As the school year comes to a close, the excitement builds to make this summer the best one yet. After a long year of overwhelming responsibilities and exhausting schedules, it’s time for families to enjoy some much needed fun and relaxation. Whether you are the type of parent who is just as excited as your children to have more time together during the day or the type of parent who has no idea how to burn your child’s energy all summer, there are plenty of activities that can be fun for both parents and children. Add these exciting ideas to your calendar to make this summer a memorable time for your children and the entire family.
CAMP IN YOUR BACKYARD
It may sound silly to the adults, but trust that it will be the coolest night ever to your kids. Camping in your own backyard is a great opportunity to create an exciting night for your children without having to pack up all of your belongings and go to a distant campground. Together as a family you can build a campfire, make s’mores, tell stories, look at the stars, and so much more. Plus, you have the comfort of your own home and bathroom just a few yards away.
VISIT A LOCAL ZOO
The school year coming to a close does not mean that a child’s learning needs to take a pause. Keep your children curious and learning by visiting a local zoo! They will be able to learn more about natural wildlife, different species, and see animals that they would never get the chance to see otherwise. Plus, the Cape May County Park & Zoo offers free admission to everyone year-round.
VISIT A THEME PARK
For the adrenaline fueled families that love a good rush of excitement, there is nothing better than going to a theme park on a warm summer night. Theme parks are great for families because there are children’s rides, easy going rides for the cautious, and daring rides for the thrill seekers. Pack up the family car the night before so that your family can get to the park as soon as it opens and beat the rush. It’s guaranteed that after a long day of laughing and screaming that your kids will be falling asleep on the drive home.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Setting up an arts & crafts table for your little ones is a great way to keep them occupied for an afternoon. Homemade bird feeders can be done with just three elements: a cardboard roll, peanut butter, and bird seed. Cover the cardboard roll in peanut butter, roll it in the bird seed, and then slip the roll on a tree branch and wait for Mother Nature to do it’s work. Another fun and easy craft idea is to paint seashells or rocks collected from a family beach or park trip. When it comes to crafts, the possibilities are endless.
MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM
Summer is the season for ice cream, so why not teach your children a new skill? Whether you use an ice cream maker or the plastic bag method, learning how to make ice cream is a fun activity with a sweet reward in the end. Plus, the month of July is National Ice Cream Month, so there is no better way to celebrate.
CHECK OUT WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR TOWN
Summer is the time of festivals, fairs, carnivals, and move nights. Visiting your local Family Success Center is another great way to get your family involved in the community. There are various workshops, arts & crafts nights, dance classes, movie nights, and so much more available to all members of the community. To learn more about the Family Success Centers operated by Robins’ Nest and to see what is coming up at your local center, visit: https://robinsnestinc.org/programs/family-success-centers/