As the school year wraps up, the big question looms: What adventures await your children this summer? I faced this dilemma last year, feeling the weight of summer expectations pressing down on me. I was supposed to be the ultimate guide, orchestrating a summer filled with camps, enriching activities, and extravagant neighborhood gatherings.
I envisioned meticulously planned outdoor water parties, playdates packed with mindful yoga, and discussions about the classics—all while whipping up organic, non-GMO grilled cheese sandwiches. But here’s the truth: by June, I was running on empty. The hustle of the school year had left us all drained, and the thought of curating another ‘perfect’ summer felt overwhelming.
This summer, let’s take a step back and embrace the simplicity and joy of a 1970s summer. Why? Because childhood should be about carefree fun, not a competitive race to see who can pack the most into the season. So, let’s bring back the nostalgia and make it happen!
1. Roller Skating Marathon
Hit the local rink and skate your heart out for hours. All you need is a classic playlist loaded with disco hits. Trust me; skating for hours with Donna Summer blasting is a blast!
2. Creek Adventures
Skip the local pool and ride your bikes to the creek instead. No need for fancy snacks—just some good old-fashioned fun catching tadpoles and discovering nature.
3. Real Toys
Dust off the hula hoop, frisbee, jump rope, and pogo stick. These timeless toys don’t need batteries or screens. Just let your kids enjoy the pure joy of play without an audience.
4. Streetlight Curfew
Let your kids come home when the streetlights turn on. No GPS tracking or constant texting—just a simple rule to follow.
5. Embrace the Mess
Encourage your kids to play outside and get dirty! When they come home with dirt rings around their necks, you’ll know they had a fantastic day.
6. Dinner from a Cookbook
Dust off the Betty Crocker Junior Cookbook and let the kids whip up dinner. No need for celebrity chefs on TV; just good recipes and a little creativity.
7. Road Trip Fun
Leave the tablets behind for your next road trip. Instead, engage in a classic license plate game. And yes, paperback books are a joy—take a deep whiff of those pages!
8. Outdoor Bathing
During summer showers, turn bath time into a rainy day adventure. Just stand under the gutter and lather up—so much more fun than a traditional bath!
9. Lemonade Stand
Set up a true lemonade stand without the extra frills. I’ll support your venture with supplies from Kmart, but the creativity and hard work are all yours.
10. Do Nothing
Embrace the beauty of a lazy summer. No plans, no appointments—just the freedom to enjoy each moment as it comes.
Let’s reclaim the spirit of summer from the clutches of over-scheduling and stress. It’s time to let your kids experience the joy of a simpler, more carefree summer, because before you know it, the responsibilities of adulthood will come rushing in.
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In summary, let’s encourage our kids to savor the summer by enjoying nature, indulging in creativity, and relishing the freedom of unstructured play. It’s all about creating lasting memories without the stress of over-planning.