Don't Waste Your Summer Vacation

Summer is half over. Has your family done a lot of fun activities together? Well don't worry if you haven't. There's still time. I have some suggestions for what you can do during your last four or five weeks of lazy summer vacation.

A Trip to the Zoo

Families never get tired of trips to the zoo. Even if you went last summer and the summer before that. Zoos animals have new babies, zoos add new attractions, and your kids are older and will notice different things. So, if you haven't made it to the zoo this summer, you still have time.

Catch Fireflies Together

Help your kids slow down their pace by spending a lazy evening outside. Give them some glass or plastic containers and let them try to catch fireflies after the sun goes down. Just make sure that they let them go at the end of the evening.

Start a Garden

A family garden is a hobby that the whole family can enjoy. Go to the nursery together and let everyone choose what they want to plant. You could plant a flower garden or a vegetable garden. Even the smallest hands can help by watering seeds or plants.

Trip to the Toy Store

Nothing beats boredom like a new toy. Even grownups can find something at a toy store to entertain themselves. Buy a new boardgame that the whole family can enjoy or a 1,000 piece puzzle. There are endless possibilities for summer fun like sidewalk chalk, bubbles, scooters, etc.

Create a Travel Scrapbook

If your family has already taken a vacation, you probably have lots of pictures that could use a home. Spend an evening together creating a family scrapbook. Everyone in the family can add designs and special momentos from their trip.

Weekend Camping Trip

If your family hasn't taken a summer vacation, maybe you would have time for a short weekend camping trip. You could even do a daytime camping trip if mom and dad have to work in the summer. Load up the car with fishing poles, bathing suits, hiking gear, and great food to grill. Don't forget the marshmallows!

Stargazing
Summer evenings are perfect for gazing at the stars. Your family could lie out in the backyard on a blanket and point out the various constellations. You could also purchase a reasonably priced telescope and a book about the stars. It's a nice way to reconnect with each other and have a chance to talk.

I hope your family enjoys one or more of these activities. Have a great summer!