There’s 104 days of summer vacation……….
Not really. Well, I’m not sure, I’ve not actually counted, but you get where I’m going.
I’ve spent a lot of time these last few months researching fun and free things to do in our community on the “Rockin’ What Ya Got” budget. I have so enjoyed all the great tips and inspiration that’s out there in bloggy land this time of year and thought I would pass some of it along.
via The Nesting Place
Last summer, I was pregnant and just didn’t get to be as intentional with my kids about our activities as I would have liked to be. My primary goal was staying cool, hydrated and keeping my feet and ankles from turning into something resembling an elephant. I think because of that, I went into this summer thinking, “I want this summer to be different.” Then I read this post and was convinced. Nester, you are amazing at keeping perspective. Thank you for that.
There are the stay at home things. Let’s hit those first.
via Jones Design Company
I loved this idea, partly because we could use some new playdough and partly because it looks pretty fun. So, we’ve added it to the list. Thanks Emily!
Then speaking of lists, I found this over at Pleated Poppy.
via The Pleated Poppy
I love this! Making this list, made it to our list as well. We’ve hit a few and are excited to tackle some more this summer. This is great all year long. Keeping others in front of my children is always a challenge. We tend to be so selfish by nature. Tools like this are priceless. Great idea Lindsey.
And finally, this one really spoke to my “teacher heart.” I am loving it. Traci has created stations for her kiddos (all boys I might add). We are doing this and I am loving it. I just said that, but it was worth repeating! Structure does amazing things for children. If you don’t believe it, just try it. Pretty sure you’ll be sold! If it works for Traci and her four boys, you better believe I’m going to at least try it!
via Beneath My Heart
Then there’s water play. Do I even need to say more?
Then, away from home…..
Splash pads! We love these things. A great outing perfect for picnicking. Free family fun. You will be hands down the coolest Mom ever for taking your kids to these. Check out My Instagrams.
The zoo. I love our zoo. Really. It’s probably my most favorite zoo that I’ve been too. Things are so clean. The water’s clean, the seats and benches are clean, the bathrooms are clean. Clean is good. And, the animals aren’t bad either! Thanks Uncle Dave and Aunt Christina.
Parks are great and simple too. You don’t have to do a ton of crazy plan ahead stuff and they are usually really close for most of us. We have been trying to hit these in the evenings after supper as much as we can. The kids love that kind of end to their days. Makes baths and bedtime super easy too! They are worn slap out.
For us homebodies, there is summer reading. In our culture, the libraries are really great. Most of them plan summer activities and make libraries really kid friendly. A lot of us are blessed with probably enough books to have our own mini children’s library too. I know we are, thanks to Miss Dolly (that’s what my kids call her…). We are pulling books off the shelf we haven’t read in ages and having our own little “summer reading corner” in the book nook.
Apparently, I could go on and on. Pool with friends, craft stores special events, local farms for berry picking, day trips to local amish communities, children’s museums (check out their free days)…..
Cherish the days. Eat some ice cream. Enjoy what you have where you are-even if it’s not much or as much as you’d like. Blow a dandelion, plant a flower.
Hug your children. A lot.
Summer.
Happy Summer.
