Top 15 Summer Games to Beat the Heat
When the heat waves roll in and the AC starts working overtime, what's better than bringing a slice of summer right into your classroom? With summer right around the corner, kids are craving some fun in the sun, so why not give them a splash of excitement?
At Baamboozle, we've sunscreened our way through our game library to bring you the juiciest, sunniest summer games for those long, lazy days. Get ready for a lineup that’s hotter than the pavement in June and cooler than your favorite ice pop.
While we’re at it, what better way to play these games than to pair them with our Summer Bowling game (oh yes, you heard right!), it's the ultimate cool-down combo!
Picture this: you're at a sun-soaked beach, surrounded by palm trees dancing in the gentle breeze. Now, imagine rolling the ball down the boardwalk, where sharks glide by in the shimmering waters and crabs are roasting marshmallows by the fire. Ready to bowl your way through this quirky, seaside adventure?
Oh, and stick around, we’ve saved the best for last! You won’t want to miss this sun-sational surprise!
15. Summertime Fruit & Drinks
by English4allover
Get your taste buds ready because this fruity-fresh game is serving up a menu of delicious summer goodies. Can your students name popular fruits and refreshing drinks?
Warning: might cause a sudden craving for smoothies, lemonade, and beach picnics.
Helps with: Vocabulary, categories, memory recall
Best for: Grades 1 to 5
Baam-Link: Play now!
14. Words of Summer
by Lindseyrhill
Students need to quickly recognize and mark summer-themed items, challenging both their vocabulary and memory. It’s a thrilling way to keep everyone on their toes while soaking up some sun-kissed words!
And hey, if they miss one, just remind them it's probably because they're too busy dreaming of actual beach days, right?
Helps with: Vocabulary expansion, word recognition
Best for: Grades 2 to 5
Baam-Link: Play now!
13. Summer Fun
by Ignacio Jorge
Sure, summer means ice cream, but this game proves there’s a lot more going on than frozen treats and tan lines. From holiday hobbies to summer sports, this one mixes in all kinds of fun under the sun.
Perfect for sparking a quick class discussion or just taking a break from reality and pretending you’re on vacation.
Helps with: Speaking practice, conversation skills
Best for: Grades 5 to 8
Baam-Link: Play now!
12. Summer Stuff
by SusanMain
Dive deep into a sea of fascinating and sometimes bizarre summer facts that will challenge your students.
For instance, test their knowledge with this sizzling tidbit: In summer 2015, a man in Perth, Australia took advantage of the scorching pavement to demonstrate how hot it really gets. What did he manage to do right on the street? Did he boil a kettle, fry eggs, burn his feet, or melt his shoes? The correct answer might just surprise them!
Helps with: General knowledge, fun facts, learning
Best for: Grades 5 to 8
Baam-Link: Play now!
11. Summer Conversations
by Bmejia
This game is perfect for stirring up lively discussions and getting to know your students' summer vibes, all while fostering critical thinking and creativity. It's a journey through their summer experiences and dreams!
Helps with: Communication skills, reasoning, social interaction
Best for: Grades 5 to 9
Baam-Link: Play now!
10. Summer Idioms
by Asti
This game challenges your students to decode phrases that pepper everyday language, turning them into savvy linguists as they explore the meanings behind sayings like "everything under the sun."
Teach them about being "in hot water" when they land in big trouble, and the resilience of "come rain or shine," illustrating that some things happen no matter what the circumstances.
Each idiom is a gateway to understanding deeper cultural expressions, sparking discussions that are as enlightening as they are entertaining.
Helps with: Idioms, language skills, cultural knowledge
Best for: Grades 5 to 8
Baam-Link: Play now!
9. Summer Inferences
by Tilly
Help your students brush up on those brainpower skills by making inferences from clues. They'll read, think, and guess what’s being described, like mystery objects hiding under beach towels.
Will they crack the clue or get swept away in the summer haze? Either way, it’s a fun way to strengthen reading comprehension while staying cool indoors.
Helps with: Inference skills, reading comprehension
Best for: Grades 4 to 8
Baam-Link: Play now!
8. Summer Jokes
by CLB
Unleash a flood of giggles with summer jokes that are cooler than the underside of your pillow. Let the laughter ripple through the classroom with zingers sure to make your students laugh harder than a hyena on holiday.
Here's our favorite: "Where do sheep go on vacation?" Let's see if they can figure this out!
Each joke is a burst of sunshine, guaranteed to dispel any summertime gloom. Will your students keep their composure, or will they be giggling like toddlers at a puppet show?
Helps with: Brain breaks, creativity, humor
Best for: Grades 4 to 7
Baam-Link: Play now!
7. Summer Categories
by bsliazis
Beach balls, bathing suits, BBQs. How many summer things can your students name in each category before the tide comes in?
This fast-paced game is all about thinking on your (sandy) toes. The only rule? Don’t say "sun" for every answer… even if it does apply to everything.
Helps with: Vocabulary, word association, critical thinking
Best for: Grades 3 to 7
Baam-Link: Play now!
6. Summer - What Am I?
by Miryam Martínez Lizaso
Challenge your students with summer riddles that twist and turn more than a beach towel in the wind. Can they crack this riddle? "I'm soft, cool, and sweet. What am I?"
Watch them puzzle over each question, laughing and guessing, as they try to piece together the answers like they're building the perfect sandcastle. Will they nail it, or just keep spinning in the summer heat?
Helps with: Vocabulary, deduction skills
Best for: Grades 3 to 7
Baam-Link: Play now!
5. Summer Compound Words
by willpetley
Sunshine? Check. Watermelon? Double check. This wordy game is perfect for students who love playing with language and smashing words together like two beach balls colliding midair.
Can they figure out which summery words go hand in hand (or towel in sand)?
Helps with: Compound word recognition, vocabulary
Best for: Grades 2 to 5
Baam-Link: Play now!
4. Simon Says Summer
by Ronan
Ready to turn up the heat on fun? Get your students moving with a summer-themed game of Simon Says that’s more refreshing than a splash in the pool on a scorching day.
From building sandcastles to hiking trails, catching frisbees, and even barbecuing some food, this game is a perfect blend of sun, sand, and silliness. Ideal for those wiggle worms who can't sit still longer than a popsicle lasts in the sun!
Helps with: Following instructions, brain breaks, physical activity
Best for: Grades 2 to 5
Baam-Link: Play now!
3. Summer Bees Spelling Bee
by Miya
Let’s see who’s the queen or king bee of summer spelling! Can your students spell 'lemonade' faster than they can drink one? Dive into this buzzing spelling challenge that’s as sticky and sweet as a melted popsicle on a hot sidewalk.
Up for a challenge? Unscramble this: N W O A E L T E M R. Hint: it’s sweet and refreshing.
Watch as they race against each other, spelling their way through a treasure trove of sunny terms, all while having a blast under your classroom's metaphorical sun!
Helps with: Spelling, vocabulary
Best for: Grades 4 to 7
Baam-Link: Play now!
2. Name 3 Summer Things
by Albateacher
Can your students handle the heat of a little summer game action? This game tests their vocabulary and challenges them to think on their feet. Can they name 3 things they spot at the beach (aside from sand in their sandwiches)?
And for a twist, ask them, 'Name three things you don't like about summer.' Let’s find out who earns the title of 'Summer Grinch'!
Helps with: Vocabulary, critical thinking, quick recall
Best for: Grades 3 to 6
Baam-Link: Play now!
1. Would You Rather: Summer Style
by kvernon
Curiosity didn't just thrill the cat, it led you right to the grand finale of our list! Here it is, the last and positively the best game to round off your summer fun!
Would your students rather always have to wear a snorkel on their face or flippers on their feet, could they handle the weird looks at the supermarket?
Each quirky question is designed to stretch their minds and tickle their funny bones, making this game an excellent tool for developing critical thinking and reading comprehension while soaking up the fun.
And remember, if they choose the snorkel, they're probably just preparing for the flood of homework coming their way!
Helps with: Decision making, critical thinking, reading comprehension
Best for: Grades 5 to 8
Baam-Link: Play now!
Top 15 Summer Games: Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! And for even more fun, explore our extensive collection of summer games, there's a whole ocean of activities beyond this list to keep the excitement flowing. Let’s face it, this might be as close to a poolside escapade as you’ll get before summer break kicks in, unless, of course, you’re counting those accidental water bottle floods.
Now, let's crank up the classroom fun even further with Summer Bowling—our sunniest game yet! Picture yourself rolling strikes under a radiant, sun-drenched sky, accompanied by a playlist of upbeat summer tunes and a cast of delightfully quirky characters who add just the right amount of beach flair to your bowling experience.
This special release is exclusive to Baamboozle+ users, but anyone can try out a free preview—no sign-up required! Just dive in and make a splash with Summer Bowling!
