10 Summer Family Activities

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Lately, on my Facebook wanderings, I’ve run across articles about getting off of your phone and spending more time with your family.

This can be extremely hard for all of us who do business from our phones.  But, I do feel there are some ways to be more intentional about spending time with our families.  Summer is the perfect opportunity to begin trying out some new ideas.

Can It Be Done?

I’ve just recently returned from a 3 day retreat where there was no wifi or t.v.  My family and in-laws rented a farmhouse out in the North Carolina mountains with the intention to be actively together more.  This was more of an experiment for myself; to see if we could all find enjoyment without electronics.

With influencers such as Tracy from Raised Good, I’ve begun to crave finding more simplicity in our family time.  (If you haven’t tried her 7 day parenting challenge, you should!)  I’m trying to let go of my over planning nature, and letting this summer be about simple, uncomplicated family time.

In order to help let go of the “I don’t have time” or the “That takes too much work” syndrome; I’ve created a list of ideas to do with family.  I’m ready to be more intentional with my time.  My kids are growing up way too fast.

Before jumping into this list, I want to make a few points.

• I’m still working on being intentional with our family time.  I have not done all of these things, and this is not a bucket list.  I don’t like bucket lists because I always feel bad if I don’t do them.  These are only ideas to help let go of what we think we have to do  so we can spend more time with our family.
• This entire list is not for everyone.  If fact, I encourage you to make your own list of things you like to do.  Your family may not like to do some of these activities.  Get together as a family and come up with a few other activities and replace them with ones on this list.

10 Summer Family Activities

1. Strawberry, Blueberry, Blackberry Picking

I can’t tell you how much my children look forward to going strawberry picking every year.  However, the mere thought of getting a group of friends, packing lunches, and driving 20 miles away made me anxious.  Who has time to take half the day to go strawberry picking and spend 1/2 an hour making up sandwiches and snacks to take with you?

This year I didn’t commit to a time to leave the house and I didn’t pack anything!  We texted friends when we were on our way, and we had the best time not worrying about what we didn’t get done at home before leaving.  We ate strawberries and ice-cream for lunch!

2. Weekend Getaways

“Sometimes it’s time to get away from it all, to experience things in a completely different way.” – Kim Mance

We all know vacations are good for us.  Just take one.

3. Wade in the Water

Find a creek or a shallow pond somewhere and go wading with your kids.  You never know what you’re going to find!

4. Go Fishing

Do you remember the last time you’ve been fishing?  Yep, neither do I.  However, I have fond memories of fishing with my dad when I was a kid.  Kids love fishing even if they don’t catch anything.

5. Hiking

Getting outdoors with your kids is good for everyone!  Do you ever tell your kids to go out and play?  Well, you need to get out, too!  One of the best ways to spend time outside is to go on a hike.

6. Play Games

While we were in the mountains for 3 days without t.v., we spent the nights playing games together.  Devote one day a week without t.v. and electronic devices.  Learn new card games or board games.  We had the most fun!

7. Picnics

If you ever find yourself out and about around dinner time, eat outside!  Keep a blanket in your car.  Stop by your local grocery store and pick up supplies to make sandwiches.  Instead of running home to make dinner, stop at a nearby park and spend some time picnicking and playing.  Dinner problems solved!

Related Posts: Pleasure-Seeking Parenting: Labor-Saving Lunches

8. Dancing

If you live close to a city who has a variety of summer activities, take advantage of it!  One of our favorite things to do is to attend a Big Band event every Saturday evening.  Couples dance, kids play with sidewalk chalk, and watermelon is heavily consumed!

9. Porch Sitting

Summer evenings are the perfect opportunities to get out of the house!  Bring out the watermelon and iced tea while your little ones catch fire flies.  Make porch reading a priority during warm weather months.

10. Go Bug Catching

Stop waiting until you have a free night to take your kids to a place where fire flies are lighting up the night.  Make your own fire fly catcher and see who can catch the most fire flies.  Make the decision to start making family time count!

What other ideas can you add to this list?

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