Labor Day is just around the corner. The ads for Halloween are already beginning to air and suddenly you realize that time for summer activities is slipping away. But there is still time to harvest a little more fun for your family this summer season. Consider some of these summertime favorites before it’s too late:
- Go Camping
Pack up the car, gather the kids and head for the hills for some one-on-one time with nature. If a trip is out of the question, camp out right in your own backyard. Just pitch a tent, break out the sleeping bags and flashlights and make a campfire — even if it’s in the BBQ pit — to roast marshmallows for s’mores.
- Spend a Day at the Beach
If a day trip to the seashore isn’t feasible, head for the nearest lake or river with a swimming beach to enjoy some fun in the sun before it fades to fall.
- Make Homemade Lemonade
Nothing says summertime like a tall glass of freshly squeezed lemonade. Take the kids to the store to pick out the lemons and have them help with the squeezing, measuring and stirring. Take it up a notch with a lemonade stand, a great fundraising idea for your favorite charity.
- Get Ice Cream
Surprise the kids with a trip to the ice cream shop for a special treat or set money aside for the next time the ice cream truck drives through your neighborhood. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own ice cream. Buy or borrow an ice cream maker or find an online recipe.
- Go to a Drive-in Movie
Once upon a time, drive-in movie theaters were a summertime staple. If there is no drive-in near you, make your own. Rent or borrow a projector to show a movie on the garage door or side of the house. Set out lawn chairs and blankets and invite the neighbors for an evening of fun.
- Have a Picnic
Pack a basket with all your favorite goodies, bring along some lawn chairs or grab a blanket and head to the park. Trying to find something to do on a rainy day? Have a carpet picnic in the living room. Break out the picnic food, lay down a blanket and enjoy.
- Visit the Water Park
If your budget allows, treat the family to a day of water slides and lazy rivers at a local water park. Check with the library, town hall and local businesses for coupons or build your own water park for the day, right in your own back yard. Just set up a few sprinklers, a slip-n-slide, a wading pool and some water guns. Round out the fun with a bucket of water balloons for an afternoon of splashing and fun.
- Cook Out
Make it a point to grill out. Don’t forget to throw a few ears of fresh, sweet summer corn on the grill.
- Go Wading
Find a creek or stream and wade in the shallow waters, skipping rocks or searching for tadpoles. Avoid this activity right after a heavy rainstorm, and make sure little ones wear lifejackets whenever they are near water, even if its shallow.
- See Fireworks
Many communities have fireworks shows scheduled throughout the summer. Check around and find out when and where they are. If you can’t be on the grounds for the show, try parking in a nearby lot to watch.
- Make Your Own Popsicles Out of Juice or Punch
This is a favorite for many children. If you don’t have popsicle trays at home, use paper cups and spoons.
- Catch Lightning Bugs
If you live in a region with lightning bugs, or fireflies, take the kids out one evening to catch a jar full, watch them for a while, then set them free.
The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. —Jeremiah 8:20, KJV