While summer may not change much in your daily routine, the extra sunshine inspires adventure. This is especially true when you have small children. And while getaways are fun, you don’t need to plan a Caribbean vacation to create family fun this summer. Here are five tips to help you make the most of the summer days without a lot of stress or expense.
Get Outside
It may sound obvious, but getting outside in the summer brings all sorts of opportunities. If you stay home, use bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and the water hose to create memories together. Or if being away from home is more your speed, check out your local parks and walking trails. If your children are very small, take a stroller or wagon so you can get some walking in. Or if your children are more independent, consider packing up your family’s scooter or bikes and getting some exercise together. Also, camping is popular among families with small children thanks to its low cost, easy pace, and flexibility.
Slow Things Down
Life gets busy so easily, and before you know it your calendar is full. If possible, look for ways to slow down this summer. That may mean pausing your memberships, taking a break from extracurriculars, or just keeping certain days on your calendar free. However you choose to change your pace, look for ways to enjoy family fun in the time you gain. Perhaps you could institute a family game or movie night or take regular hikes together. Your family plans don’t need to be complicated or expensive. In fact, research shows that children are more likely to remember the everyday moments together over the big showstoppers.
Attend Local Events
The Atlanta area is full of family fun almost every day of the summer. There are many fruit farms in the area that offer tours and u-pick hours to bring home delicious, sun-ripened fruit. On June 1 and 2, the Chattahoochee Nature Center is hosting the Flying Colors Butterfly Festival with butterfly encounters and a plant sale. The ninth annual Atlanta ice cream festival is on July 27 this year at Piedmont Park. Also, catch some family movies by attending a local edition of Movies in the Park. And there’s so much more! A simple online search will bring you lots of ideas for local family fun all throughout the summer months.
Take Advantage of Long Days
Even if you prefer to stay home, summer has many adventures to offer. The long daylight hours provide time for after-dinner walks, catching fireflies, and roasting marshmallows over the fire. Enjoy your meals outdoors, possibly even cooking your food on the grill or over a campfire. If you read to your children before bed, you can move that bonding time outside as well while the light is still good in the evenings.
Eat Local
Another advantage of summertime is the abundance of local produce. Whether you choose to grow your own garden or just buy locally, it’s a great opportunity to be adventurous and support your community. There are farmers’ markets all across the Atlanta area, with each town hosting their own. Even if you just visit the markets to browse the interesting produce and products, it’s worth the effort. Perhaps your family will make a plan to try something unfamiliar each week. Or, if you are planting a garden of your own, each of you could choose one type of seed to try for the first time.
Family fun happens year-round. Regardless of weather or location, each family creates its own connection and joy. However, the long days and warm weather of summertime create unique opportunities for families to put their busyness on hold and just enjoy one another for a while. If you are looking for childcare that emphasizes attentive care and fun for your child, consider Legacy Academy Satellite. Call or visit today for more information.
