School’s Out for Summer …

If it is June, then it must mean that your “normal” schedule has been turned upside down! Is is the annual Return of the Children. With school out for the summer, the task of finding ways to entertain your kids- young and old- all day, every day is now all yours! Who better to help you with that than a kid at heart herself …Voila, that’s me!

Growing up, I always had very fond memories of summers spending time with my brother, sister and. Summertime was THE time we could do all the fun things without school and extra-curricular activities in the way. This is when so many great memories were (are!) made.

Whether your kids are already home, or finishing up the school year, this is the perfect time to create new and everlasting memories together. The weather’s going to be the best it’ll be all year, so head on out! Not sure what you want to do yet? Then check out this list of suggestions – from the simple to the well-planned, there’s something for everyone.

SUMMER VACATION – OUT OF TOWN ACTIVITIES

Some years it is possible to plan a “big” vacation, sometimes it’s just a chance to get away from your crazy busy lives and let you relax and spend much needed time with the family.

My family’s favorite vacation spot is South Myrtle Beach, but we’ve also been fortunate to go to Universal Studios, Sea World, Disneyland and Disneyworld. Even if you just go once in your lifetime, it’s an experience you and the kids will never forget.

Mini-vacations are great, too! Sometimes day trips give you MORE vacations than just one week in one place. Here are two ideas …

• Amusement parks – Many amusement parks offer a “fun pass” or a summer pass of some sorts. if the park is close by, you can visit the park all summer. Look out for these passes or other summer discounts and enjoy a family fun day!
• Summer Fairs – All around the country (and probably in your area) the State Fair will be opening soon. It is a great opportunity to learn more about your local area – and enjoy some great homemade food!!
• Camping- This was never one of my favorite things to do, but for outdoors-y families, camping is a great recreational activity. Roast marshmallows, build tents, go fishing, and soak in nature’s beauty! Maybe even from the backyard!
• Local parks, beaches, and lakes – I am more than blessed to live right by the Oceanfront near Virginia Beach, Va. Lots of my college friends who lived in Northern/Central/Western Virginia always were jealous that I grew up going to the beach every single summer.  But you know what? they had water near them, too! Rivers and lakes are waterfront, too! You can still get sand between your toes on a lake! Pack a picnic and let the kids play in the water … wherever you live, there’s surely a little water nearby! Summer would not be fun without getting a little bit wet!

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR SUMMER FUN

There is plenty of fun in everyday activities, too! Who doesn’t remember getting soaked washing dad’s car? Here are some activities that might look like work, but are pure fun!

• Car wash – Sure, you could get discounted gas if you get your car washed at the station, but how fun is that? Pick a hot day and get those hoses, buckets, and swimsuits ready! My two siblings and I would always team up to tackle the family van. My younger brother (the tallest one) got the top, my baby sister got the windows, and good ol’ big sis got the four yucky tires. But we loved it!
• Gardening –  It’s not too late to start a patio garden with a cool potted plant or vegetables. Let your younger kids pick out the flowers and/or seeds, teach your older kids how to properly plant plants into the ground or pot, and teach them the basics of watering and caring for plants. One of my favorite things to grow back then were tomatoes and green onions!

• The neighborhood Pool – Even if you don’t have a pool in your backyard, there is probably a community pool or aquatics facility nearby.  Plan a weekly pool day with the family – I guarantee the kids will be watching the calendar for that day! I remember my mom and dad taking off a morning from work just to take us to the YMCA pool. We’d rush in, fight for all the good seats with umbrellas, whine about how much sunscreen Mom was slathering us in, and eat delicious cold fruit during Adult Swim.

• Post-dinner physical activities – For parents who still have to work all day, after dinner is the perfect time to get in some quality time. The sun sets later and the evenings are much cooler. What could be better? Don’t let you kids stay holed up inside with the AC all the time! Go for a family walk, go biking, throw the frisbee around, etc. Our family’s favorite outdoor activity was badminton and we loved to watch in awe our parents playing like pros.

Staying active is quite a struggle for parents and kids of all ages nowadays with smartphones, televisions, laptops, and (of course) work. Show the kids how NOT to be a couch potato!

There are SO many things you can do with your family this summer. It will fly by fast, so make the most out of it!

For more ideas, check out this awesome list of 101 Almost Free Things to do with your Kids this Summer on our Pinterest page.

Here’s to a Great Summer!

Image Credits

Kids running out of school – 1000 Awesome things blog
Beach-http://www.discoverdestinrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Family-with-Beach-Ball.jpg
Camping- http://s.hswstatic.com/gif/family-camping-checklist-1.jpg
Disney- http://images.familyvacationcritic.com/planning-disney-article.jpg
Car Wash-http://www.clean-organized-family-home.com/images/car-family-washing.jpg
Soccer-http://www.familysportsfun.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Family-Sports-Pic4-300×204.png

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