Fun Things for Families to Do This Summer

Gathering around the campfire is a great opportunity to share family stories, funny moments, and even a scary story or two, It doesn't matter, whatever you and your family enjoy talking about it!  You will be creating fun reflective memories that will be forever etched into the fond childhood memories of your children.  

For many, the favorite part of camping is the fireside fun and activities. But if you're like me camping is way too much work to enjoy the discomforts of the actual event. Why not bypass all the packing, unpacking, and discomfort of camping away from home and do it at home.  This is a great family activity my family has enjoyed for generations. 

This activity is wonderful, just pitch a few tents, set the mood, and create your own family campfire. it's a lot of fun to pitch a tent at home allowing the kids to stay up as late as they want.  You can supply the tent with fun board games just as you might if actually leaving home to camp.  Enjoy roasting marsh mellows and making smores all while you watch your children run and play in the safety and comfort of home.

Every house has a rich history and many buried treasures among its grounds.  You never know what you might find as you explore your property.  

Yes, your home is your territory and ripe for exploration.  Set up a treasure hunt in and around your own backyard or even indoors.  Involving role play is always an exciting and fun addition.  

This is what I suggest you do, actually dig around.

You may want to start with a map to guide children near areas you approve of and away from those you don't. 

You could create a map in advance and include it as the first treasure discovery. Maps build suspense and add excitement. And or you could have a blank map for the kids to complete.

Explore using a map to track your exploration, a metal detector, some small shovels, and excavating tools to search for hidden treasures you and your family have a claim to.  

If you have an exploration enthusiast in your home they will love this.  

Isn't there a bit of an adventurer in us all? 

You seriously may uncover old coins, jewelry, and some Indian heads or the like.  

Treasure hunts or otherwise called scavenger hunts are super fun ways to get the family excited, moving all while creating fond memories and keepsakes to support those memories. 

The cost of this activity is affordable and the tools can be reused over and over again. 

Enjoy your exploration and don't forget to take pictures. 

Everyone in the family needs to clear the cobwebs and get back into shape after a long winter's nap.  

It's the normal cycle of life, we get snuggled in for the winter and spring forward into shape with fun activities to enjoy the warm summer months packed with sunshine and leading into a care-free evening with fireflies and butterfly nets.  

When you want an easy-going activity to jump-start summer there is a one really fun idea that comes to mind.  

Catching fireflies or lightning bugs as some call them.  All you need is enough nets to go around or share, taking turns, and a bug carrier.

Gather the family around at dusk with the bug-catching gear and some comfy chairs relaxing as you watch your children catch those amazing fireflies and put them into the bug jar for night lights.  

What a fond memory your kids will one day share with their children, oh and don't forget the pictures, they will be priceless.

Collecting fireflies, butterflies and other interesting insects wakes the curious scientist in us all, you never know, there may be a great scientist in the family.

Relax, enjoy and let nature teach you and your family how to enjoy life. Oh and don't forget to set the little critters your kids catch-free at bedtime. Bugs have to get home to their beds as well. 

It may be learning to play chess, checkers, card games, or any other leisurely activity or skill and yet you remember it and are thankful someone took the time to teach you.  Pass this down as it was to you and continue time-honored traditions and skills.

Note; if you don't know how to play chess and have always wanted to learn do so with your child.  Admitting you're never too old to learn or give up on a desire to do something is a powerful motivator for your child now and in years to come. Check out youtube videos to learn.  Playing chess with a child is a bond that will serve as a powerful communication tool all throughout life. 

It's nice to know how to do things as this helps children socially.  If you know how to play chess it's a traditional game that builds skill and confidence.  

The games and skills you pass along to your children are priceless.  It makes them feel good for knowing how and because they have skilled people in their family to teach them, bond with.  

Regardless of how busy you think you may be, you are never too busy for family time.  Take the time to teach your children what you know, everyone will have fun.

Check out the list of other retro fun activities you can share with your family this summer. 

Lite-Bright is a timeless activity that is especially fun on warm summer nights outside in the tent, the deck, or a cozy blanket on the ground. 

Gardening is fun for kids and builds positive self-sufficiency while growing food for their families.

Families are rich with traditions, it could be cooking a certain dish, sewing crocheting, or knitting. The list goes on and on.  Do you know how to do any such things?  Did your parents or grandparents hand down a time-honored tradition?  These little family jewels are great for sharing.

Traditional Ideas

• Wood Crafts - Birdhouse
• Candle Making
• Knitting, Crochet, Needle Work, Knitting or Sewing
• Fishing
• Painting, Charcoals or Pencil Sketches
• Stained Glass
• Song Writing, Singing or Instruments
• Dancing - Traditional or Non Traditional

Most Importantly relax and enjoy down time alone together with the family.

Enjoy Your Summer, Katie