W
e made it! Summer is finally here, and my kids are ready to beat the heat with all things water-related. Going back to school this year was anything but normal with coming off the heels of a global pandemic. Now that things are (sort of ) going back to the way they used to be, my kids and I have come up with 26 summer-approved ideas for a fun and relaxing time together. Check them out!
A to Z,
This is the Summer for Me! Aquarium. Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Mo., the Tulsa Aquarium in Tulsa, Okla., and Aquarium at the Boardwalk in Branson, Mo., are all great places to check out under-the-water creatures. Be sure to check ahead and book your tickets online if possible, to avoid long lines.
Beach. If possible, take your kids to the beach! We’re headed to Florida this month, and we can’t wait! If the beach isn’t in the plans this year, or you don’t like the beach, grab one of those fun kiddy pools at your local store and fill it up with playground sand or water and let your kids play away.
Cookout. My kids and I love to cookout in our backyard. Step it up a bit and add s’mores to your menu. You won’t regret it! Bonus tip: My daughter Hannah learned this in Girl Scouts…out of Hershey Bars? No problem. Use Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Cookies and Cream Candy Bars, or Almond Joy Bars in place of your regular chocolate. It adds a fun twist to a camp classic.
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Day Camps. Check out your local businesses for day camps that are being offered in your area. My girls are going to Imagine Studios to make some fun art for a few days this summer. It’s a win-win. It’ll give your kids something to look forward to, and it’ll give you a few hours of peace and quiet.
Eat something new. I’m always encouraging my kids to try new foods. Elinor just tried asparagus for the first time. She didn’t like it, but she tried it! Make it a goal to try something new once a week for the entire summer. I bet you’ll have some fun stories to look back on some day. Bonus tip: Take your kids to the store and let them take turns each week picking out the item of their choosing that they want to try.
Food trucks. Our town has a lot of cute food trucks. Spend a few hours visiting one and showing your kids that their food can come on wheels. You could even make it a mission to try as many food trucks as possible before the end of the summer. You might just add a few new places to your favorite places to eat.
