Fun Summer Family Activities

School is out and it’s time for some fun in the sun. With those long summer days stretching ahead of you, there’s so much time for activities that it may feel a little overwhelming. There are so many decisions to make — how much do you need to plan? How many snacks do you need? Walking shoes or cute shoes? And often, it’s hard to please the whole family. Luckily for you, we have ideas for the whole family, for kids from age 5 to 85.

Be a tourist in your home town. When you live in the same place for a really long time, it can be easy to forget all of the things that location has to offer, or even avoid certain spots that are overcrowded. This summer, though, take a day or weekend and try out all of the touristy activities in your town. Go to the aquarium, get some ice cream, even go to the silly shops that have fun souvenirs with which you can memorialize your trip. Vacations don’t have to be expensive — they can be in your very backyard if you play it right. Mix it up with attractions and activities, like a museum and walking along the river or biking around and trying the restaurants and shops catering to visitors.

Break out the arts and crafts supplies. This is a great option if it’s raining or unbearably hot outside. Transform your kitchen into a sea world with crepe paper and “jellyfish” that you can all make together. Simply decorate paper plates with paints or markers, then staple two together and stuff them with newspaper. You can then add “tentacles” with crepe or tissue paper, and hang them on the ceiling or a fan to “swim.” See what other kinds of fish you can create as well!

You can also get a little dirtier in the kitchen, making popsicles out of a favorite juice or trying a new recipe, or by making oobleck. If you have never heard of oobleck, there are many recipes for it online, but it’s basically a combination of cornstarch and water (and food coloring, if you so choose). You wouldn’t believe what an entertaining substance this is, and an interesting science experiment to boot. Solid or liquid? It’s up to you to find out!

Get outside. There is so much research out now touting the benefits of getting outside, from improving mental health to developing better leaders. Walk your dogs, go for a hike, or try a new activity like bouldering or stand-up paddle boarding. You could even break out the mat and try some yoga flows under the sun. There’s so much exploring for everyone to do, and plenty of things to learn about. If you think about it, nature can fit almost any interest. Kids can climb trees or try creating toys out of natural materials, and will love having a campout in the backyard — marshmallows included, of course. Make sure to bring bug spray, sunscreen, and water, and have fun enjoying those warmer temps.