There is something special about summertime with your best friends. The days are longer, the schedules are a little more relaxed, and it’s the perfect season to create memories—not just with your friends, but with your kids, too.
101 Fun Things to Do With Your Best Friends This Summer (With Kids!)
As moms, finding time to connect with our friends can be challenging. The good news? Your kids don’t have to stay home for you to enjoy a fun girls’ day. Many of the best summer activities are even more memorable when everyone comes along.
Whether you’re planning one afternoon together or hoping to make weekly meetups a summer tradition, here are 101 fun family-friendly girls’ day ideas to inspire your next adventure.
Outdoor Adventures
- Pack a picnic at your favorite park.
- Spend the day at the beach.
- Watch the sunrise together.
- Stay for a beautiful sunset.
- Visit a local splash pad.
- Take a nature walk.
- Explore a new playground.
- Ride bikes on a scenic trail.
- Fly kites together.
- Go berry picking.
- Visit a sunflower farm.
- Wander through a botanical garden.
- Feed ducks at a local pond.
- Have a family field day.
- Play frisbee in the park.
- Go on a scavenger hunt.
- Visit a nearby lighthouse.
- Build the biggest sandcastle you can.
- Collect seashells.
- Walk a local boardwalk.
Sweet Summer Treats
- Grab ice cream from a local shop.
- Try every flavor at a homemade ice cream stand.
- Visit a farmers market.
- Pick out fresh flowers.
- Buy lemonade from a neighborhood stand.
- Have a donut breakfast picnic.
- Visit a bakery you’ve never tried.
- Make homemade popsicles together.
- Host a backyard ice cream sundae party.
- Try a new smoothie shop.
Creative Girls’ Day Activities
- Paint pottery.
- Tie-dye matching shirts.
- Decorate beach bags.
- Make friendship bracelets.
- Paint rocks.
- Create sidewalk chalk masterpieces.
- Decorate flower pots.
- Make summer vision boards.
- Build fairy gardens.
- Host an outdoor craft afternoon.
Family Fun at Home
- Backyard movie night.
- Camp out in the backyard.
- Roast marshmallows.
- Set up sprinklers.
- Water balloon games.
- Bubble machine dance party.
- Sidewalk chalk obstacle course.
- Have a family barbecue.
- Build an outdoor fort.
- Make homemade pizza together.
Explore Your Town
- Visit a local museum.
- Tour a historic site.
- Ride a carousel.
- Visit the local library’s summer program.
- Find a new coffee shop.
- Walk through downtown together.
- Shop local boutiques.
- Visit an antique store.
- Explore a nearby town.
- Find a hidden hiking trail.
Animal Adventures
- Visit the zoo.
- Go to an aquarium.
- Feed farm animals.
- Visit a petting zoo.
- Watch horses at a local stable.
- Go bird watching.
- Visit a butterfly garden.
- Explore a nature center.
- Volunteer at an animal shelter.
- Walk your dogs together.
Rainy Day Ideas
- Visit an indoor trampoline park.
- Go bowling.
- Watch a family movie.
- Have a board game tournament.
- Visit an indoor play space.
- Bake cookies.
- Make homemade pizzas.
- Build LEGO creations.
- Host a reading afternoon.
- Create summer scrapbooks.
Mom & Kids Together
- Have a coffee date while the kids play.
- Start a weekly park meetup.
- Swap favorite parenting books.
- Plan a family brunch.
- Take family photos together.
- Start a walking club.
- Visit a local garden center.
- Host a backyard brunch.
- Exchange favorite summer recipes.
- Plan a “no phones” afternoon.
Make Summer Memories
- Write letters to your future selves.
- Make a summer bucket list.
- Create a shared photo album.
- Record funny videos.
- Learn a TikTok dance together.
- Watch fireworks.
- Attend a free outdoor concert.
- Visit a food truck festival.
- Spend the day at a county fair.
- Celebrate “just because” with cupcakes.
- End the day watching the sunset while the kids play.
Why Summer Friendships Matter
Life gets busy, but investing in friendships is one of the best gifts you can give yourself—and your children. When kids see their moms nurturing friendships, they learn the importance of kindness, community, and making time for the people who matter.
Some of the most cherished childhood memories come from simple days spent laughing with family friends, chasing bubbles, sharing popsicles, and making memories that don’t cost much at all.
This summer, text your best friend, pick a date, pack some snacks, and head out on an adventure. It doesn’t have to be elaborate to become unforgettable. Sometimes the very best days are the ones filled with simple moments, happy kids, and great conversations under the summer sun.
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