Summer is here, when the day begins with your children asking, “What are we doing today?”.  The first few days and even weeks of summer, offers respite from a crazy schedule.  Children and parents alike are ready to sleep in, stay in pajamas till lunch, and just hang out all day.  It is called vacation—a break from the routine and busyness of life.  Summer is a time to regroup, refresh, get special projects done, and just chill.  However, there comes a time, which varies from family to family, when children look for some routine or structure to their week.  They like having activities to look forward to in their day.  With a little planning, you can create a flexible summer schedule that is fun (and purposeful) for your children.

For some of you, the last thing you want to think about is planning out the summer.  Others of you, begin in early spring looking for summer camps, recreational adventures, and sports activities.  The good news is, that you do not have to spend a lot of money or hours of work to have a great summer experience.  Nor do you have to start planning in March.  Hence, I have waited till now to write an article on summer fun. 

Exposing children to a variety of experiences, builds confidence and general knowledge.  There is much to be said about this, but for now I just want to focus on fun ideas for your summer.

Camps and Community Activities

Local parenting magazine (primarily advertising) offer directories of camps and local activities for children.  Your city website may have an event calendar with summer activities for kids.  Local recreation departments and the local library are also great resources.  Consider: roller skating rinks, bowling, horseback riding, playgrounds, the beach, canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, art class, children’s museum, tennis, golf, Vacation Bible School, bike riding, cooking classes, dance, visiting local attractions, etc.  If you have a college in your city, check to see what classes are offered for children.  Science centers also offer classes during the summer. 

Family Activities

You do not have to leave your house to enjoy a fun summer activity.  Start off with a family pow-wow to talk about summer plans.  Are you traveling? If so, there are many things you can do to get your children involved in the planning to build anticipation and excitement for the trip.  Create a bucket list with your children of the things they would like to do over the summer.  Ideas might include:

• Watch fireworks
• Learn a new card game
• Fly a kite
• Go to a concert
• Make homemade pizza
• Go camping
• Go to a movie
• Make a movie
• Catch a fish
• Make a tie-dye shirt
• Go to a parade
• Organize a neighborhood bike parade
• Make a watercolor painting
• Play flashlight tag after dark
• Take a night swim
• Watch the sunrise and sunset in the same day
• Read a whole book in one day
• Write a book
• Learn a new skill (roller blading, riding a bike, rock climbing, cooking, sewing…)

Camps at Home

Is there something you love doing, are passionate about and do well?  Have you ever considered inviting two to four other children to your house for a day camp?  For example, you could have a cooking camp (i.e. bread making, baking, canning, or meal prep) one week.  It could be every day, three days, just mornings…you get the point.  Schedule it according to whatever works for you and what you would like to accomplish.  You could even share the week with another parent or grandparent.  In addition, you and a friend could each plan a different home camp based on your talents and interests. 

Dads with a flexible schedule could have an auto mechanic camp—learn how to check tire pressure, change a tire, check the oil, and the basics of a working motor.  Home improvement projects, gardening, sewing, crafts, painting, or drawing are additional ideas for day camps at home.

Summer Fun Guide

My daughter-in law has used a daily summer schedule to guide her planning with the girls every summer.  The Summer Fun guide below is simple and flexible.  Based on your location and family interest, delete, or add to these ideas.

Although the possibilities are endless, it is easy to get into a summer rut and forget the simple pleasures that add so much to our life and learning.  With a little planning, your children will look forward to each day and you will have an answer when they ask, “What are we doing today?” Happy Summer!

Let me know what you think and share your favorite summer activity.