Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
If there is anything this heat tells us, it is that summer is finally here! With longer, hotter days and no school to speak of, it is time for some fun in the sun! But with everyone having the same idea, it can leave popular summer destinations packed and uncomfortable. Nobody likes a crowd; here are some things you can enjoy this summer that might just be unique enough to give you a little free rein.
Have a picnic at the park. The days of outdoors are just as fun now as when you were a kid. Take the chance to unplug from your daily life and enjoy a day out with your family at a local park. Give in to the casual nature of hanging out with family. Spread out a nice blanket and take turns playing catch, Frisbee or tag. And if you don't like the idea of having to prepare and pack a big picnic lunch for the whole family, remember that your favorite restaurants have to-go menus! Pick up a delicious favorite and make for the grassy hills for a family day!
Stargazing in the backyard. If the whole “fun in the sun” bit isn't for you, consider an outdoor excursion into the wild wilderness of your very own backyard. The fun starts at sundown- grab a blanket and some pillows and get comfortable in an area where you have a clear view of the sky. Watch as the stars begin to come into view. For extra fun, bring snacks, glow sticks and your best adventure stories!
Hunt for bugs! Another nighttime adventure. Did you know that there are several species of bugs that glow under a black light? Get a UV flashlight at a store, and take the kids on an expedition to find the creepy crawlies that glow in the night. You won't be able to miss them! Extra points if you can guess what their names are.
Water balloon war! Just because all of the local watering holes are chock full of rowdy strangers during the summer, it doesn't mean that you can't cool off right at home! Fill up buckets with water balloons, and create stations all around your yard. Don't tell the kids what's going on, just call them outside, and let the war begin! As they run from your water bombs, they'll discover the additional water balloon stations and in no time at all, nobody will be dry.
DIY bird feeder. This is a creative way to appreciate the diversity of life that comes with the warmer summer months. Use everyday materials, along with honey, peanut butter and various birdseed types to create a unique and tasty treat for your backyard neighbors.
Water bubble! Using a plastic sheet and duct tape, get the kids to create a water bubble! Enjoy the challenge of creative creation as you and the kids struggle to create the roundest bubble with the fewest leaks possible! This is definitely one for outside!
Break out a kite! When is the last time you have flown a kite? Chances are, it's been a while. But whether it is store bought, or hand-crafted, you and the family are in for a lot of fun, as you chase the breeze, and learn new techniques for flying.
Make a home video. Talk about precious keepsakes. Home videos don't have to be about anything specifically. Just break out an old fashioned video camera, (or you can use your phone camera if you like) and take turns having each member of the family film their favorite things about the house, the yard, the dog. Not only will it be a fun way to spend the afternoon, but it will be a special memory you'll have to cherish for the rest of your life.
Summer can be one of the most enjoyable times of the year. But when everyone has the same idea, it can leave your plans feeling a little cramped and lackluster. By finding fun and unique ideas to spend some of your summer days with your family at home, you ensure the formation of memories that will stick with your family, even after the summer is long gone. You can fight for elbow space on the beach, too, but it is nice to have a little less chaos sometimes.