Summer is a great time to enjoy a more relaxed schedule and create some fun. Yet, it’s easy for summer to slip away. Many summers with my kids I intended to do lots of fun things, but I wasn’t intentional about planning specific activities. I have to admit, I was disappointed at the end of the summer. Fun as a family is important to building strong family relationships and faith. The summers when I did make a list we didn’t always get through the whole list but we had fun trying. Be intentional this summer and come up with a summer bucket list as a family.
Schedule a family meeting to get the ideas flowing. Even if your kids are really young, ask for one idea from each family member and make a realistic list of fun activities. Here are three great websites filled with ideas for you and your family:
Check out family capers
The name alone is inspiring-how fun to plan some family capers this summer. Two of my favorite ideas are the Car PJ Party and Breakfast on the Green.
Car PJ party: surprise the kids once they are in their PJ’s and load up into the car. Make sure the adults wear their PJ’s. You can bring your own drinks and snacks and head out somewhere remote to look at the stars or go for a late night drive thru. Simple but lots of fun for kids
Breakfast on the Green: plan a menu (simple or full breakfast with camp stove) as a family, have a breakfast picnic somewhere unusual.
Plan an urban adventure quest
I heard about this from a friend who did it with her three teenagers and had a blast. It’s a scavenger hunt/sight seeing tour put together. You travel around an urban location finding clues and learning about the city. If you live near or are going to visit one of the included cities think about adding this to your list. There is a cost of $49 for a full adventure and $30 for a mini adventure per team.
Make a superhero video.
With a few items you can make it look like your kids are superheroes flying through a city backdrop. You’ll need a smartphone or video recorder, an old sheet, scissors, sidewalk chalk, fan, and a ladder. A big part of the fun is making the costumes and cityscape background. For detailed instructions click here.
Remember, you don’t have to do everything on the list or schedule every detail. Finding a way to be structured and spontaneous is part of being a family. Don’t let this summer slide by without intentionally having fun together as a family!
