Chalk & Chapters

Living in an apartment with no yard can make summer feel limiting — but it doesn’t have to be. With two little ones and no backyard of our own, I’ve learned how to make summer fun feel big, even in a small space. And yes — without paint on the walls or risky setups.

Here are five safe, screen-free, and mess-free summer activities your kids will love (and you won’t dread cleaning up).

1. Sensory Bin Splash Station (Mess Contained!)

Set up a low bin or container on a towel, fill it with cool water, and add toys like measuring cups, spoons, stacking cups, and plastic animals. It’s like a mini water park they can explore without leaving your apartment.

Optional ideas: Add ice cubes, sponges, or a drop of food coloring (just a tiny bit!).

2. Window Watching Bingo

Turn your window into an observation deck. Print out (or draw) a simple “bingo card” with things like birds, trucks, dogs, airplanes, and bicycles. Hand your child a crayon or sticker to mark off what they see.

It’s quiet, cozy, and helps them build observation skills — and it buys you 15 minutes of peace!

3. Tape Maze on the Floor

Use painter’s tape or masking tape to create a path or maze on your floor. Kids can drive toy cars along it, follow it like a balance beam, or hop along it like a game.

When they’re done, peel it up — no marks, no mess.

4. Storytime Picnic (Indoor or Hallway Style)

Lay out a blanket in the living room, grab some snacks, and read a few books together like a pretend park picnic. My boys love it when I bring a fan over to “make wind” or play nature sounds on my phone.

This also works great in a shared hallway if your neighbors are chill.

5. Freeze Dance & Shadow Play

Play music and let your kids dance around with the lights off and a flashlight on. Try shadow puppets or just let them twirl and spin. It gets energy out and feels magical — especially before bed.

No running, no jumping off furniture — just music, movement, and a flashlight.

Bonus: Courtyard or Sidewalk Scavenger Hunt

If your building has a courtyard, a rooftop space, or even a safe sidewalk nearby, take advantage of it with a simple scavenger hunt.

Write or print a list of easy-to-spot items like:

• Something green
• A bird
• A round object
• A crack in the sidewalk
• Something that moves
• A flower
• Something red

You can give your child a clipboard and a crayon, or let them take photos of each item on your phone or tablet.

Even 10–15 minutes outside with a mission feels like a big summer adventure — and it burns some energy in the best way.

Download the Free Printable

Want to take this scavenger hunt with you?

Click here to download: https://chalkandchapters.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/scavenger-hunt.pdf.pdf

Closing Thoughts

You don’t need a backyard, paint, or wild setups to make summer fun. With a little creativity, your apartment can become a space where your kids feel free to move, play, and explore — safely and simply.

And yes, cleanup can take less than five minutes.