The world view of summer vacations may have altered during the past few months as health concerns become the focus of most families, but you do not have to stay inside with your children or parents.
There are many fun activities and mental exercises you can do with the entire family that lets you get outside and enjoy time in the sun. To get you started, here are a few events you can plan for your family to participate in this summer.
1. Nature
Learning about nature is more than finding out what plants are around your home. You can take pictures of animals or butterflies and then discuss their habitats. Make a fairy house from things in your backyard and tell stories about the wee folk. Create a bird feeder and discover what type of food different birds in your area eat – remember to record which birds visit your yard.
2. Reunion
If your family is spread out across several states, why not plan a family reunion this summer to celebrate the cohesiveness of your heritage? Renting a large house for a couple of days or finding party yacht rentals near you can be a great way to get everyone together safely. Make sure to provide ample notice, so everyone in the family has time to travel.
3. Camping
A night in nature can be exciting for young children as they watch a campfire dance over a marshmallow stuffed on a stick in preparation for smores. The sounds of nature, snuggling into a sleeping bag, and playing with flashlights can all be part of the delight of a camping experience.
4. Mapping
Watch the stars in your backyard and map the biggest and brightest. If you have a telescope, learn to identify the different colors of the planets and notice which ones have moons close by. If you love telling stories, the mythology behind the constellations can be fascinating.
5. Beachcombing
Walking on the beach can be a great outdoor activity, but why not make it into a game? Give each family member a sheet filled with 30 squares of different beach life and have them mark through each sign of life they can identify. If children are older, taking pictures of the various shells, animals, and plant life you find can be exciting.
6. History
Museums, zoos, and art galleries are great places to make discoveries about history. With stories about humans and their interactions with people, animals, and food sources, there can be much to learn about who you are and where you came from. Some of the exhibits even offer free tours.
7. Fantasy
Making memories as a family can be priceless, but you do not have to be together to do it. Give each member of the family a storyline and ask them to create a chapter for a book. Make sure you ask them to illustrate their adventure, and when you get everyone’s contribution, create a book for all to share. If a family member can not draw, have them take pictures to feature in the story.
8. Puzzles
There are many types of puzzles available. From hardback to crossword to games, you can find many kinds to while the days away with your family members. Have a contest to see who the best is at solving the different types of puzzles and award that person a crown and puzzle book for their efforts. If you enjoy solving puzzles, you can also consider visiting an escape room for an extra bit of excitement.
Participating in family activities is about more than removing boredom. Making memories and learning about the world while you are together can create a world of fun for children and adults alike.
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