Summer is full of big feelings, messy adventures, and unexpected need to get creative when it’s raining… and a journal gives kids somewhere to put all of it. Whether they’re writing, doodling, or sticking in bits from their day, it’s a space that’s entirely theirs. With the right setup, journaling for kids can become one of the most fun and personal parts of their summer rather than something that feels like homework.
Disclosure: If you purchase anything from links in this post or any other, I may receive some kind of affiliate commission. However, I only ever mention products I love and would recommend regardless of commission.
Disclosure: I’m not a mental-health or medical expert, I just share what I’ve learned through my own research and experience. The ideas and prompts here are meant to help you reflect and grow, but they’re not a replacement for professional advice. You can read my full disclaimers here.
This post has a mix of fun and simple summer journal ideas for kids that make it easy to get started, whatever kind of journaler your child is.
Why Journaling for Kids Works Well in Summer
Journaling gives kids a reason to pause and pay attention, even if just for a few minutes. It encourages them to notice what’s around them, express how they’re feeling, and document their experiences in ways that feel natural to them.
It can also:
- Build confidence in writing and imagination
- Provide a quiet activity during travel or downtime
- Give them a creative outlet that doesn’t involve screens
- Help process big emotions or changes in routine
- Give them something to look back on once summer is over
Summer journaling is completely their own, which gives kids a sense of ownership they don’t always get during term time.
Easy Journal Ideas for Kids: Getting Set Up
Getting started doesn’t require anything fancy. Part of the fun is letting kids make it their own from the beginning.
- Use a plain notebook, sketchbook, or fold-up paper stapled into a booklet
- Let them decorate the cover with stickers, drawings, or things they love
- Keep a pencil case or small basket nearby with markers, coloured pencils, scissors, glue, and a few magazine scraps
- Add some printed prompts or idea pages for days when inspiration is low
- Make clear they don’t have to journal every day, it’s just there when they want it
A small “journaling corner” with cushions or a dedicated box of supplies can help make it feel like a treat rather than a task.
15 Summer Journal Ideas for Kids to Try
This list is designed to include a mix of drawing, writing, creativity, and memory-keeping — so there’s something for every kind of learner and mood:
- Draw your dream summer day. What would you do? Who would you be with? Where would you go?
- Make a weather tracker. Use stickers, symbols, or colours to show the weather each day for a week.
- Create a summer snack review. Taste something new and give it a rating!
- Write a letter to your future self. Imagine what you’ll want to remember from this summer.
- Start a found objects page. Glue in leaves, wrappers, ticket stubs, or anything interesting you find.
- Design your own ice cream flavour. Draw it, name it, and describe what it tastes like.
- Make a memory map. Draw a place you visited and label your favourite parts.
- Collect favourite words. Write down new or silly words you hear this summer.
- Create a summer playlist page. List your favourite songs and what they remind you of.
- Invent a holiday character. Like the Summer Fairy or Sandcastle Wizard. What do they do?
- Keep a kindness log. Write or draw something kind you did or saw each day for a week.
- Start a joke or riddle collection. Ask friends or family to add theirs, too!
- Draw your summer outfits. From beachwear to pyjamas, get creative with the designs.
- Make a gratitude page. Fill it with drawings or words for things that make you happy.
- Document a day using only drawings. No words are needed — just pictures of what you did.
These summer journal ideas for kids are designed to be open-ended so they can take the lead or dip in when they need something to do.
Fun Journaling Ideas to Keep It Going
- Let kids choose which ideas to try or skip… it gives them a sense of control
- Mix writing with drawing, stickers, washi tape, or collage to keep things fresh
- Avoid correcting spelling or grammar unless they ask… the focus is expression, not perfection
- Join in: journaling alongside your child makes it feel more like shared fun than a solo task
- Celebrate whatever they create, even if it’s one scribbled page in a week
Some kids will write for an hour; others will stick in a receipt and call it done. Both are fine.
My Summer Journaling Toolkit
- Lay-flat softcover journal – easy to write in whether you’re indoors or at the park
- Spiral-bound sketchbook – perfect for art journaling, collages, or visual memory maps
- Dot grid notebook – ideal for people who like freedom but want a bit of structure for layouts or playlists
- Multicolour gel pens – ideal for mood journaling or differentiating between topics
- Pastel highlighters – soft colours for underlining lyrics, drawing attention to memories, or decorating pages
- Fine-tip markers – great for doodles, headings, or summer-inspired colour palettes
- Mini portable photo printer – print summer photos straight from your phone
- Washi tape set (summer-themed) – add colour or hold down found objects like tickets or leaves
- Sticker pack for journaling – look for ones themed around travel, nature, or seasons
- Zippered journaling pouch – to carry your supplies in your beach bag or picnic backpack
- Compact lap desk – makes journaling easy from a park bench, porch swing, or campsite
- Reusable water bottle with time markings – not journaling-specific, but self-care is important
Kids Journal Ideas Worth Trying
Summer journaling for kids works best when there’s no pressure to do it a certain way or keep it up every day. Give them the freedom to follow their curiosity, and they’ll pick it up when they want to — rather than avoiding it because it feels like an obligation.
Whether they use words, drawings, collections, or all three, these summer journal ideas for kids help them slow down, notice what’s happening around them, and make something worth looking back on.
Disclosure: If you purchase anything from links in this post or any other, I may receive some kind of affiliate commission. However, I only ever mention products I love and would recommend regardless of commission.
Disclosure: I’m not a mental-health or medical expert, I just share what I’ve learned through my own research and experience. The ideas and prompts here are meant to help you reflect and grow, but they’re not a replacement for professional advice. You can read my full disclaimers here.