Apr 8, 20234 min read

Fun Things I'm Doing This Summer

Every summer I tend to let summer pass by because I don't go out of my way to make any plans. By time summer ends, I feel like I missed out on a lot that I could've done and feel a little bummed. This year, I am so excited for the weather to warm up that I have been thinking of all the things I want to do. I really want to get out and make a bunch of memories with my family. I don't want to look back at the end of the season and feel like I wasted any of it away. Below are some fun things I plan on doing with my family this summer.

Go to a Theme Park

I haven't ever been to Evermore Park yet, but I have been curious about what it is and then last year I learned more about it and decided I want to go. I never made it last year, so this year I want to check it out and experience something new. Also, this is the perfect year to try it because my son, "A," is old enough to understand it somewhat and it is the last year he can get in for free. From what I understand, Evermore Park is kind of like a renaissance fair but is there year round.

Set up a Sprinkler

This isn't something I would do on my own, but as a mother I think it would be fun to hook up a sprinkler to the hose and run through it with A. I have memories of running through the sprinkler when I was young and it was a fun way to cool off. Also, it waters the grass so that's a bonus. A loves playing in water so I am sure he will have a blast.

Go for a Hike

I grew up spending a lot of time outdoors and going on hikes. Now that A is able to walk longer distances on his own, I am excited to start going on more hikes as a family. One that I am specifically planning on doing is the Stewart Cascade trail. I haven't done that hike before, but I love hikes that lead to some form of water.

Make ice Pops

A LOVES to make food! And there is nothing more refreshing than an ice pop on a hot day. Especially ones made with real fruit. I'm planning on buying a little ice pop mold and keeping the freezer stocked all summer with different flavors of ice pops.

Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt

A good way to get out in nature and really be observant is to go on a nature scavenger hunt. I feel like it is also an educational opportunity for A as we describe the different things we find. We can wander around and find all kinds of things that we probably wouldn't have really noticed before.

Go Camping

We're going to be camping at a pretty place in the woods by a creek for a family reunion. I think it will be really nice to get outdoors and spend lots of time with family. The only thing that scares me is bears! Tent camping makes me feel a lot more vulnerable.

Have a Water Fight

Even though it is just barely warming up outside, A keeps pretending to spray my husband, "C," and I with the garden sprayer attachment on the hose. I think he will have tons of fun getting to spray us with water and also running away when we spray him. It will be a nice way to cool off and burn some of that energy that A seems to have a lot of.

See a Movie at the Drive-in

Drive-in movie theaters aren't necessarily my favorite thing, but I think it is something fun to experience every so often. The last time I went to one was probably nine years ago so it is about time we went. C and I have never gone to one together and A has never experienced a drive in movie theater. It'll be fun to go once and then I probably won't feel the need to go for a while again.

Paint and Hide Kindness Rocks

I always see these cute little painted rocks around and think it would be so fun to paint some too, but I have never made the effort to actually do it. I like seeing the painted kindness rocks around because it is fun to see how they are all so unique and to appreciate the creativity that some people have. Plus, A has really enjoyed painting lately so I think he would have a great time painting some rocks and then leaving them around to be found.

Have a Picnic

A picnic always sounds so cute and romantic until you realize you have to figure out food that doesn't need to be heated up in the microwave and store a bunch of dirty dishes until you get back home. I always think about doing a picnic and then talk myself out of it because I am too lazy to deal with it. This year, I really want to make the effort to plan out at least one nice picnic and then find a nice place to eat outside as a family. There's just something really nice about eating outside and enjoying nature.

Stargaze

Something about looking at the stars just really fills me with amazement about how small we are compared to space. Unless you go drive out somewhere with minimal light pollution, it is difficult to actually see what's up there. I want to find a really good place and just watch the sky for a while. Stargazing can be so calming.

Have a Family Game Night

We recently taught A how to play a matching card game, but it can be difficult to play that game for very long as adults. So, we play it with him every so often, but mostly, C and I just play games together while A has his own cards next to us and thinks he's playing too. I want to take a night and just find a game that all three of us can play and then play it. I know it will be something very simple as A is new to games, but I think it would be fun for the three of us to really get into it and spend time together.

What fun things are you going to do this summer?

Go to a theme park
Set up a sprinkler
Go for a hike
Make ice pops

You can vote for more than one answer.