15 fun ideas to keep the kids entertained all summer long — toys, crafts, games and more, from $9

Essentials to keep kids entertained over summer on a light blue and orange background.
(Image credit: Nerf, Seckton, Kid Made Modern, Inspireyes, Yoto / Edited by Gemini)

I've got two kids and when they break up from school for the summer, I'm always desperately trying to think of budget-friendly ways to keep them entertained.

Days out can be expensive, but I also want to make sure they're having fun (and not telling me they're bored). Fortunately, I've learnt that you don't have to spend a load of cash. In fact, I've curated a list of 15 affordable items that'll make sure they're kept busy.

While there are a lot of outdoorsy ideas on my list to take full advantage of the sunny weather, there are also plenty of options for those days when it's a little colder. From garden games to crafting activities, here are the essentials I bring out every summer without fail – and the kids love it.


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Grace Dean

Grace is a freelance journalist working across homes, lifestyle, gaming and entertainment. You'll find her writing for Tom's Guide, TechRadar, Space.com, and other sites. If she's not rearranging her furniture, decluttering her home, or relaxing in front of the latest streaming series, she'll be typing fervently about any of her much-loved hobbies and interests. To aid her writing, she loves to head down internet rabbit holes for an unprecedented amount of time.

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