Simple Fun, Soaked in Summer

July 9, 2025

Written by Lisa, a photographer, Mama and Lili.

Summer with little ones is the perfect mix of sunshine, snacks, and soaking wet clothes (on repeat). Whether you’re chasing toddlers through the sprinkle or building backyard obstacle courses, it’s all about making memories. And just because summer is starting to gently wind down doesn’t mean the fun has to stop!

If you’re feeling a little low on energy or ideas with the kids being home more, I get it. When I was a stay-at-home mama, we weren’t loaded with extra spending money. We saved all year for a once-a-year vacation, and outside of that, I was flying solo during the day with two high energy littles who thrived on movement and play. Finding fun, affordable ideas to keep them engaged wasn’t just helpful, it was necessary.

Our Tried-and-True Backyard Staples

We had a few outdoor essentials that were absolute lifesavers. They weren’t fancy, but they were well-loved and well-used. The good ol’ clunky metal swing set (not the pretty kind), but the one that went high and rocked back and forth the higher the kids would swing (which of course, was the whole point). A Little Tikes climber with a slide was perfect for toddlers to climb, crawl through, and slide down again and again. It doubled as a pirate ship, a fort, and sometimes just a place to sit and eat a snack. The children also enjoyed a bright red sandbox shaped like a crab, always full of shovels, cups, and whatever treasures the kids found around the yard that day. They also had a ride-on-Jeep that eventually was retired after many many years of fun. That thing was tough. It lasted long before, and long after it ever lost its charm. And of course, a few bikes and scooters, the unofficial vehicles of summer.

These weren’t extravagant purchases, but they gave my kids a sense of freedom and fun. More than anything, they gave us time- time outside, time together, and time to play.

If you’re looking to build a mini outdoor setup without spending a fortune, I’ve linked a few Amazon favorites that I’ve either used or that come highly recommended, all under $100.

https://bit.ly/SaucerTreeSwing-link

https://bit.ly/splashpad-link

https://bit.ly/BubbleMachine-link

https://bit.ly/WaterTable-link

https://bit.ly/ClimbingDome-link

https://bit.ly/OutdoorTable-link

Each of these encourages imaginative play, movement, and good old-fashioned outdoor mess-making (the very best kind).

Simple Summer Activities You Can Do Today- No Delivery Required

Even better? Some of the most magical memories we made didn’t require anything new at all.

Sidewalk Chalk Art

Set your littles loose with chalk and let them sketch bursts of sunshine, birds, trees, or rainbows. Create a pretend “drive-thru” on the driveway where you can “order” sidewalk smoothies. Let their imaginations run wild! Imagination has no rules here.

Frozen Toy Rescue (with a Game Twist)

Grab some small toys (think: Hot Wheels, dinosaurs, or animal figurines), freeze them in muffin tins or ice trays, and let your child “rescue” them using warm water, play tools, or for the older ones, a good old-fashioned hammer. Game name idea: “Ice Age Breakout”- bonus points if you create a little story to go along with it.

Backyard Nature Walk with a Treasure Bag

Give your child a small bag (paper lunch sacks work great) and send them into the yard to find “treasures” like sticks, rocks, leaves, or anything that catches their eye. You can turn it into a color hunt (“find something green”) or a scavenger challenge (“find one round thing, one soft thing, one shiny thing”). Let them come inside and lay it all out like a tiny museum . You’ll be amazed at how long they stay entertained, and how much pride they take in their finds.

Because It’s Not About Perfect Plans

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect yard or a massive play structure. Kids don’t need perfection, they need presence. A little water, a little sunshine, and your attention go a long way.

Whether you grab a new item from Amazon, or just head out back with a bucket of chalk and a snack, what matters most is being there. Laughing, playing, listening, and soaking in this fleeting season.

If you’re looking to capture the joy of everyday wonder, I’d love to photograph your family in Tallahassee, Bainbridge, or the surrounding areas. Let’s make something meaningful. https://photographybylvhughes.com/contact

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photography by LV Hughes | Bainbridge, GA & Tallahassee, FL | 229-254-0483

Photography by LV Hughes

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