Summer is typically the time of the year when families reconnect and spend the most quality time together. Now that the kids are off from school or college, and the weather is warm enough to go outside, parents and grandparents strive to recreate their favorite childhood memories and make new ones with their youngsters. If you’re looking to add some new activities to your regular summer traditions, you’ve come to the right place.
Below are some great outdoor activities that will allow you to make the most of the good weather this summer holiday.
Go Fishing
Fishing trips are a great way to get some fresh air and detach from all the stress and interruptions of urban life in a serene and relaxing environment. The excitement of that first catch brings instant feelings of gratification for both grownups and children alike. This sense of accomplishment will encourage both you and them to be patient, and motivate you to keep learning new techniques. For these reasons and more, fishing should become a summer holiday tradition for your family.
Shoreline or pier fishing trips are best suited for young children because then they can take a break whenever they want to, they’ll be stuck there until it’s time to go back to shore. Remember to keep your fishing trips short— an hour or two at most. If your family is new to fishing, it pays to do some research in advance and read up on the many types of fishing rods and bait to see what works best for them based on their ages and skill levels. Spinning rods would be ideal for beginners since they’re considerably easier to handle. As for the bait, consider using natural baits such as worms and leeches because these tend to produce more bites, which will help keep the entire family actively engaged and motivated.
Plan a Cookout
Eating outside is one of the greatest pleasures of summertime, which is why barbecues are especially popular this time of the year. So why not invite your family friends over for a cookout in the backyard or by the pool. You can also involve your children in the cooking process. Smaller children can help with simple tasks like measuring ingredients, stirring, and garnishing, while the older kids can cook on the stove or chop fruits and vegetables with adult supervision.
Try Gardening
Gardening is an easy activity to enjoy with your family. Besides the satisfaction they feel as they see the plants grow day by day, tending a family garden helps teach the kids about responsibility. It also renews your connection with the earth and reinforces your family bond. So at the end of the day, your family will harvest numerous benefits along with fresh vegetables, organic herbs, and colorful flowers. If you don’t have a lot of space at home, don’t worry. You can plant a family garden, whether you have a few pots on a balcony or an acre of land.
Depending on their ages, your kids can tend the garden either independently or under adult supervision. From spreading mulch and watering plants to harvesting fruits and vegetables and mowing the lawn, there’s a lot that goes into gardening. So, have your kids work on different tasks every other day. This way, they will learn more about gardening, and they won’t get bored as quickly.
Go Camping
This is a classic outdoor activity for many families around the world. Camping with family offers numerous opportunities to learn about nature, engage in numerous activities, get the necessary dose of vitamin D, acquire different skills, and make lifelong memories. Plus, spending a weekend together in the great outdoors is a great way for families to bond and spend time together away from digital devices. It can also be a great opportunity to go stargazing because, this time of the year, the nights aren’t as cold, and your whole family can comfortably snuggle in a blanket looking up and trying to identify those twinkling dots and lines up there. You’ll find plenty of stargazing apps that’ll help you explore the night sky and learn a thing or two along the way.
Summer holidays are the perfect opportunity for families to distress and reconnect. But for many parents, these few weeks might seem like a decade, especially when the children keep complaining that they’re bored. However, despite your best intentions, the days will often pass too quickly, and you’ll find yourself back to the daily grind without having spent enough time together. Luckily, there are many ways that you can strengthen your family bonds while keeping the kids entertained. So take your pick from the list above — or try them all if you’ve got the time — and get ready to have some unadulterated outdoor fun.
