7 Top Summer-Ending Activities
Yesterday my daughter-in-love, Amy, sent me a photo of my grandson, Wyatt, standing by a very large wooden engraved road sign reading, “Seaside, Oregon.” They found a way to escape the Seattle, Washington heat and create refreshing summer memories by heading to the beach!
What are you doing with your family to celebrate these last weeks of summer before the arrival of fall and school? Here are a few fun suggestions to consider:
- Seek Out Local Events–
Regardless, whether city or small town, local communities usually host special events during summer’s final weeks. In the small town of Rock Hall near us this weekend, they host the annual event, “Pirates and Wenches.” Costumes, musicians, games for the children and a marketplace for adults promises a good time for all. Check your newspaper for local listings in your area. - Plan a Family/Friends Cooking Day–
The cooking channel, cooking experiments, and cooking techniques increased in popularity during the pandemic. What about involving your children in this new interest? Spend an entire day cooking. Include everyone in the fun. Plan menus together, venture out on a joint shopping trip for the ingredients, and share the fun by giving each a task and responsibilities. Set the table with summer themed decorations and take photos of the meal before the eating begins. No children? How about a “Favorite Recipe Brunch” with relatives or friends? - Share a Game Day-
What if all the family agrees to spend one entire “digital device free” day, playing games that everyone can enjoy? Yes, you may hear some, “Aw, Moms…” but summer is soon over, homework begins, and times to simply laugh and joke together may be limited. Suggestions include putting a puzzle together on the kitchen table, playing board games, learning a new card game, enjoying bingo, or challenging each to checkers, chess, or Scabble matches. Purchase small prizes to award winners. Break for a summer lunch of grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and potato salad. Complete the day with Charades or Pictionary. Use lots of eye contact and interactive conversation. You never know what will become a lifelong memory in a child’s mind! - Take a Day Trip-
When was the last time your entire family piled into the car to visit a nearby small town, area attraction, or state park? Some of us live only minutes from someplace fascinating and interesting, yet never find the time to explore it ourselves. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy something you’ve never experienced before! - Camp, Fish, and Explore the Outdoors–
How about finally taking your child on that camping or fishing trip you’ve been promising but never fit into your calendar? Don’t put it off another year. Make good on your promise this summer- it’s not too late. Google the nearest location or state park and make plans. If camping isn’t your thing, make a one-night hotel reservation nearby. Make it a two day/one night “special weekend.” What’s the old phrase? “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” It doesn’t take a lot to leave a lasting impression with a child, so make it a good one. - Design an “Arts” Day–
The pandemic gave us another gift. Besides creating a new interest in cooking, it also caused us to explore our interest in the arts. Whether finally attacking a DIY project we wanted to do for years, or enjoying watercolor painting, sewing, or jewelry making, the time spent at home caused our creative juices to flow again! So why not have fun with your child by creating an “Arts” Day together? Engage your child with his or her specific interests, gather the supplies, and spend a day creating together around the table. You don’t have children? Then invite some friends over for a creative extravaganza! - Celebrate Summer Memories and Foods-
As summer 2021 comes to a close, what memories will you and your family remember? Sit down together and talk about the summer. What memory meant the most to each family member? Do you have photos on your phone? Choose the best, go to Walgreens, and print these off so you can create a scrapbook together.Then have each member share their favorite summertime food and make a meal of just these recipes. So what if every dish is dessert? It shouldn’t matter for one summer celebration meal each year. Spend a special day together cherishing the joys of family, friends, and summer as you bring one season to a close in anticipation of the fabulous fall ahead!
We are told to “redeem the time” or “make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16). What better way to do this than by creating memories that last a lifetime!
