Summer is long. Kids are wild. And as much as we love their energy, every parent or caregiver knows the question that comes faster than popsicles melt: “What are we doing today?”

Whether you're planning backyard adventures, rainy day backups, or screen-free fun, we’ve rounded up the best summer activities for kids that keep little hands and big imaginations busy with the help of a few standout items from WerkShoppe.

Let’s dive in.

How to Keep Kids Busy in the Summer

The trick to a peaceful summer? A mix of independent play, family time, and creative outlets. Here are a few ways to strike that balance:

Start the Day with a Puzzle SNAX Break

Werkshoppe’s Puzzle SNAX for Kids are not just adorable — they’re the ultimate brain-boosting boredom busters. Each one is packed in a resealable pouch, perfect for tossing in a tote or keeping in your picnic basket. 

🧩 Why it works: Kids get quiet time and mental stimulation, while caregivers get a moment to breathe. Win-win.

🧠 Why are puzzles good for kids brains? Studies show puzzles build problem-solving skills, boost memory, and improve spatial awareness. They're also great for developing patience and attention spans — especially helpful as kids transition back to school routines.

💡 Fun fact! WerkShoppe's Puzzle Snax were named "Best Products for Elementary Kids” by Parents’ Pick Awards.

Activities to Do with Your Kids in the Summer (Without Losing Your Mind)

Here are some simple, low-stress summer ideas that actually work — no Pinterest-level planning required.

Host a Backyard Puzzle Picnic

Lay out a soft Go Big microfiber towel (they're large, plush, and way cuter than a plastic mat) and add snacks, sunscreen, and one of our kid-sized puzzles. It's a relaxed way to enjoy the sunshine and sneak in some learning.

🌿 Pro Tip: Pick a shady spot, bring juice boxes, and let each child work on a puzzle while you sip your iced coffee. That’s called parenting with style.

Summer Craft Projects & After-School Activities That Stick

Just because school’s out (or back in) doesn’t mean creativity takes a break.

Make Your Own Storybook with Werkshoppe Stationery

Werkshoppe’s stitched notebook sets and spiral notebooks are perfect for kid-friendly journaling, sketching, or turning big imaginations into tangible keepsakes.

📓 Activity Idea:

• Give your child a notebook and let them fill it with summer memories, drawings, or their very own comic strip.
  

• Use one notebook for daily journaling and another for doodles or story ideas.
  

• Encourage them to "publish" their own illustrated book by the end of summer — and maybe even read it to the family at dinner.
  

🖍️ Bonus points if you add stickers, washi tape, or colored pens to make it extra fun.

This is a great go-to for quiet time, rainy days, or easing back into writing before school starts up again.

Transitioning Back to School? Keep the Brain Juices Flowing

The return to routine doesn’t have to mean the end of fun. In fact, it’s the perfect time to lean into educational play that feels like a game.

Puzzle Time = Brain Training

Keep a stack of puzzles handy for after-school downtime. Just 15–20 minutes of puzzling helps kids:

• Reinforce critical thinking
  

• Improve hand-eye coordination
  

• Reduce screen time meltdowns
  

Werkshoppe’s kids puzzles range from 48 to 100 pieces,  ideal for ages 5 and up.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Creative

From weekend picnics on our artist-designed towels to unplugged puzzle sessions and DIY storybooks, summer fun doesn’t have to mean fancy trips or expensive activities. It’s about creating moments — and giving kids the tools to explore, create, and grow.

TL;DR — Your Summer Toolkit:

• 🧩 Puzzle SNAX for Kids: On-the-go brain boosters
  

• 🌈 Go Big microfiber beach & pool towels: Perfect for picnics, beach days, and backyard hangs
  

• ✍️ Stationery Sets: Fuel for imagination, rainy day rescues, and after-school creativity