Can you envision that perfect summer night? The sun slowly fading turning the evening sky into a gorgeous magenta. The beautiful summer glow on tanned skin. The fun-filled day transitioning into s’mores around a campfire. Kids running around laughing, all while being surrounded by your favorite people, snuggled up to a fire. LIFE IS GOOD. #summertime
There’s something MAGICAL about summertime! This is a sweet season to make those life-long memories with your family. The weight of school is lifted off of the kids and a newfound sense of freedom rings in the household.
Kids spell LOVE as T-I-M-E. They want YOU! They want to spend time with you while you are fully engaged. Put your phones down, get your pens, paper and calendar out and make your families Summer Bucket List.
Be sure this list comes to life! Write down which days you will do specific activities so you all have something to look forward to. Remember specific requests get specific results.
Make a decision to be intentional and present with your family this summer. #noregrets.
Here are a few fun ideas to get you in the spirit of Summer!
HAVE FUN with your kids. Let JOY fill your homes and hearts and let each activity you do send an intentional message and life lesson.
There are a few things that happen here, kids learn how to make and implement a plan, a reward system is created with the fun follow through, independence and confidence is instilled and best of ALL, this bucket list will help bring unity and make lasting memories together. Creativity is BIRTHED!
1. Have an Ice Cream Party with Loads of Toppings
Who doesn’t love an ice cream bar? Pretend like you’re on a cruise and set up your bar with ALL the goods. (Of course, customize this if you are dairy free, gluten free, etc.) Vanilla, coconut, brownie, and mint chocolate chip ice cream are always a hit…have fun with it! Berries, granola, gummy worms, cookies, whip cream and cherries on top! This one “activity” will be on repeat, I’m sure.
2. Make S’mores
Is it even summer if you don’t make s’mores? The classic bonfire, gooey marshmallows stuck to your fingers, melted chocolate and graham crackers. (No fire? Your stove or microwave will work too) Put all the ingredients on a platter and tell your favorite stories as you all enjoy this sweet treat.
3. Have a Water Balloon Fight
No pool? No lake? No ocean? No problem! Divide friends and family into two teams. Assign laundry baskets with water balloons as bases and it’s GO time! Always remember to remind the entire family to be encouragers and team players.
4. Bake Cookies to Share
Write three families you want to bless with homemade chocolate chip cookies. Gather all the ingredients and let the kids add, mix and create so they feel included and gain confidence. While the cookies bake, write cards to the families and have fun as you deliver these fan favorite gifts. It is better to give than receive.
5. Make Your Own Otter Pops
A fun way to cool down on a HOT summer day. Save your family from unneeded sugar that is found in so many popsicles. Choose your favorite healthy juice, fill and freeze! (You can order the popsicle bags on Amazon. They are called Zipzicle bags)
6. Make Handmade Cards to send to friends and family
CRAFT DAY! Get stickers, glue, colored paper, glitter and all that jazz on a large table. You can use butcher paper to make it extra fun! This can be indoors or outdoors, your choice. Have your child pick 1-3 people they want to make a card for. Help them create and you lead by example making cards as well. The fun part is putting the card in an envelope and mailing it off! Aunts, grandmas and grandpas, friends and whomever you choose to send these to will save and swoon over how special they felt when retrieving the mail.
7. Tie-Dyed T-Shirts
Grab some white t-shirts that never get worn and re purpose them…OR order some fresh ones on Amazon. The best and simplest way to do this is to order a Tie Dye Kit and follow the instructions. I remember doing this at summer camps and it was always the most fun process!
8. Pick Berries
Strawberries, Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries…you pick (no pun intended! Ha!) Mark out a day to go to a berry picking farm. Have a blast and think of the creative ways you can eat the berries. Eat them as they are…or maybe you make a jam or pie.
9. Go 24 Hours with NO electronics
This may or may not seem like a tall order for you and your family. We use the internet for EVERYTHING…think about it…when was the last time you went without your phone? Try going 24 hours without internet, radio, TV or phone. Go camping, play games, read books, TALK with your family or even complete some more items from the bucket list. Soon enough, you will wish you had these quiet moments more often.
10. Run Through Sprinklers
Simple is often times the absolute BEST, not to mention the most FUN! Get your sunscreen and bathing suits on and head straight to your front or backyard. Turn the sprinklers on and let your imagination run wild!
11. Family Game Night
After a day of fun in the sun, get all showered up and in your cozies for a FAMILY GAME NIGHT! Depending on the ages of the kids…this may look like Duck Duck Goose, Pictionary, or Texas Hold ‘Em. Make some popcorn and have your favorite beverage, these are memories that will last forever.
