5 Fun & Educational Activities to Do with Kids This Summer
Let’s be honest: sometimes the best summer days are the simplest ones. You don't always need a complicated science kit or a messy kitchen table to get those little neurons firing.
At Professor Plums, we believe the world is the best classroom. Whether you are heading down to the coast or just to the local oval, there are opportunities everywhere to help your kids build skills—without them even realizing they are learning.
Here are 5 stress-free activities for kids under 10 that combine good old-fashioned fun with a sneaky bit of education.
1. Nature Walk & Collecting Game
A zero-prep adventure that turns any outing into a mini science mission
Grab a small bag or bucket and head outside—kids can collect leaves, rocks, flowers, or anything interesting they spot. It strengthens their curiosity, pattern recognition, and observational skills in a natural, effortless way.
Benefits: Helps kids connect with nature, learn about colours and textures, and practise early science skills through hands-on exploring.
Parents love it because: It’s free, calming, and gets little legs moving—plus, it magically turns “just a walk” into a fun challenge.
2. The Rock Pool Explorer
An easy way to visit a free, temporary aquarium!
Head to the beach at low tide, grab a bucket and safe footwear, and explore the rock pools. Challenge your child to find and observe different marine life, like a crab, sea snail, or starfish. This is a low-effort way to explore Marine Biology in a hands-on environment.
Benefits: Boosts observation skills, teaches them about different animal habitats, and encourages respect for the ocean environment.
Parents love it because: It turns a normal beach day into an exciting scientific mission, and the equipment needed is minimal!
3. Slime Time with Professor Plum’s Slime Lab
The ultimate science-meets-squish activity—minus the cleaning!
Professor Plum’s Slime Lab turns any boring weekend to a fun-filled creative one. Kids mix, measure, react, and stretch their way through colourful gooey creations with our resident slimeologists, learning real science without even realising it. It’s a fun new experience kids and parents can do outside their home without worrying about the preparation and the clean up!
Benefits: Teaches basic chemistry, following steps, and experimenting, while boosting creativity and sensory development.
Parents love it because: It’s engaging, screen-free fun that keeps kids absorbed—and best of all– it’s mess free!
4. Backyard Camping & Stargazing
A mini-adventure that builds confidence right outside your door.
Pitch a small tent or build a cozy blanket fort in the garden (close to the house!). As night falls, turn off the garden lights and look up at the Southern Hemisphere stars.
Benefits: Boosts independence and confidence by sleeping "outside" safely and encourages early Astronomy learning by talking about the moon and constellations.
Parents love it because: It creates amazing memories, is much easier than a real camping trip, and if anyone gets scared, they are only a few steps from their own bed!
5. Chalk Drawing & Driveway Games
A summer classic that’s both fun and secretly educational
Give kids chalk and let them draw shapes, hopscotch grids, roads, creatures, or anything they dream up. You can even trace shadows and watch how they change through the day.
Benefits: Builds motor skills, strengthens early maths and writing abilities, and encourages outdoor creativity.
Parents love it because: It’s cheap, easy to clean, and guaranteed to keep kids happily occupied—plus, chalk masterpieces are a great excuse to get some fresh air yourself.
These simple activities prove you don’t need complicated setups to keep kids engaged and learning through play. With a little imagination (and a visit to our store for a Slime Lab session), summer becomes the perfect mix of fun, creativity, and stress-free family time.