted passes they may have available for use by patrons. Ask the children’s librarian for details.
- Stop by a hot dog stand. My suggestion is to stop at Firehouse Dogs in Grafton then head over to Swirls & Scoops for an ice cream.
- Explore a farmers market.
- Make Tie-Dye Shirts. If you have a trip coming up make matching ones for your family so they are easier to spot.
- Have a campfire & make s’mores. Have your kids collect sticks and then use a Reese’s cup or Kit Kat bar to elevate your s’mores game.
- Make ice cream sundaes and set up a creative toppings selection. Trader Joe’s has mini chocolate chip cookies which I guarantee will take your sundaes to the next level!
- Have a homemade pizza night. If you don’t have time to make dough, use English muffins or Texas toast as an alternative.
- Have a movie night with popcorn. Grab a jiffy pop for some nostalgia or try to make it on the Blackstone if you have one.
- Look for fireflies or watch the stars at night. See if your library has a telescope you can check out for a night.
- Go see Fireworks. You can see them after every Friday night Woo Sox game and don’t forget to bring headphones for littles.
- Go to a fair or festival and try out a new food.
- Go to a parade. Check for local Fourth of July celebrations in your area.
- Explore a state park or beach and if they have water, teach your kids how to skip rocks.
- Stop at a food truck. Follow @wootrucks for local food truck festivals and pop ups. Some of my favorite trucks include Say Cheese & Potato Potato.
- Play a game of cards & teach your kids how to shuffle.
- Have a board game night. Invite family or neighbors for some friendly competition.
- Have breakfast for dinner. Grab some donuts from @roccodoughnutco for a sweet treat.
- Go to a drive in or have your own movie night. If you have an inflatable outdoor movie set up invite neighbors and have everyone bring a snack to share.
- Plant sunflowers seeds because they are easy to grow, can be grown in a container & grow fairly quickly. Get a mammoth variety for super tall ones.
- Have a glow stick dance party. This is the perfect activity for a vacation night on the beach. I always grab a bag at my local Dollar tree to have on hand all summer long.
- Make an obstacle course. Use cones, sticks, jump ropes, chalk, etc… to set it up and time the kids to see who is the fastest. Include lots of jumping to get energy out!
- Make a scavenger hunt. You could do an alphabet or color theme or use items such as hot wheels or Barbie’s.
- Get a bird feeder. We have a small one that suctions to our living room window and our family really enjoys seeing all of the different types of birds.
- Check out books at your library to identify the birds you see & have your kids keep a log or draw what they see.
- Try something new and celebrate summerween. Break out your Halloween decorations and have a spooky summer celebration with friends.
- Don’t see your family during the holidays? Start a new tradition and celebrate Christmas in July. Have an ugly sweater contest or try a white elephant exchange.
- Go camping. If you can’t go in the wild, try it out in the backyard or in your living room.
- Go to a baseball game. Check out The Woo Sox, The Bravehearts & if you are vacationing on the Cape, make sure to catch a Cape Cod Baseball League game.
- Buy a pack of freeze pops! In my opinion they are a summer right of passage! You can also buy fun molds and make your own popsicles.
- Have a neighborhood block party. Have each participating house provide a special snack and a kids craft or activity for a full day of fun.
- Go berry picking. Check out Tougas in Northborough or Nourse Farm in Westborough. Try a new recipe out with your freshly picked berries!
- Go flower picking. Check out Ferjulian’s in Hudson or Nourse Farm in Westborough.
- Build your own little free library or restock the ones in your area using books you no longer read.
- Decorate kindness rocks & spread them around town.
- Set up a family car wash and work together to clean your vehicle before a vacation or trip.
- Make your own lemonade or fresh squeezed orange juice. Introduce entrepreneurship and set up a stand and sell your product.
- Make friendship bracelets. You can use pipe cleaners instead of string or elastic to make it easier for little hands.
- Watch the sunset together. If you are close to a beach grab a pizza and enjoy it on the sand while you watch.
- Listen to outdoor music. Lots of towns have local music series throughout the summer. Pack a picnic & lawn chairs and introduce an early love for music & instruments.
- Make a chalk mural or write inspirational messages on the sidewalk to make people smile.
- Visit a petting zoo. Check out the one at Green Hill Park in Worcester, which also has a playground and walking paths.
- Set up a busy bin for each child to have readily available. Ideas for fillers include: coloring & activity books, summer themed books, small fidgets, etch-a-sketch, flash cards, brain quest, sticker books.
- Have a weekly theme meal: slow cooker Sunday, Taco Tuesday, Movie & Pizza on Fridays.
- Explore a new spray park/splash pad.
- Fly a kite. Bring them on vacation with you & fly on the beach!
- Explore a children’s museum on a rainy day. Check out the Discovery Museum in Acton or the Ecotarium in Worcester.
- Make banana splits together for a bit of nostalgia. Make a breakfast version by using yogurt, fruit & granola.
- See if your local library has a “library of things” that you can borrow. Check out a pair of binoculars & bring them on a hike or a telescope to see the stars at night.
