Easy Ways to Make This Summer Special for Your Kids
Summer is a magical time for children — a break from school, warm weather, and endless opportunities for adventure. As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to make this summer truly special by planning activities that will create lasting memories. Here’s a guide to help you craft the perfect summer experience for your kids!
Make a Summer Bucket List
Start by sitting down with your children and brainstorming a summer bucket list together. This can include both big and small activities, from visiting a water park to having a picnic in the park, camping in the backyard, or even learning a new skill like painting or baking cookies. Having a list gives everyone something to look forward to and creates a sense of excitement throughout the summer. Ours is pictured.
Build a Summer Playlist
Music sets the mood for any occasion, and creating a summer playlist can add an extra layer of fun to your activities. Involve your kids in selecting songs that remind them of summer or that they simply enjoy dancing to. Whether it’s classic beach tunes, pop hits, or even some children’s favorites, a customized playlist will make road trips, picnics, and lazy afternoons at home more enjoyable. For us, this summer has been a time to introduce our kids to what we love to listen to in the summer. Some favorites of our kids have been:
- Classic songwriters like John Denver and Billy Joel
- Bands like The Beatles and The Beach Boys
- Country groups like The Chicks and Lady A
- Pop favorites from all eras from Sam Cooke to Ed Sheeran
Involve Your Kids in Travel Planning
If your summer plans involve travel, especially road trips, involve your children in the planning process. This year, we are doing a “choose your own adventure” trip. We’re planning to drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway and we have a long list of possible stops. Each time we get in the car, it will be someone’s turn to pick the next stop out of a few options. We’re so excited to build our trip as we go to show our kids that, with a little spontaneity and flexibility, the journey can be just as fun as the destination. If you need tips for travel, check out our posts Five Simple Tips for Amazing Summer Road Trips and Even Your Kids Can Be Great Travelers!
Plan for Fun Days at Home
Not every summer day needs to be packed with activities outside your home. Plan special days at home that allow for quality time. These can be just as memorable as big outings and vacations. We have lots of posts here on What A Good Day to help you. Check them out below:
Share What You Love with Your Kids
Reflect on your own favorite summer memories and share the things you love with your children. Did you love catching fireflies, making homemade ice cream, playing hopscotch, hiking, or going fishing? Take the time this summer to pass on these traditions and activities to your kids. This summer, my husband has been playing more golf with our kids. I’m playing a video game I loved that has been re-released with my oldest son. Whatever you loved doing in the summer as a kid, take the time this summer to make new memories with your children.
Thanks for reading! Leave us a comment to share what you love doing with your kids in the summer. Have a good day!
Jamie
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