Today, I’m going to be sharing with you some of my favorite summer stories. Since it’s the 4^th of July, I thought it would be the perfect time to do this. Stay tuned to see if some of your favorites made the list!

First of all, I’m classifying these as any story that takes place during the summer, and that somewhat has that carefree, summer feeling to it.

A lot of these stories are perfect for children, so if you know any kids that are looking for something new to read or watch, this is the perfect list for them. However, many of these movies and books can be entertaining for even adults.

1. Summer of Suspense

This book is the first in one of my favorite series of all times, The Baker Family Adventures. If you want to see my full review, you can watch the video here. While this book starts out a little slow, it only gets more exciting as you read. Be sure to check out the entire series because they all tie together in a complex story that gets more intriguing with each book.

The story begins when the Bakers—a home-schooling, American family—receive a visitor on their farm. Their spoiled English cousin, Millie, starts causing trouble almost immediately after she arrives. However, when she disappears, the Bakers realize that something very sinister is afoot. In their race to find Millie, they become entangled in a massive operation run by a notorious jewelry thief and must seek help from a seasoned detective and a spy from within.

2. Sound of Music

This musical is a classic in our house… I’ve probably watched it hundreds of times, but it never grows old. The songs are catchy, the story is beautiful, and the characters are interesting. My personal favorite version is the older one starring Julie Andrews. However, I’ve seen the live version with Carrie Underwood, and I was pleasantly surprised at what they did with it.

Maria, a spirited young woman living in an abbey in Austria, is commissioned to serve as a governess for a retired captain and his seven children. Upon arriving, she realizes that the captain has distanced himself from his children since the death of his wife. Determined to fix things, Maria uses music to restore their relationship… unintentionally attracting the attentions of the captain in the process.

3. Beyond the Mask

If you’ve been following this blog for any length of time, you’ll know that this movie is one of my favorites. While it does take place over all of the seasons, I included it in this list because of its obvious patriotic theme. If you’ve never seen this movie, I highly encourage you to… it’s one of the best Christian films I’ve seen.

When English mercenary Will Reynolds decides to retire from his job with the East India Company, he finds himself on the run from his former boss, Charles Kemp. Taking on the identity of a vicar, Will settles down in a small village, hoping to forget the past. But it’s only a matter of time before his misdeeds catch up with him, endangering his life, the safety of the woman he loves, and the freedom of the American colonies.

4. Crimes and Mr. Meanors

This movie is a perfect pick for a family with younger kids. It’s funny, heartwarming, and has some pretty cool elements, as well. It also has a patriotic theme, as viewers will be introduced to some of the history in America’s capital city.

When young Jake’s parents go on vacation for the summer, he is forced to stay with his eccentric Uncle Benny, who runs a private detective agency in Washington DC. Business is barely trickling in until, one day, an old woman comes in looking for her missing husband. It soon becomes apparent to Jake and his new friend, Kat, that this case is much bigger than a disappearance. In fact, the fate of the entire nation may now rest in their hands.

5. The Parent Trap

This is another classic movie that’s mostly funny but has a lot of heart. There are two versions, but I prefer the 1961 one with Hayley Mills.

When Sharon and Susan first meet at summer camp, they immediately take a disliking to each other… especially since they look so similar. But when they discover that they are long-lost twins separated at birth, they come up with a scheme to switch places, hoping to get their divorced parents back together.

6. Luca

This movie is a cute animated film with a powerful story. The imagery on the Italian coastline is gorgeous, and the character interactions are both hilarious and touching. It’s the perfect family movie and is an enjoyable film for all ages.

Young sea monster, Luca, wants nothing more than to discover what’s above the surface of the water, but his parents are afraid of what might happen to him. When Luca meets Alberto, a sea monster who lives on land, he decides to go against his parents’ wishes and leave the water. The two boys travel to Porto Rosso, a nearby human town, with high hopes… but they are ill-prepared for what they find there.

7. Toy Story II

Sequel to Pixar’s first animated film, Toy Story, this movie is one I’ve watched since I was little. It’s a great story with a tight plot, a creative setting, a solid cast of characters, and a dash of humor. This is another good family movie and will keep even younger kids entertained.

Woody, a toy cowboy doll, is stolen by a greedy toy collector who hopes to place him in a museum. In the meantime, Woody’s friend, Buzz, recruits the other toys to go on a rescue mission to find Woody before their owner, Andy, comes back from cowboy camp. But little do they know that Woody’s kidnapping could shed light on his past.

8. Up

Another animated movie, Up is also very entertaining. Funny and lighthearted at times, it also carries a powerful message. Even adults will enjoy watching this movie, and the creative elements will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Carl Fredrickson, a retired balloon man, is devastated when he finds out he will be forced to leave his beloved home. Determined not to give up, Carl uses helium balloons to fly his house away, intending to land at Paradise Falls and fulfill the dreams of his late wife, Ellie. But a stowaway boy scout named Russell, a talking dog named Dug, and a rare, multicolored bird threaten to slow Carl down and ruin his plans.

9. Quicksand

If you’re stuck on a long car ride this summer, or if you simply enjoy listening to audio dramas, Quicksand is the perfect one for you. With mystery, intrigue, drama, humor, and more, this audio drama will be sure to keep you listening.

When various events bring Juvernia, a rich city girl, and Max, a young orphan, to a small country village, many things start to happen. As the lives of different characters around them change, they begin to realize that God has brought them there for a reason. But they little know that the story that ties them all together has yet to be told.

10. Amazing Love

This movie is a nice summer vacation tale that will challenge you and make you think deeper. While it does have humorous moments and interesting characters, the story itself carries a powerful message.

When a youth pastor brings a small group of teens on a camping trip, he isn’t prepared for the strife that flares up between them. Hoping to salvage what’s left of their trip, the pastor tells them a story of amazing, unconditional love that will impact the teens forever.

Comment below what your favorite summer story is!