5 Ideas for Fun Summer Activities at Home
It’s no secret that “summer vacation” will look a little different this year. There will be no hopping on a plane and jet-setting to the next exotic destination on your bucket list, no mass-gatherings of friends and family at cottages or in backyards, and a big one for a lot of parents is that there will be no overnight summer camps to keep the kids occupied and entertained.
If you’re like us, you’re probably thinking, “How will I ever keep my little bundles of energy busy all summer?”. If that sounds like you, keep reading for some fun at-home summer activities that families can enjoy together.
Get Baking
While present circumstances are less than ideal for a multitude of reasons, one silver lining is that we have a chance to learn new skills. The same goes for your kiddies! So strap on your aprons, whip out your rolling pin, and bake some of those recipes you’ve had your eye on for a while now. Kneading dough and stirring ingredients can be a great way to get your kids involved in the process.
Bring the Movie Theatre to You
Going to the movies is a great experience for families. Why not bring that experience to your own home? Turn your backyard into a drive-in by purchasing a portable projector online or from a local retailer. Pop some popcorn, grab some blankets, and start streaming the newest family film as the stars shine above you!
Start a Family Book Club
Depending on the ages of the little ones in your home, a family book club could be a great activity to bring the family together and keep everyone reading. On an agreed-upon day each week, one family member picks a book out of their collection to read to the rest of the family. To up the stakes, the meal or dessert that night could be “themed” based on the book of choice! Reading Cinderella? Why not try your hand at baking some glass slipper or pumpkin carriage shaped cookies? The options are endless.
Get Active
If you’re looking for a fun way to keep your family moving all summer long, try hosting a weekly Family Summer Olympics! Pick one day each week to host the games. The events can be anything from an egg and spoon race to building the biggest card tower (for rainy days). Keep points based on where each family member places in each game (3 points for gold, 2 for silver, 1 for bronze) and at the end of the summer, the family member with the most points gets an agreed-upon prize (no chores for a week, any dessert they wish, etc.)!
Get a Pet!
This one likely won’t help to lower your stress levels right off the bat but if welcoming a new furry friend into your home has been on your mind for a while, now could be the time to do it! You’re at home more than you ever have been and may ever be. Plus, it’s a great way to teach the youngsters a thing or two about responsibility. If you’re curious but aren’t 100% sold on the idea yet, you could always give fostering a try first! Check out what’s available at your local shelter.
Even though summer will look different this year, that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of it. Current circumstances are tough on all of us, our kids included. We hope that these activities will put a smile on your family members’ faces. Remember that we’re all in this together.
