Fun Summer Ideas for the Family
As schools close for the summer and as the world opens little by little, families are searching for ways to spend quality time with one another. Here are a few quick ideas:
Gardening – Simple, natural, and healing. Gardening provides a chance to connect with the Earth and with your family. Whether you are planting flowers or growing vegetables, gardening can be a fun and inexpensive way to get outside and spend time with one another. To make things more fun for kids, build a bird’s nest or decorate a sign and name your garden. Gardening is long-lasting too, so there are many opportunities for you and the family to work together to make something beautiful.
Rainy Day? No problem! Grab some sleeping bags or make-shift beds and camp out together in the living room! Shake things up by building forts and have a competition for the best one. Snacks and movies are always an option as everyone winds down. Don’t forget a lantern or flashlight for the “campfire” stories!
Zoos! Although school may be out for summer, there are many fun ways to get outside and learn. The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro offers an abundance of opportunities to see wildlife from North America and Africa. Families can feed the giraffes at Acacia Station Giraffe Deck or take pictures of the butterflies in the Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden. Taking a day to enjoy animals and nature is a great way to make lasting memories.
Hiking? You heard that right! Grab the family, pack your lunch, and head out into the wilderness for an adventure. Hiking is a great way to get moving and reconnect with nature. Bring a camera to take pictures of the cool birds or plants that you see! There are a number of hiking trails in the area and the best part is that they’re free!
Chalk it up! Have a contest to see who can make the best driveway or sidewalk art using chalk. There are so many colors to choose from and it’s not hard to find packs for under $10. The best part is that chalk is easily washed away, so there really is no limit to your creativity!
Summer is a great time to connect, destress, and make memories together. Take advantage of this time together and make it fun for everyone. Although these are just a few ideas, the fun is limitless when you come together to brainstorm your own ideas.
Alex Vergara
Mental Health Student Intern