5 Fun Out-of-the-Box Summer Activities With Biographies

This is a picture of kids reading books in the grass and working on Fun Out of the Box Summer Activities with biographies

Summer is here, and while it’s the perfect time for kids to relax and recharge, we all know how important it is to keep those little minds engaged. Without school routines, kids can lose valuable skills, but that doesn’t mean learning has to feel like homework. Summer activities with biographies are an awesome way to sneak in some learning while keeping things fun and interactive. Real stories about real people can spark curiosity, teach resilience, and inspire kids to dream big. Get ready for some out-of-the-box summer activities and fun summer reading challenges that will turn biography reading into an adventure!

Why Read Biographies Over the Summer?

Let’s be real—finding fun summer reading challenges can sometimes feel like a chore, but biographies change the game. They bring history to life, showing kids that real people have faced challenges, taken risks, and changed the world. Biographies examples for students can build reading comprehension, critical thinking, and even social-emotional skills. Plus, they open the door to conversations about perseverance, courage, and standing up for what’s right. Whether kids are into sports, science, or social justice, there’s a biography out there that will grab their attention. Let’s ditch the boring book reports and make biographies an exciting part of summer!

Out-of-the-Box Summer Activities with Biographies

This is a picture of a clipboard and an activities where students can learn about different historical figures. This picture is of an activity where students learn about Neil Armstrong.

Biography Scavenger Hunt

Turn reading into a real-life treasure hunt! After finishing a biography, kids can solve clues leading to objects connected to their historical figure. If they read about Amelia Earhart, maybe they find a toy airplane or a world map. Reading about Thurgood Marshall? Hide a mini gavel or a law book. This is a hands-on way to reinforce what they’ve learned while keeping them active and engaged. Try it indoors, in the backyard, or even at a local park!

Create a “Day in the Life” Journal

What if kids could step into the shoes of a historical figure for a day? With this activity, they’ll write journal entries as if they were that person—what they ate for breakfast, what their biggest challenge of the day was, and how they felt about their achievements. Encourage them to get creative by adding sketches, diary-style reflections, or even “news articles” about their accomplishments. This activity builds empathy, improves writing skills, and makes history feel personal and relatable.

Biography-Themed Art Projects

For kids who love to create, art projects are a fantastic way to bring history to life. They can make a collage representing key moments from their chosen figure’s life, design a book cover for their biography, or even paint a portrait of the person. These activities allow kids to express what they’ve learned visually, making history more meaningful. Bonus: They’ll have something cool to show off when they’re done!

Living History Interviews

Let’s turn history into a performance! Kids can dress up as their chosen historical figure and answer interview questions as if they were that person. Parents, siblings, or friends can play the role of the interviewer, asking about their achievements, struggles, and what they would do differently if they had a second chance. Want to make it even more exciting? Record the interview on video and create a “biography documentary” to share with family and friends!

Biography Book Bingo – A Fun Summer Reading Challenge

Who doesn’t love a good challenge? Create a biography-themed bingo board with different categories like “scientist,” “athlete,” “civil rights leader,” or “Texas history.” As kids read, they mark off spaces on their board, aiming to complete a row or even go for blackout! This keeps summer reading fresh, fun, and full of variety. Offer small prizes or fun incentives to keep kids motivated.

This is a photo of a bunch of activities that teachers or homeschool parents can give their kids. It is a picture of Summer activities with biographies worksheets and activities that will keep them learning during summer break.

If you need quick print-and-go worksheets that teach about different historical figures, check out this complete bundle of biographies packed with fun activities your kids can do over the summer.

Biographies Examples for Students

If you’re wondering which biographies would make the best fun summer reading challenges, here are some fantastic biographies examples for students that align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards for second grade:

Amelia Earhart – The fearless aviator who shattered expectations and set flight records.
George Washington Carver – The agricultural scientist who revolutionized farming and found hundreds of uses for peanuts.
Robert Fulton – The inventor who made steamboats a reality, transforming transportation forever.
W. E. B. DuBois – A civil rights leader and historian who fought for equality and co-founded the NAACP.
Thurgood Marshall – The first African American Supreme Court Justice, known for his work on Brown v. Board of Education.
Irma Rangel – The first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas House of Representatives, a champion for education reform.
John Hancock – A Revolutionary War patriot famous for his bold signature on the Declaration of Independence.
Theodore Roosevelt – The adventurous 26th president who prioritized conservation and progressive policies.
Sojourner Truth – A powerful voice in the abolitionist and women’s rights movements, known for her “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech.
Navajo Code Talkers – The Native American Marines who used their language to create an unbreakable code during World War II.
Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) – The trailblazing female pilots who flew military aircraft during World War II, paving the way for women in aviation.

Summer Activities with Biographies

Summer learning doesn’t have to be boring or feel like extra work. By incorporating biographies into fun, hands-on activities, kids can stay engaged while discovering real-life role models. From scavenger hunts to living history interviews, these ideas make learning come alive in ways that kids will actually enjoy.

Want to make it even easier? Check out this Historical Figures Biography bundle to help kick-start your fun summer reading challenge. It is packed with tons of biographies examples for students they will love.

Have a favorite biography recommendation? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s inspiring your readers!