Summer may be half over, but there are plenty of things you can do with your family and have a great time. The best part? You don’t have to spend money if you don’t want to, as there are plenty of options you can do for yourself. The best way to make this more enjoyable is to include a diverse range of activities and consider something that will appeal to everyone. So let’s get started!
Homemade Ice Cream
Everyone loves a sweet treat, and what could be more fun than making it with your kids? People often think it’s a complex process, but in reality, it doesn’t require much. I recommend, however, putting your kids in clothes you don’t mind getting stained, especially if your family gets overly excited, as kids often do when they’re cooking.
The Library
Not only does the library have hundreds of books for you to read, but it also offers summer reading programs for kids with great prizes, as well as bulletin boards that inform you about upcoming events in your area. Not to mention that the librarians know everything, so they’ll be able to tell you what’s going on as well.
The Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is a terrific place to take your kids during the summer, although you’ll likely encounter a lot more people there. They have a diverse range of wildlife, including turtles, beavers, penguins, gibbons, elephants, and a variety of more exotic animals. They also have a play area for children, a zoo train, and a carousel. For those who appreciate nature, there is a wildlife garden, as well as a sculpture garden for art lovers.
Outdoor Movies
An outdoor movie is always fun, and each park has something to offer, including favorites like Sanlot or Guardians of the Galaxy. In mid-July, they’ll be offering things like Coco, Despicable Me 4, and Galaxy Quest. It’s an excellent opportunity to spend time with your kids, and they’ve made it so that adults can have fun with the movies too, by including some of the parents’ childhood favorites on the list.
Create A Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are fantastic, and kids love them because they’re so fun. The best part is that you have dozens of options to choose from. Take a nature walk and see how many items your child can find. Insect hunts, pirate treasure hunts, and art hunts are also popular with little ones. You can even incorporate the summer reading program at your library with a scavenger hunt that involves searching for books. Don’t be afraid to get creative; it will be more fun for your little ones.
Build A Fairy Garden
Fairy gardens are all the rage right now with kids of all ages, and a fairy garden can be a fun activity for families. It doesn’t have to be a costly endeavor if you’re smart about where you get your items. Most craft stores sell the figurines, though you should check out antique shops and thrift stores as well. If you have children who don’t like fairies, consider gnomes or animals as alternatives. Get inspiration from your favorite books, and you might decide on dinosaurs, ships, or a host of other cool options.
Living Room Camping
If you’ve never camped with your kids before, they might be hesitant to try it outside. Ease them into the idea by having them camp in your living room first! You can play nature sounds, have plants and flashlights to create a camping feel, and get them involved with the snacks and decorations. Be sure to bring plenty of pillows and blankets to make the space feel cozier. Set up a real tent or use sheets to create one yourself so it feels more authentic.
Berry Picking
Summer is one of the best times to go berry picking, and it’s a lot of fun! Not to mention that the prices per bucket are great; you also gain knowledge on growing things, and you’ll have enough to make scones, bread, ice cream toppings, jams, and more. Portland is a great place to go berry picking because most of the farms are family-owned, and you can get a variety of berries to choose from.
A Time For Fun
Summer is a time for fun, and creating a summer bucket list can be an excellent way to bring the fun to your kids. Use these ideas as a starting point, and keep adding what you think will be fun. Your options are endless with hiking, swimming, going to the beach, learning new skills with your kids, fishing, and more. Create great memories and make this summer one they won’t forget!
Jenifer Dale is a writer that has a passion for reading and helping others. When she is not writing, she loves cooking, crocheting, and spending time with her family.