create a summer of play: simple ideas for joyful, creative days with kids
summer is here—the days are longer, the pace is slower (or at least different), and there’s a little more space to breathe. but alongside the sunshine and popsicles, many of us are asking the same question: how do we keep the kids engaged without constantly entertaining them—or turning to screens?
we’re here to say: it doesn’t have to be complicated. sometimes, play just takes a little nudge.
this season, we’re inviting families, caregivers, and teachers to join us for a summer of play—a celebration of simple, imaginative moments that spark joy, connection, and creativity.
what is a summer of play?
a summer of play is all about slowing down and and letting kids dive into their imaginations. it’s a mindset, not a to-do list. think: less structure, more spontaneity. fewer picture-perfect setups, more memory-making magic in the in-between moments.
to help you get started, we created 12 weeks of simple play prompts– each one with a gentle invitation to explore, pretend, create, and connect.
and to make it extra fun for your kids? Each week includes a print-at-home badge they can color, collect, and proudly display.
the prompts are simple and screen-free— perfect for quiet mornings, after-dinner adventures, or long, lazy weekends.
join the summer of play (and grab your badges!)
want in? it’s totally free. just sign up for our email list to unlock the freebie library, where you’ll find:
- a printable list of all 12 play prompts
- a full set of coordinating play badges
- plus other playful printables to keep the creativity going
your summer play toolkit
you don’t need an overflowing craft closet or a daily themed schedule to keep kids engaged. just a few thoughtfully chosen play tools can go a long way. here are our tried-and-true favorites for sparking independent, creative play all summer long:
- woodland wanderings playing cards – a whimsical deck of standard playing cards featuring adorable woodland illustrations. perfect for family games, solo play, our cards add a touch of nature magic to classic card games.
- animal faces matching memory game – build focus and memory skills with 40 adorable animal friends. great for quiet time, travel, or rainy days, it’s just the right blend of educational and fun.
- interactive pretend play notepads – perfect for setting up a mini cafe, library, doctor’s office, or grocery store. just tear off a page and let the pretend fun begin!
- pretend play wallet cards – pocket-sized cards that add realism and delight to pretend shopping, spending, and running errands. think credit cards, gift cards, and loyalty cards—all perfectly sized for little hands and big imaginations.
to take it a step further, check out our printable play companions that bring each theme to life. you’ll find print-and-play posters, signs, props, and diy crafts for your coffee shop, doctor's office, and library play—all designed to encourage creative storytelling and solo play, and summer-long creativity.
peek at the prompts
1. start small
2. let them lead
3. change the setting
4. make it up
5. bring play along
6. play with nature
7. use what you have
8. play cozy
9. play with words
10. mix it up
11. pause + play
12. celebrate your way
each one comes with a printable badge your kids can earn—and it’s amazing how motivating that little moment of recognition can be. 💛
play doesn't have to be perfect
you don’t need a pinterest-perfect setup to make magic happen. in fact, the best play often starts with something simple—a few props, a question, or an open invitation. messy kitchens, silly voices, and mismatched costumes are all part of the fun.
one of our favorite moments is watching a child take a single notepad and turn the living room into a bustling cafe, complete with menus taped to chairs and stuffed animal customers waiting patiently for their turn.
it didn’t take much. just a little spark.
easy ways to start your summer of play
need a gentle push to get going? here are three simple play starters to try this week:
- leave out a grocery list and some play coins. suddenly, you’ve got a mini market.
- print a cafe menu and serve breakfast with a side of imagination. kids can take orders, serve snacks, and write receipts.
- draw a card from the pretend play wallet cards and follow wherever the adventure leads—maybe a space exploration, maybe a visit to the library.
remember: you don’t have to plan the whole summer. just start with one little moment of play.
keep it playful
at the end of the day, a summer of play isn’t about doing more—it’s about making room for what matters. room for laughter, room for curiosity, and room for the kind of fun that doesn’t need batteries or wi-fi.
we hope you’ll join us in celebrating a season of creativity, connection, and lots of good old-fashioned play.
here’s to a summer full of memories—made one playful moment at a time. tag us or use #wrensummerofplay so we can cheer you on and spread the joy.