Creative Summer Activities for Kids: Foam Machines, Spaghetti Pancakes & DIY Rockets

Making Memories This Summer with Simple, Joy-Filled Projects

When my husband, Steven, became a stay-at-home dad, we knew the adjustment wasn't going to be easy. But something beautiful happened in that transition — he and our kids built a rhythm filled with wonder, messes, laughter, and really creative ideas. I would come home from Circle & Square workshop...and never know what I would find and what crazy ideas Steven came up with to fill their time. These are just some of the Steven Shenanigans that you take take a page out of for your summer activities. They’re unique, memory-making traditions that anyone can try.

Here are our kids top three favorites—complete with how-tos for your own family fun.

DIY Foam Machine – Backyard Fun in a Bubble Cloud

Perfect for: Hot afternoons, birthday parties, or spontaneous playdates.

Why We Love It:
This is always a hit. Our kids call it “the bubble tornado,” and it transforms our backyard into a foam-filled wonderland. Bonus: It’s easier (and cheaper!) than it sounds. And Steven pridefully says it's the best way to get kids clean because he uses the kid shampoo/body wash and calls it good after they run around in it.

How to Make a DIY Foam Machine:

Materials:

• A plastic tote

• A leaf blower or $25 bounce house blower

• An old towel, shirt, or mesh laundry bag

• Water Pump

• Water Hose

• Tear-free bubble solution 

Steps:

1. Cut a small hole in the bucket lid just big enough for the hose to fit.

2. Set pump inside tote and connect hose, run hose through hole cut.

3. Fill the tote with 1 part bubble solution to 4 parts water.
4. Put lid on tote and set blower on top. Have hose in front of blower.
5. Drape the towel or mesh bag over blower opening + hose 
   

6. Turn on pump and blower and watch the foam spill out!

Pro Tip: Use tear-free baby shampoo in your bubble mix for extra soft foam that’s safe on eyes and skin.

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2. Spaghetti Pancakes – A Breakfast Twist Your Kids Will Flip Over

Perfect for: Lazy summer mornings or quirky weekend brunches.

Why We Love It:
This is breakfast and a giggle-fest all in one. Steven turns ordinary pancake batter into long, stringy shapes using a squeeze bottle—think spaghetti meets flapjacks.

How to Make Spaghetti Pancakes:

Ingredients:

• Your favorite pancake batter

• Squeeze bottle (like a cleaned-out ketchup bottle)

• Butter & syrup for serving

Steps:

1. Fill the squeeze bottle with pancake batter.

2. Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet on medium.

3. Squeeze out long, thin strands of batter into the pan.

4. Let them cook 1–2 minutes per side until golden.

5. Serve them tangled up in a “nest” with butter and syrup.

Pro Tip: Add mini chocolate chips or blueberries for bonus fun.

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3. DIY Paper Rockets from Calendar Misprints – Upcycling with a Bang

Perfect for: Rainy days or quiet afternoon crafting.

Why We Love It:
Steven is the king of turning “oops” into opportunity. He takes our misprinted paper calendars and helps the kids build real paper rockets they can launch outside.

How to Make DIY Paper Rockets:

Materials:

• Old paper calendars or poster

• Tape or glue

• Straws (preferably wide ones)

• Scissors

• Markers for decorating

Steps:

1. Roll a piece of paper around a straw (not too tight), then tape the seam.

2. Fold and tape one end shut (this is the rocket tip).

3. Add fins with leftover paper scraps.

4. Decorate with markers, names, or doodles.

5. To launch: blow through the straw and watch it soar!

Pro Tip: For longer flights, make sure the nose is taped tightly and the rocket fits snugly over the straw. Or make an actual rocket launcher with them.

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A Sentimental Summer Made Simple

These activities may seem small, but they’ve become part of our family’s story—ones the kids will remember long after the foam washes away and the pancakes are eaten.

If you’re looking for hands-on ways to bond with your little ones this summer, try one of Steven’s favorites. All it takes is a little imagination, a few supplies, and the willingness to get a little messy.