Summer is a favorite time for many because of the long warm days and endless opportunities for fun. However, constantly thinking of new ideas to keep your toddler entertained can feel daunting and exhausting. If you’re feeling pressured to make your children’s summer as memorable as possible with interactive and fun activities, here are some of my top suggestions for the best summer activities for military families.

Plan a Trip to the Great Outdoors

There’s no better way to spend the summer than being in the great outdoors. With a total of 63 national parks in the USA, there is probably at least one or two nearby you can easily visit for an extended weekend getaway. Remember, the military gets an annual pass to all national parks for free! Spending time outdoors as a family and allowing your toddler to explore nature can be a truly unique experience. Check out my military family’s visit to Yosemite National Park here.

From now until July 19, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) is hosting the Heroes in the Great Outdoors Military Family Giveaway, for all active duty junior enlisted (E6 and below). Share your story about why you love the outdoors along with a photo to get a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Yellowstone National Park, courtesy of the National Park Service!

Check Out Local Zoos and Aquariums

Looking for summer activities suitable for the entire family? Explore your local zoos and aquariums. Not only are they a fantastic way to spend a weekend of exploration, but they also offer military discounts worth taking advantage of. We spent the last two weekends exploring our local zoo and aquarium and while my toddler wasn’t as interested in the animals as we were, we had a blast. Initially, my husband and I took turns chasing him around as he was mainly running about. Then, when we reached the penguins’ area, which immediately became his favorite, he wouldn’t leave. Thanks to this experience, we were reminded once again to slow down and make the most of every moment.

Visit the Playground

We’re fortunate enough to live only a 5-minute walk from a small park with a playground that my toddler loves! So it’s no surprise that we spend a significant part of our day at our local park. My son can run around and play at the playground while also interacting with other children — one of the best ways for a small child to develop and learn about the world surrounding us. I strongly suggest using Google Maps to find your nearby parks. Make a list and visit one per day until you find your family’s favorite one. Then you can make it your go-to spot for summer days when you need a quick plan.

Set Up an Outdoor Space

No matter if you have a big yard or just a small patio, you can always set up an outside corner for your toddler. The list of items you can use is also endless. If you have more space, you can get a swing and slide, splash pad, water table, small basketball hoop, trampoline, etc. For smaller outdoor areas, a bubble machine, bucket of water, or sidewalk chalk are excellent options. At first, we set up ours mainly for convenience, so I could enjoy my morning cup of coffee, but my little one was already on the go, ready to conquer the day. However, with the longer summer days, we’ve found ourselves enjoying it as a family even after dinner.

Get Creative with Indoor Summer Activities

While the best part about summer is spending time outdoors, the summer heat sometimes makes it impossible to plan outside activities for the entire day. And it’s always the indoor “play” that I struggle to make interactive and fun for my 18-month-old son. Continuously buying new toys isn’t a viable option due to financial and storage limitations. If you also feel the same, here are a few indoor ideas for summer activities, which will keep your toddler entertained for hours:

Explore Your Local Library

When you visit your local library, it can count as both an outdoor and indoor activity, which is why I love it so much! You’re still leaving your home and changing the environment for your toddler (so they do not get bored), but at the same time, you’re spending time indoors and avoiding the summer heat. Check out your library’s monthly calendar for story times and toddler play activities. This is also an excellent way to meet other mothers and plan play dates for your little ones. Even if your local library doesn’t have anything scheduled, you’ll most likely find a small kid’s corner with some toys and plenty of books to enjoy together with your toddler.

Get your Toddler Involved in the Kitchen

If you’re not scared of a mess, getting your toddler involved in the kitchen is a great indoor activity for the entire family. Ever since we got my 18-month-old son a kitchen tower, it’s become his favorite “toy”. He loves climbing up and watching me prepare food. I also allow him to participate in easy tasks, such as mixing when I bake. Here are some summer family recipes you could try with your toddler.

Enjoy Free Museum Days

I’m always on the lookout for ways to engage my son in new learning opportunities to build his motor, cognitive, and social skills. Local museums (especially the ones with small children’s corners) are my go-to during the summer months when we want to be away from the house but also try to avoid the afternoon heat. The Blue Star Museums program features a wide range of museums offering free admission to active-duty military and their families. Simply select your state to find a full list of participating museums for 2024.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when planning your military family summer activities:

• Spend the early mornings or late afternoons outdoors to avoid the heat in the middle of the day.
• Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Grab a portable fan that’s easy to install on your stroller, wagon, or even in your car.
• Always bring an additional bottle of water for your toddler to stay well-hydrated during the summer heat.
• Check out your military installation’s summer calendar for family-friendly events and activities.
• For days at home, I strongly recommend toy rotation. Try putting most of your kid’s toys away and only take a maximum of 10 at a time. Rotate the toys once or twice a week to keep your toddler entertained for longer periods.

Summer Activities with ASYMCA

For more summer activities for your little ones, check out the programs offered by the ASYMCA. Operation Little Learners, for example, is a fabulous educational program for the smallest ones (ages 2 – 5), which guides parents on how to enhance their child’s developmental growth. As the school year approaches, keep an eye out for registration to open for Operation Hero. This after-school program for older kids (grades 2 – 5) addresses topics related to military life and provides essential tools to help your children adjust to the military lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to enrich your child’s summer or prepare them for the school year, ASYMCA has something to offer every family.

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