Running out of ways to keep the kids off screens all summer? Been there, done that—until I made our first Summer Activity Jar. Total game-changer.
Let me tell you—this little jar saved my sanity. No more whining, no more “I’m bored!” echoing through the house 10 times a day. It’s cute, it’s simple, and it seriously works. The best part? It turns summer into a fun surprise every single day, with zero pressure on you to plan something epic.
What Is a Summer Activity Jar, Anyway?
How to Make Your Own Summer Activity Jar
Okay, picture this: a regular jar (a mason jar, an old spaghetti sauce jar, even a shoebox if that’s what you’ve got). Fill it with folded slips of paper, each one with a fun idea written on it. Then, whenever boredom strikes, your kid picks one at random. Boom—instant activity.
This could be anything from “Make homemade popsicles” to “Have a water balloon fight in the backyard.” Some are quick, some are creative, some get them moving—and all of them break up the day in a fun way.
Why Every Mom (and Aunt, and Cool Big Sis) Needs One
You know those mornings when the coffee hasn’t kicked in and the kids are already asking what we’re doing today? Yeah. That’s when the Summer Activity Jar shines. It gives you a ready-made stash of boredom busters that don’t require you to be a Pinterest queen.
Plus, it puts the decision in their hands, which somehow makes them way more excited about cleaning out the craft drawer or building a blanket fort in the living room.
I swear, one morning my youngest pulled out “host a fashion show” and ended up twirling around in tutus and rain boots for an hour. I didn’t lift a finger. It was bliss.
How to Make One in 10 Minutes or Less
This is low-effort fun, trust me. Here’s how I did it:
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Grab a jar or container – Anything will do, as long as it holds paper slips.
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Cut up some paper – I used colorful cardstock scraps, but plain paper works too.
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Write down 50 prompts – Or just hop over to Drevio.com because, yep, I’ve already made a list you can download and print for free.
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Fold them up and toss them in – Done.
You can even get the kids to help make it. Decorating the jar itself became an activity. Stickers, markers, glitter (yes, I regretted that last one)—they went wild.
Need Prompt Ideas? I’ve Got 50 Waiting for You
I pulled together 50 fun, screen-free prompts that are perfect for kids ages 3–10. Some of my favorites?
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Make a fort using couch cushions
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Create a nature bracelet with tape and leaves
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Have a lemonade stand (even just for your neighbors!)
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Paint rocks and hide them at the park
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Write a letter to grandma
And there’s plenty more where that came from. If you don’t feel like brainstorming 50 ideas on your own, I’ve already got you covered with a free printable list over on my website. You can even edit it in Canva and add your own flair.
Need invitation ideas for your summer parties? Customize here for free!
One Last Thing Before You Go…
Summer doesn’t need to be an expensive camp or a packed schedule to be magical. Sometimes, it’s about the simple things—like the joy of a surprise paper slip telling you it’s time to “camp out in the living room.”
So if you’re ready to bring a little more fun, a little less stress, and a whole lot of summer magic into your days, go grab your free printable and make your own Summer Activity Jar today.
You’ll find it at Drevio.com – along with a ton of other fun ideas, templates, and printables to make parenting (and partying!) a whole lot easier.
You’ve got this, mama. Let’s make this the summer they’ll actually remember.
