Ready for longer days and warmer temps? Me too. Summer is when I love to grab the whole family and do something fun [1]. From backyard barbecues to jumping rope, nothing is off limits. But my favourite activities are ones where we hang out together, laugh a ton, and make great memories.
The first day of Summer is June 21 (it's a Friday this year!), and day dreaming about how you'll spend it is the perfect antidote to chillier weather [2]. So before you get caught up in camp schedules [3] (or worse, Summer homework [4]), check out these ways to celebrate the official start of those gloriously sunny days.
Start a Water Fight.
It doesn't matter how old you are, water fights are fun for everyone! If you want to give your kids a real laugh, start the fight yourself.
Have a Cookout.
Fire up the grill! Gather everyone in the backyard and serve up an all-American cookout feast [6] with burgers, hot dogs, and yummy sides.
Go Camping In the Backyard.
While you might not have a local camp site, your backyard can be even more fun. Set up a tent, roast some s'mores, and tell spooky stories. The best thing? You don't have to worry about forgetting anything because you can run inside!
Catch Lightning Bugs.
Have your kids decorate a special firefly jar or just grab an old-fashioned mason jar and wait until it's dark! Then take the whole family outside and see who can catch the most lightning bugs.
Go to the Aquarium.
While museums might not be your little one's idea of fun, there's much more to see at the local aquarium. Hop in the car and check out all the great aquatic animals!
Go to the Beach.
I mean, talk about fun in the sun! What better place to kick off summer?
Host a Sleepover.
With school out, sleepovers are the perfect way to usher [8] in the start of Summer. Remember, pillow fights required!
Decorate the Driveway.
Pull out the sidewalk chalk and get creative! Encourage your kids to use their imaginations and draw all over your driveway and walkway.
Set up a Lemonade Stand.
Make a lemonade stand [9] to refresh your friends and neighbours. It's fun (yummy lemonade!) and can help foster their future business skills. Who knows, you might be starting her on the path to be a future entrepreneur!
Take a Road Trip.
Step 1: Make a killer playlist [10]. Step 2: Pick a spot in driving distance you've never been. Step 3: Hit the road!
Teach a Game from Your Childhood.
Sure, hopscotch and dodge ball might be a little old school, but remember how fun they were? Today's kids might not be familiar with the games you enjoyed, so this is the perfect time to introduce them.
Make Homemade Popsicles.
Purchase a DIY [12] popsicle mold and you're ready to make the frosty treats. You can even customize your pops with everyone's favourite flavours [13]!
Take a Bike Ride.
It's the perfect way to get a little vitamin D. Don't forget the helmets!
Go Fishing.
The great news about fishing is that you don't need to know what you're doing! Just find a rod, head to the nearest body of water, and try your hand at it.
Jump Rope.
You'll enjoy quality time with your kids and get your exercise in! (Jump rope is known to improve coordination and burn calories.) Get hopping.
Blow Bubbles.
Blow them. Chase them. Pop them. Repeat!
Check Out a Concert.
The start of summer kicks off all the outdoor concert schedules. Check your local listing for free opportunities to enjoy some great music!
Make Paper Aeroplanes.
The kids won't even know they are improving their fine motor skills. Let them fold and decorate their own. Then head outside to watch them soar!
Practice Skipping Rocks.
Who can get their rock to skip the most times? And make sure you let them in on the secret that flat rocks go farther!
Play a Yard Game.
Cornhole? Wiffle Ball? Frisbee? There are tons of fun yard games available — and most of them are inexpensive to buy!
Go Stargazing.
The summer skies are a beautiful sight. Count stars, find constellations, or just take time to talk under an awesome view.
Plant an Herb Garden.
Your kids will love playing in the dirt and learning about plants. You'll love having fresh aromatics at your fingertips when you're cooking. Win-win!
Climb Trees
If you've got a great climbing tree in your yard, encourage the kids to make their way into the branches. They'll be building spatial reasoning skills and confidence at the same time.
Explore someplace exciting.
Find a new hiking spot or seek out a big park and get lost in nature. It's also a good chance to turn off your phone and really connect with the kids.
Go Swimming.
Because what's better than a little time in the water?
Fly a Kite
Make sure you find a big open space with plenty of room for your kite to take off!
Go to a Sports Game
Local sports games are a great way to get outside and bond with the family. Whether you prefer high school, college, or professional sports, there's options for everyone.
Create a Summer Bucket List
What better time to create your bucket list than the first day of summer? Have everyone jot down ideas of what they want to do and where they want to go this summer. It'll give you a chance to look ahead, make some plans, and give your kids a summer to remember!