Last year’s dog days of Summer were unusual due to the pandemic… However, summertime fun returns this year with a sense of hope for families as conditions improve. After long days stuck indoors, many are seeking a change of scenery. An adventure. Parents: If you’re sick of hearing “I’m bored” every five seconds while taking Zoom calls, you’re not alone. The good news is, you can make the most of this Summer and find new ways to enjoy the season together as a family. 

Not sure where to start with your family Summer bucket list? We’ve done the work for you! Below, we’ve compiled 10 things to do this Summer that your whole family can enjoy together. Now that much of the pressure and isolation of the pandemic is shaken off, get out there and have some fun!

IDEA #1: HAVE A PICNIC

Some of the best family activities are the most simple. Tired of eating in your house all the time? Break out that dusty old picnic basket, grab a blanket, and enjoy a meal together outside in nature. Heading to a local park, lake, or beach will do just the trick.

IDEA #2: CAMP IN THE BACKYARD

Looking for a way to enjoy nature with your kids without actually roughing it? Get out the sleeping bags, pitch a tent in the backyard, and sleep outside for the night under the stars. Perks: All the comforts of home are a short walk away, should you need more bug spray, flashlight batteries or a bathroom break. Don’t forget to build a fire and make some s’mores!

IDEA #3: VISIT A NATIONAL PARK

For an adventure beyond the backyard, consider visiting a national park. This is a great opportunity to help teach your family to appreciate the beauty and majesty of God’s creation. Whether you visit a nearby park or take a roadtrip to explore multiple landscapes along the way, you can explore parks to visit by searching here.

IDEA #4: GO TO A LOCAL COUNTY FAIR

Always a traditional Summer classic, attending the local fair is a crowd-pleaser for the entire family. Fairs have everything from ferris wheels to roller coasters, from ring toss to bumper cars, from cotton candy to funnel cake. Whether you’re a kid, parent or grandparent, the carnival can be a fun time for everyone! As an example, the New Jersey State Fair in Sussex will be open this year from August 7th - 14th, and you can learn more by clicking here.

IDEA #5: ATTEND A BASEBALL GAME

Though the sport is available to watch on TV, actually being present at a baseball game is an entirely different experience. After a year of sporting events not even being an option, it’s easier to appreciate the appeal of America’s favorite pastime. Many fans have missed the experience of sitting in on a game, hearing the familiar chants of others and the crack of the bat against the ball. Whether it be a Little League or MLB game, this family outing is a great experience for the whole family.

IDEA #6: LEARN SOMETHING NEW TOGETHER

What’s something new your family takes interest in that you can learn together? Whether it be archery lessons or learning a new lesson, learning together is an exciting way to bond as a family. This idea is a broad one, so there’s room to get creative. But here are a few suggestions that your family might enjoy together:

• Teach your kids how to cook or bake
• Learn how to do photography
• Play a new instrument for the first time
• Take a dance lesson
• Go to a museum together

IDEA #7: WATCH A DRIVE-IN MOVIE

Over the Winter, many of us turned to Hulu, Netflix, and many more streaming services to pass boring Winter Days. For a seasonal change of pace, ditch the living room for a unique twist on movie night. Watching a movie at a drive-in theater is a great Summer alternative to see the latest blockbusters with your family. This retro activity is something your kids will love! Finding a drive-in theater still up and running may be more difficult nowadays, but it is so worth it when you do. To locate a drive-in movie theater near you, try searching DriveInMovie.com.

IDEA #8: TRY ROCK CLIMBING

For the adventurous and daring ones in the family, climbing an indoor rock wall or an actual rock face is a great way to get out of your comfort zone. A rewarding experience, rock climbing allows the whole family to bond and develop trust when one’s fear of heights may be tested to its limits. Or maybe you and your family are all seasoned climbers? If so, get out there and try not to put us all to shame!

IDEA #9: PLAY OUTDOOR GAMES TOGETHER

Nothing says Summer fun with family like playing cornhole, four square, volleyball or capture the flag in your very own backyard. Yard games are simple yet underrated and can provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike. So, disconnect from technology for the afternoon and spend some quality time with each other via a little family-friendly competition.

IDEA #10: TAKE THE KIDS STARGAZING

After a day’s worth of fun and play, pack up the car and drive the family to a remote spot where you can enjoy some stargazing together. This activity can be exciting and relaxing at the same time as you search the sky for familiar constellations. Just look for a spot away from city lights and bond together over your shared appreciation of the beautiful night sky.

BONUS: START A FAMILY BIBLE STUDY

Another great way to bond with your family this Summer: Dive into God’s Word together. On our Liquid Kids webpage, we have tons of relevant resources for families to check out together, including weekly kids Bible lessons and parent devotionals. Our mission is to partner with parents to help kids develop a faith that sticks! Other great guides for Bible studies include one of YouVersion’s over 10,000 Bible Plans. There are tons of Bible reading plans and devotionals made specifically for kids, which you check out by clicking here. We hope that diving into God's word as a family helps strengthen your family relationships and your delight in our Heavenly Father!