Things to do: Simple family activities for the remaining summer vacation

BY KATHY SISSON | theeverymom.com

This time of year, you might feel like summer just began and wonder how it went by so fast. These are easy to execute family activities that seem extra special with summer vacation starting to wind down.

Have a ‘yes’ day. Often as parents, we have to say “no” to set boundaries and to keep our children safe and healthy. But one day, see if you can say “yes” to your child’s requests throughout the day (within reason). Go to a nearby park/zoo/ice cream shop, and see where the day takes you

Visit a beach or pool. Get outside at a local pool or beach and spend another day splashing around together. 

Have a movie night sleepover. Set up a movie and watch a movie together before the kids fall asleep. You could plan this with sleeping bags on the floor of the living room with popcorn or other treats. If you have an outdoor space, have a movie night with an outdoor projector and stargazing.

Have a baking day. Spend an afternoon in the kitchen whipping up everyone’s favorite treats. Throw on some upbeat music and dance the day away while you work on your creations. Then, taste test the finished products together.

Visit a museum. Get the kiddos excited to start learning again by heading to a local museum. Spend the day learning about art, history, science, or a combination of a little bit of everything! They’ll cherish the memory long after school starts, and learn something along the way. 

Plan one-on-one dates with each child. This could be watching their favorite TV show together or eating ice cream just up the block. 

Share a picnic meal outside. Whether you are in your backyard or at a local park, eating outside together on a blanket has a special summertime appeal. 

Stay up late to catch fireflies. Fireflies make summer nights seem so magical, so one night, let your kids stay up late and gently catch a few to make a firefly lantern.

According to Firefly.org (yes, it’s a real website), fireflies can live in a jar, but they need damp air to survive. Put a few slices of apple in a jar, and if you have a spray bottle, mist some water on the inside. Only keep the fireflies overnight and release them the next evening because that’s when they’re most active and able to avoid predators. Plus, the release can be another special experience to share.

Draw with chalk. Chances are we all have plenty of chalk laying around that doesn’t always get the use it deserves. Spend time outside getting creative. They can even use the chalk to draw inspirational pictures or words for the school year ahead. 

Tie dye t-shirts. This classic summer activity is one every kid will have fun with. Not only do they get to be creative with the tons of tie-dye pattern options out there, but it will double as a back-to-school shirt they’ll be so excited to show off. 

Take a road trip. if you find yourself with an open weekend, why not make it extra special? Take a spontaneous road trip to a town that’s not too far. Spend the weekend exploring, relaxing and simply enjoying each other’s company before the busyness of the school year comes around again.

Do nothing—literally. Before schedules and new routines take over, let them get bored and unleash their creativity. Sometimes, that’s when the real magic happens!