Fun Family Summer Activities
Everybody loves summertime! With the sun shining and no school for kids, it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy family time together. However, many parents can get overwhelmed with the kids home all day and wonder how to keep them engaged and entertained. Check out some of our favorite family summer activities to entertain the kids, without breaking the bank.
Go Camping
Between the warm days and cool nights, camping is often a favorite family summer activity. Depending on your budget, you could set up a tent, rent an RV, or even sleep in a cabin for a “glamping” experience. Not able to get away for a camping trip? No problem! Set up a tent in your backyard or living room, turn off the lights and turn on the flashlights for a fun camping from home experience.
Take a Hike
Hikes are the perfect activity if you only have a few hours to spare and are looking to do something out in the sunshine. Not only do hikes get the whole family out of the house, but they’re also the perfect way to get in some physical activity. Depending on where you live, there are usually a variety of trails to choose from. Choose a trail that’s a great fit for your family’s ages and skill levels. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and pack extra water and snacks.
Plan a Picnic
Picnics are also a great summer activity for families of all ages. You can set up a picnic in the park, the woods, your backyard, or even at the end of a hike. Whether you grab takeout on the way or plan and prepare the meal with the kids, you will still reap the many benefits of sharing a meal together as a family. Picnics are a fun summer activity that everyone can help prepare for and easily enjoy.
Visit the Library
Sometimes in the thick of the summer it’s just too hot to be outside. However, a trip to your local library is a fun and unique activity to keep the kids entertained. The best part is that most public libraries are free. If you have young kids, you can choose a few books to read together. Or if your children are older, visiting the library is a great way to get a head start on their summer reading list and make sure that they don’t fall behind while school is out of session. In addition, many libraries offer summer activities and special events. Be sure to check out your local library and get a copy of their summer schedule.
Go Swimming
Swimming is the perfect summer activity to keep cool and enjoy the sunshine at the same time. You can play games and work on swimming skills at the same time. Don’t forget to always practice water safety as a family. If you or your kids aren’t comfortable in the water, summer can be a great time to take swim lessons or just brush up on your skills from last year. Enjoy swim lessons knowing that you are with a qualified instructor and have extra supervision from lifeguards.
Stop by the Y
If you’re looking for even more fun summer activities, look no further than your local YMCA. The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati offers a wide variety of summer activities, events, lessons, and programs to keep your family having fun all summer long. From soccer to ballet, camp to leadership, and everything in between, the Y offers activities for all ages and backgrounds. Sign up today to make this the most memorable summer for your family yet!