Summer weather may linger for a while, but summer vacation is quickly coming to an end or for some has already ended. However, there’s still time for one (or two!) more family memories to make, especially considering kids, as well as adults, often value the simple pleasures with loved ones as much as – or even more than – the big trips.
Here are five things to do with your kids to make the most of summer’s last days.
Take a day trip. Present some ideas to younger kids or have older kids brainstorm destinations they’d like to go for one day. (Parents: think of places you could go round-trip on one tank of gas or less.) Suggestions include a zoo, aquarium, amusement or water park, hiking, fruit picking or sporting event. The important aspect is that the kids picked the event – or helped to pick the event – which will make the experience more meaningful and memorable.
Go “camping” indoors or in the backyard. Even if your family does not camp, indoor or yard camping is affordable, easy and fun. Box stores have cheap tents (which are fine for home camping) and as we already know, kids love creating forts and small spaces. If yard camping, make a fire in the fire pit and cook hotdogs and s’mores over it, or if camping indoors, purchase a table-top s’mores maker. Get everyone a flashlight, tell age-appropriate stories and consider banning or limiting screens to further the “roughing it” experience.
Start crossing off things from this list. One of our favorite sources for inspiration is from the book “101 Things You Gotta See Before You’re 12” by JoAnne O’Sullivan. Check out one through 40 on our Pinterest board.
Pay it forward. Giving to others feels really good, but it is something that’s learned, not inherent. So present a few ideas to kids – or let them come up with some on their own – that revolve around short travel and improving the world. Go to a park you’ve always wanted to check out – perhaps take a hike – and pick up any trash you see on the ground. (Pick up disposable gloves at a hardware or home improvement store or bring hand sanitizer.) Another idea is to volunteer at a family farm. Find one via the Internet and give them a call or send an email, asking if they’d like helpers for the day.
Hang out at home together. Why is this so revolutionary? (And yet it is.) Make a mental note of all the activities you already have, from your favorite games (Yahtzee, anyone?) to easy crafts to cooking a favorite meal together. Spend an entire day or afternoon just enjoying your home and your yard. Ask kids a lot of fun questions during “home time” and consider making audio recordings of their responses. They’re fun to listen to years down the road.