5 Summer Activities Your Three-Year-Olds Will Love

Summer days with my kids can sometimes feel long and cranky, and when that happens, I know it’s time to bring out something calm, cool, and fun. 

These 5 summer activities were super fun for my kids. They spent almost an hour playing with each activity, which, in my opinion, is a pretty good attention span considering their age. On the plus side, putting the activities together didn’t require one million fancy supplies – everything I used, I already had….. So for me, that was a huge win.

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1. Frozen Paint Pops

This trending idea on Instagram turned into one of our favourite activities. It’s cooling, creative, and super easy to prep the night before.

Supplies:

• Washable paint
• Popsicle tray
• Popsicle sticks
• Thick paper or cardboard sheets

How-To:
Add a small splash of water to the paint and pour it into a popsicle tray. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze. Once frozen, hand them to your toddler to paint on cardboard. The melting paint makes beautiful swirls and textures.

Why it’s great:
Creative, low-prep, and a fun way to introduce painting. Perfect for sunny days.

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2. Spongey Prints

I call these spongey prints because of the cute patterns you can create with cut-up sponges. It’s just proof that summer activities don’t have to be extra; just grab some sponges and paint, and let the messy fun begin.

Supplies:

• Dish sponges
• Washable paint
• Shallow trays or paint mats
• Thick paper

How-To:
Cut sponges into fun shapes (stars, hearts, butterflies). Dip them lightly in paint and press onto any paper. Let your kids create rainbows, patterns, or abstract art.

Why it’s great:
Sensory, squishy, and a good way to learn shapes and colours while having fun.

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MOM TIP: Always supervise these activities and remember to keep a pack of wet wipes close by for easy cleanup.

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3. Frozen Friends Rescue

This one was a HUGE hit at our house. My kids were excited about rescuing their toy friends from the block of ice. It was really fun to see.

Supplies:

• Mini plastic toys
• Large plastic bowl
• Squirt bottles, droppers
• Optional: toy hammers, kids’ tools

How-To:
Freeze toys in a bowl of water (add food colouring if you like). Once frozen, hand your child warm water, tools to melt and “rescue” their toy friends.

Why it’s great:
Keeps kids focused, encourages problem-solving, and doubles as a mini science experiment.

MOM TIP: It’s best to do this activity outdoors—on the balcony or in the garden. Things can get wet and a little wild, especially if you hand your kids mini hammers for the rescue mission. Watch out for stray ice pieces flying if hammers are involved. If you’d rather skip the smashing, there are plenty of gentler (and just as fun) ways to melt the ice. Try giving your kids warm water in squeeze bottles, eyedroppers, or even just cups to pour slowly over the frozen toys. Not only does it keep the mess under control, but it also turns the whole thing into a mini science experiment.

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4. Messy Muddy Fun

This isn’t actual mud, but the mess is maximum! And our balcony turned into a pretend mud pie bakery in minutes. It’s currently on our list of fun summer activities to do, and I’m sure your 3-year-old would love it too.

Supplies:

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder (or washable brown paint)
• Shaving cream
• Tray or bin
• Toy cars or animals, cleaning sponges

How-To:
Mix flour, cocoa, and shaving cream until it’s thick and squishy. Add toys for pretend muddy play. Add a bowl of soapy water and a sponge for a DIY car wash station.

Why it’s great:
Sensory, imaginative—and it builds fine motor skills.

Mama-to-mama note: Shaving cream is fun, but it’s not snack-safe. So please, keep an eye on your little ones while they play, especially if they’re still in the “I taste everything” phase. And if your kid has sensitive skin, do a quick patch test first. We want giggles, not rashes!

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5. Rock Painting

This one started on our walk home from kindergarten. Now it’s our go-to quiet activity.

Supplies:

• Rocks or river stones
• Washable paint or paint markers
• Brushes, water cups, and a newspaper to protect surfaces

How-To:
Rinse and dry rocks, then paint and decorate however you like. Add googly eyes or make kindness stones to hide around your neighbourhood!

Why it’s great:
Calming, creative, and great for motor skills. Plus, kids feel proud of their little masterpieces.

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If you’re looking for even more simple sensory ideas that use everyday materials, I always love the creative and realistic activities shared by Busy Toddler. I’ve tried a couple of them myself, and they’ve worked for me.

Conclusion

These summer activities double as sensory play, so you can add them to that list too! And the best part is that they can be set up with just a few everyday materials. All you need is your child’s imagination, a little willingness to join in, and you’ll create fun, hands-on experiences your child will love.

If this post gave you ideas, share it with a mom who needs some screen-free sanity this summer, and pin this post for your next big idea.