Thoughtful Surprises For Kids and Teens: 4 Summer Delight Boosters

One thing we love about summer break: there’s more time for fun! More time to enjoy family traditions, visit new places, and create new memories. Even on those slower summer days, little surprises for the kids can add fun to an otherwise ordinary day. Simple, thoughtful gestures that are sure to dial up the fun meter.

It warms my heart to hear my kids recall some of those moments of surprise and delight. What may sometimes seem insignificant at the time holds fond memories for them.

Today, I’m sharing 4 thoughtful gestures I’m calling ‘summer delight boosters’ to help you make some of those ordinary summer moments feel special. There’s something for every age group below—number 4 did the trick for my teens last week!

fun surprises for kids

Summer Delight Booster 1: At-Home Summer Carnival

I recently discovered Spark’s beautifully designed activity magazines for kids ages 4 to 8. Filled with unique puzzles, crafts, and games, they’re great to have on hand to surprise your kids with and spark some fun and excitement.  

Then, create your own prize tickets at home and give your child one for every page completed. With a few tiered special treats or things they love listed, your child can redeem their tickets right away or save for a bigger prize or treat when they’re ready. 

Free coloring printables and activity sheets are great too, and the special surprise can match the activity. For example, your kids can complete a few ice pop coloring pages and redeem their ticket for their very own ice pop treat. Or, have your kids draw and create their own movie characters. Once completed, they can redeem their tickets for a fun movie night (kids love staying up past bedtime!).

fun surprises for kids

Summer Delight Booster 2: Summer Camp Mojo

I’ve made some summer camp decisions over the years that were not always met with big smiles. As a result, some first-day-of-camp moments were, let’s just say, interesting. Lol. Little surprises can help offer some summer camp motivation and brighten the day.

E Frances’ Little Notes are perfect for delivering your sweet surprise messages. Whether you want to say “You put together the best summer outfit today!” or “See you soon for a treat at noon”, write your note on one of these cuties and slip it into your child’s lunchbox or summer camp bag. They’re sure to put smiles on their faces! 

Here are a few of my favorite summer-themed Little Notes: Beach Ball Little Notes, Rainbow Sun Little Notes, and Sunny Day Little Notes.

fun surprises for kids

Summer Delight Booster 3: Travel Fun

This one is a nice surprise for tweens and teens. My children were quite tickled when I surprised them with it a few summers ago.

If you have a summer trip coming up, surprise your kids with new toiletry bags filled with miniature sizes of their favorite perfume (cologne for the gents), skincare products, and other toiletries. You can also add a few clear travel containers for them to fill with any items missed. With a few weeks of waiting before a trip, get ready for renewed excitement when you surprise them!

fun surprises for kids

Summer Delight Booster 4: Go To The Polls

My kids enjoyed this one last week! Messaging apps, iMessage and WhatsApp, now include a feature to create custom polls that you can attach to your text messages. Have fun all summer with your teens, creating a “Lunch is calling…where to?” or “Choose Your Weekend Adventure” poll with some cool options for the family to enjoy.

Add activities or restaurants to the poll that everyone loves, making the decision process tough but fun!

don’t forget

In addition to planned events, summer break creates space for little joys—unhurried days to add a few sweet surprises and thoughtful gestures that you and your kids will fondly remember. Don’t miss them!