Is it just me or does the passing of summer seem to pick up speed every year? You know summer break is about to end when thoughts start filling your head about school supply lists, as well as carpools or homeschool lesson plans. If you suddenly feel a need to scroll Pinterest or to Google “family fun ideas” because the sand in the summer-time hour glass is running out, look no further. We’ve got your back.
We’re not talking beach-vacation-or-Disneyland-type-of-fun here. While those things are great, these family fun ideas are scaled more toward fun that doesn’t cost thousands of dollars. Do you feel like you haven’t had enough down time this summer? Has everyone been running off in separate directions for activities or summer jobs? Are you yearning for some quality family time?
Have a family fun ideas brainstorming session first
It’s always good to brainstorm as a group when you’re looking for family fun ideas. To wind down summer this year, ask your spouse and kids what types of things they’d like to do as a family. Lay some ground rules, such as expense limits or by agreeing that each idea has to be able to be carried out without a lot of prep work. Here are some examples:
- Pack fruit, muffins or other breakfast foods the night before. Wake up before sunrise and hike to a location with a beautiful view where you can watch the sun come up together and enjoy some quiet morning time. Pray and give thanks to God for the day!
- Go ice-skating or roller-skating.
- Take a bike ride together.
- Go bowling.
- Have a popcorn and movie night/sleepover in the living room.
- Eat breakfast, lunch, supper or all three outside.
- Visit an historic landmark or museum near you.
- Have a water fight in the yard.
- Don’t let summer end without a backyard camp out.
- Flip your surroundings. If you live in the city, spend a day in the country or vice versa.
- Make food you’ve never tried before, perhaps from a particular ethnic culture.
- Enjoy a pajama day at home!
- Take a nature walk. Bring binoculars or a magnifying glass and take a closer look at the surroundings where you live.
- Lie under the stars at night.
More family fun ideas
It’s easy to overlook the need for or value of simple family fun. We live in a fast-paced, production-focused world. There’s a certain negative stigma attached to taking it easy as a family, as though it’s a waste of time but it’s not. Trust me. Here are few more summer’s end family fun ideas for you to try:
- Play flashlight tag, capture the flag or hide-and-seek together.
- Make some snacks and have a board game night or play cards and let the kids blast their playlists to share their music with you.
- Visit a local nursing home and bring joy to those who are lonely.
- Spend a day baking and take treats to your neighbors.
- Have a video game or app game night. If you have older kids who have access, everyone can download an app like Trivia Crack, then set up a group competition so you can play against each other!
- Chalk it up! Drawing with chalk on a sidewalk or driveway isn’t just fun for toddlers. Create a family mural or an eclectic display of family art!
These family fun ideas are timeless and also adaptable for all ages. There’s only a few weeks left, so why not make the most of it? Read aloud as a family or make up your own stories. Oh, and never underestimate the benefits of spending time as a family at your local library! You can also do a craft or project around the house together, such as this.
Use summer’s end to set goals for the school year ahead
While you’re at it, why not implement practical family fun ideas, too? Set goals for the new school year. What wasn’t working last year that you’d like to change? You can take turns adding family goals, as well as personal, individual goals. Your goals may be academic, spiritual, physical, financial or even, emotional. The end of summer is the perfect time to regroup, reorganize and restructure your daily life routines to help each family member be the best he or she can be.
No two families are exactly the same so family fun ideas can be uniquely personalized to fit your family’s dynamics, style, preferences and personality. In just a few short weeks, you’re going to be back at it, in full swing with a new school year. (It’s okay. Don’t panic. You’ve got this.) For now, though, there’s still time to build some wonderful summer memories with the people you love most!
