Summer Fun: Simple Ideas for Lasting Family Memories

Summer is here, and with it comes the challenge (and joy!) of making memories and keeping everyone entertained. We all want those special moments without the stress of elaborate planning or breaking the bank. The good news is, creating a vibrant summer doesn’t require a passport or a hefty budget. Often, the most fun comes from simple ideas infused with a little creativity and a lot of heart.

Upgrade the Fun: Make It “A Thing”

You know that feeling when a basic idea unexpectedly turns into a truly special memory? Often, that’s the magic of something becoming “a thing”—an ordinary activity that gains a little extra sparkle, or a unique twist that elevates it from mundane to memorable. You don’t have to add complexity or expense, just infuse it with a spirit of intention, a dash of creativity, a touch of playful ceremony, and most importantly, an official name. Read on for some ways to upgrade your summer fun.

DIY Water Obstacle Course Challenge

On a hot day, set up a simple water obstacle course in your yard and make it the “Great Backyard Splashdown.” Use sprinklers, buckets, pool noodles, and Slip ‘N Slides. Kids (and adults) can race through, getting delightfully soaked and laughing all the way. This is a fantastic way to beat the heat and encourage active play without ever leaving home. The components are often inexpensive and can be reused all summer long, making it a perfect repeatable activity. Need help designing the obstacle course?

Backyard Drive-In Movie Night

At UP Faith & Family, we love any kind of movie night, but with the later bedtimes and pleasant weather that summer offers, why not make it a “Backyard Drive-In Movie Premiere?” Use a blank garage wall or a large sheet pulled tight as your screen. Kids can decorate cardboard boxes to look like cars and “drive” them to the viewing area. Pop some popcorn, grab some blankets, and enjoy a movie from the comfort of your homemade vehicles. An inexpensive movie projector is easy to find and an investment you won’t regret. Check out our other favorite ideas for summer movie nights!

---

UP Faith & Family has a wide selection of films perfect for your summer movie night. Here are a few of our favorites, streaming now:

In Summer at Charlotte’s, Summer escapes the pressure of planning her upcoming wedding by escaping to her childhood cottage. Once there, she rediscovers her true identity when reconnecting with Dev, a long-time friend, and her grandmother. Now Summer must face a tough decision: to continue living a life where she doesn’t feel seen or heard, or listen to her heart.

When his mother moves them to a small surfing town, Chicago teenager Jake finds himself an outcast, clashing with the local bully and feeling lost without friends or surfing skills. Jake’s luck changes when he discovers his estranged grandfather is a surf legend, leading him to confront his fears, connect with God, and learn to ride the waves to earn respect and win a girl’s heart. The Perfect Summer is a heartwarming coming of age story.

In Secret Summer, NYC appraiser Rachel reluctantly travels to a small California town to value its beloved library for a resort buyout. Teaming up with a local writer and his niece and nephew, Rachel discovers the library’s true community value and fights to save it.

English teacher Penelope’s summer vacation with her matchmaking grandma takes an unexpected turn when she reunites with her childhood sweetheart, Jason. To escape their meddling grandmothers, Penelope and Jason pretend to date—Just for the Summer—but old feelings soon resurface.

---

Family Board Game Tournament

Take your game night to the next level by hosting a multi-day or weekend-long “Family Gaming Gauntlet.” Choose a few favorite games or introduce some new ones. Classics such as Scrabble and Settlers of Catan are crowd pleasers for older kids and adults, while simpler, skill-building games will keep younger children engaged. To make the fun tournament-official, create a simple bracket and award a silly prize to the winner—perhaps a funny object found at a thrift store or yard sale to use as a trophy. This structured play transforms a typical game session into an anticipated family tradition.

The Great Family Taste Test

Turn snack time into a fun, interactive game with a “Great Family Taste Test Challenge.” Gather several different brands of the same flavor of potato chips, sparkling water, cookies, or ice cream. Blindfold participants and have them rate each one. Provide scorecards for everyone to jot down their thoughts on flavor, texture, and overall preference. This activity is always a hit, sparking lively discussions and revealing new family favorites.

Public Parks: Your Summer Playground

Remember that public parks and green spaces offer more than just playgrounds and picnic spots. Make it a “Park Olympics” day! You can stage your own field day with a few other families using simple materials like jump ropes, hula hoops, and homemade sack race bags. Open spaces offer endless possibilities for imagination and active play without spending a dime.

It’s time to gather your crew and try a few of these easy, inexpensive ideas to see how many new traditions you can build together this summer. Which ones will you explore? Let us know in the comments!

Need some ideas for a new family movie to stream? Check out our favorite family-friendly movies and series. Stream anytime on UP Faith & Family. Start your 7-day free trial today.

Melanie Gilbert owns Choral Communications and resides in Atlanta with her husband, daughter, and two cats.