20 Backyard Summer Activities Your Kids Will Love (Perfect for Canadian Families!)

Looking for ways to keep your kids busy, active, and happy at home this summer—without breaking the bank? Whether you’re in Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, or anywhere in between, your own backyard is full of possibilities!

At GoGo Tots, we know how unpredictable Canadian summers can be (hello, sudden rain showers and heatwaves!). That’s why we’ve rounded up 20 fun backyard activities your kids can enjoy across the country—whether you’re working from home, planning a staycation, or just trying to survive the day with your toddlers and little ones in tow.

 

💦 Backyard Water Activities (Cool down, Canadian style!)

 

1. Run Through the Sprinkler
   A timeless classic. Set it up and let them go wild—bonus if you join in!
2. Homemade Slip n’ Slide
   Grab a tarp, a hose, and some dish soap. It’s easy, fun, and affordable.
3. Water Balloon Baseball
   Substitute a bat and ball for water balloons and enjoy the splash zone.
4. Toy Car Wash Station
   Perfect for toddlers—let them “wash” their bikes, toy trucks, and even a plastic slide.
5. Sponge Bucket Relay
   Fill a bucket using only a sponge! Great for groups and birthday party games.

🎨 Creative and Sensory Play for Kids

 

6. Chalk Obstacle Course
   Use sidewalk chalk to draw a maze or course. Great for motor skills and creativity.
7. Nature Paintbrushes
   Collect leaves, sticks, or pine needles to dip in paint and create nature art.
8. DIY Tie-Dye Shirts
   Easy summer craft that kids (and parents) can wear with pride.
9. Mud Kitchen Fun
   A few old pots and a patch of dirt turn into hours of pretend cooking.
10. Backyard Scavenger Hunt
    Make a list of Canadian nature items—maple leaves, clover, pinecones—and let the hunt begin.

 

 

 

 

🏃Outdoor Play Ideas That Burn Energy

 

11. Build an Obstacle Course
    Use cones, cushions, hula hoops—or even your GoGo Tots stroller straps—to make a DIY course.
12. Treasure Hunt With a Map
    Draw a map, hide some small toys or coins, and set them off on an adventure.
13. Glow Stick Hide and Seek
    Perfect for warm summer nights in the backyard. Total hit with older kids!
14. Tug-of-War Game
    Use a strong rope or even a pool noodle. Classic, easy, fun.
15. Backyard Camping Night
    Set up a tent, bring flashlights, tell stories, and maybe roast marshmallows over the BBQ.

 

 

 

🐛 Nature & Learning Activities for Canadian Kids

16. Backyard Bug Safari
    Grab a magnifying glass and go exploring. Ant hills? Ladybugs? Worms? Let them learn!
17. Plant a Garden Together
    Tomatoes, herbs, or wildflowers—they’ll love watching things grow.
18. Bird Watching with a Feeder
    Hang a feeder and track the birds you see (robins, chickadees, cardinals—so Canadian!).
19. Backyard Science: DIY Volcano
    Baking soda, vinegar, and a little food colouring = safe science fun.
20. Build a Fairy Garden or Dino World
    Use natural items, toys, or GoGo Tots accessories to create a magical space.

 

 

 

 

Why Backyard Play Matters

 

In a world of screens and scheduled activities, backyard fun brings back simple, imaginative play. It keeps your kids moving, learning, and exploring - without needing to leave the house or spend money.

And whether you’re planning a road trip to Algonquin, a cottage weekend in Muskoka, or just a picnic at the park, make sure to pack your GoGo Tots stroller straps - they’re a parent’s best-kept secret for staying organized on the go.

 

 

 

Looking for More Kid-Friendly Summer Ideas?

 

Follow @gogototscan on Instagram and Facebook for clever parenting tips, toddler hacks, and gear that actually makes your life easier.

📍Proudly Canadian. Family approved.