A smorgasbord of sunlight, sprinklers, and seemingly endless hours of freedom stretches out in front of our children during the summer months. Yet, within this tapestry of leisure, lurks a sly villain—boredom.
But there’s so many fun activities, including these summer journal prompts you can use to help your kid capture the magic of the season and keep boredom at bay.
85 Summer Journal Prompt Ideas To Banish Boredom + Free Journal
Here’s 85 summer journal prompts to help your child get creative, reflect on their experiences, and make lifelong memories. You can even download our summer prompt journal (our free gift to you) and print it out for your child to use as a daily journaling companion.
Favorite Summer Memories
- What is the one thing you’re looking forward to the most this summer? Why?
- Describe a time when you laughed so hard during the summer.
- What has been your favorite family vacation this year?
- Write about a special tradition you have with your family during the summer.
- Share a memory of a fun day spent at the beach or pool.
- Which of your friends did you hang out with the most this summer? What did you do together?
- Describe a special moment you had with your siblings during the summer.
- Write about a funny or memorable experience from a family road trip.
- What was your favorite food to eat during the summer break? Why?
- Share a memory of playing in the sprinklers on a hot summer day.
Summer Adventures With Family & Friends
- What is one new thing you tried this summer? How did it go?
- Write about a day spent exploring a new place with your family.
- Describe an adventure you went on with your friends during the summer.
- What is the most exciting thing you did with your family or friends this summer?
- Share a memory of a fun outdoor activity you did together as a family.
- Write about a time when you overcame a fear or challenge during your summer adventures.
- What is something new you learned from your friends or family this summer?
- Describe an outdoor game or activity you played with your friends.
- Share a special moment where you bonded with someone close to you during the summer.
- What was the most memorable place you visited this summer? Why was it special to you?
Ice Cream & Other Sweet Treats
- List your top 5 favorite ice cream flavors and why you love them.
- Describe the best ice cream cone or sundae you had this summer.
- Share a funny story about getting brain freeze from eating ice cream too quickly.
- Write about a time when you made homemade popsicles or ice cream with your family.
- What is the most unique flavor of ice cream you have ever tried? Did you like it?
- Describe a sweet treat that reminds you of summertime.
- Share a memory of enjoying ice cream with friends or family on a hot summer night.
- What is your go-to dessert during the summer months?
- Write about a time when you had to chase down an ice cream truck for your favorite treat.
- What is one sweet treat you can’t go a summer without? Why is it your must-have?
Cooling Off in the Pool or Sprinkler
- Write about a memorable pool party or day at the water park with your friends.
- What is your favorite pool game to play with friends or family?
- Share a funny story from a time when you were playing in the sprinkler.
- Describe a creative way you and your friends have used a pool noodle or floatie.
- Have you ever had a water balloon fight? Write about your experience.
- What is your favorite type of pool float to relax on?
- Share a memory of learning how to swim or mastering a new swimming skill.
- Write about a time when you got sunburned from spending too much time in the pool or at the beach.
- Have you ever gone night swimming? Describe the experience.
- What is your go-to poolside snack or drink?
Summer Adventures and Exploring Outdoors
- Share a story about camping or hiking in the summertime.
- Write about a memorable road trip you took during the summer.
- Have you ever gone on a spontaneous adventure? Tell us about it!
- What is your favorite outdoor activity to do during the summer months?
- Share a memory of exploring a new place or trying a new outdoor activity with friends.
- Have you ever gone stargazing in the summertime? Write about the experience.
- What is one item you always make sure to pack for a day outdoors?
- Describe a time when you went on a nature walk or hike and discovered something unexpected.
- Write about the most beautiful sunset or sunrise you have witnessed during the summer months.
- Share a funny story from a time when you were camping or exploring outdoors.
Playing Glow-in-the-Dark Games at Night
- What are your favorite glow-in-the-dark games to play at night?
- Share a memory of playing a memorable game of capture the flag in the dark.
- Have you ever played glow-in-the-dark mini golf? Write about your experience.
- Describe a time when you played hide and seek with glow sticks as markers.
- Have you ever held a glow-in-the-dark dance party? Tell us about it.
- Write about the most creative way you have used glow sticks or other glowing objects to play a game at night.
- Share a funny moment from playing a glow-in-the-dark game with friends or family.
- What is your favorite thing about playing games in the dark?
- Have you ever tried making your own DIY glow-in-the-dark game? Share the details.
Celebrating the Fourth of July
- How do you and your family or friends typically celebrate the Fourth of July?
- Share a funny story from a past Fourth of July celebration.
- Have you ever attended a large fireworks display? Write about the experience.
- What is your favorite food to eat during Independence Day celebrations?
- Describe a memorable parade you have watched on the Fourth of July.
- Have you ever participated in a patriotic-themed race or event on the Fourth of July? Write about it.
- Share a unique or creative way you have celebrated the holiday with friends or family.
- What does the Fourth of July mean to you personally?
- Write about a time when you celebrated the Fourth of July in a different country or culture.
- Have you ever attended a backyard barbecue on the Fourth of July? Describe the atmosphere and activities.
- Share your favorite memory from a past Fourth of July celebration.
- Write about a time when you watched fireworks from an unusual or unexpected location.
Backyard BBQs & Picnics
- What is your go-to dish to bring to a backyard BBQ or picnic?
- Have you ever attended a themed BBQ? Write about the theme and if you enjoyed the party.
- Share your favorite recipe for an easy and delicious summer dish.
- Describe a memorable moment from a past backyard BBQ or picnic.
- Have you ever hosted a BBQ or picnic at your own backyard? Write about the experience.
- What is one item you always bring to a picnic?
Catching Fireflies & Other Fun Memories
- Have you ever had an ice cream eating contest with your friends or family? Who won?
- Do you have any fond memories of catching fireflies on a warm summer night? Write about it.
- Write about a time when you played games like cornhole or horseshoes at a backyard BBQ or picnic.
- Share your favorite summertime activity or game to play with friends and family.
- Have you ever participated in a water balloon fight or slip ‘n slide on the Fourth of July? Write about the experience.
- Describe a time when you spent the entire day outside enjoying the summer weather and activities.
- Do you have any annual traditions or rituals that you do every summer? Write about them.
- Share a funny or embarrassing moment from a past summer gathering.
Benefits of Journaling for Kids in the Summer
There’s many fun and exciting activities to do during the summer, but have you ever considered journaling as one of them? Journaling may seem like a mundane activity for kids, but it can actually have many benefits during the summertime.
Here are just a few reasons why your child should start journaling this summer:
- Enhances creativity: Summer break is the perfect time for kids to unleash their creativity. Journaling allows them to tap into their imagination and express themselves through writing, drawing, or even collaging.
- Encourages reflection: With the busy schedules during the school year, kids may not have much time to reflect on their thoughts and experiences. Summer break provides a great opportunity for them to do so through journaling. It also helps them process their emotions and build self-awareness.
- Improves writing skills: Journaling helps kids develop their writing skills, such as grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. It also allows them to practice different styles of writing, from storytelling to descriptive writing.
- Preserves memories: Summer is full of fun memories that can easily be forgotten over time. Journaling allows kids to document their experiences and create a keepsake that they can look back on in the future.
So next time your child complains of boredom during summer break, suggest journaling as an enriching and beneficial activity for them to try out. Who knows, it may even become their new favorite hobby!
Final Thoughts on Summer Journal Prompts
By encouraging your child to journal this summer, you’re helping them grow in many aspects of their life. From enhancing creativity to preserving memories, the benefits of summer journaling are endless.
So grab a notebook and pen to use the prompts listed above or send this free Summer Prompt Journal straight to your inbox.
Your child can write or draw their responses, creating a unique and personal journal that they can look back on for years to come.
Happy journaling!
Micah Klug is a wife, homeschooling mother to five children, and author. She teaches time-tested solutions to help parents remember what matters most in life, including strengthening their home, faith, and family relationships. To learn how a child who grew up in an authoritarian home is now creating an environment of peace and joy in her own home visit this page. If you want to contact Micah, send her an email here or email [email protected].
