Back when my oldest was in elementary school, one of my friends had good intentions when she quipped, “You know, after this summer you will only have eight more summers with Grace.” How could she dare say something like that to me? That was extremely rude! Yes, I know how old my daughter is! This increasingly rattled around in my mind and heart over the next few week, though. I thought about how time is fleeting and about how I wanted to make THIS SUMMER count… since I only had this one and eight more to do all of the things that I want to do and see and experience with my daughter! With that same intentionality, I have made these 10 Recommendations to Build the Best Summer With Your Kids! Since our time is limited, let’s strategically plan our days and weeks to be the best they can be — filled with life-giving activities and memories and joy! These suggestions will definitely help to make that happen!
1. Spending Time Outside in Creation
Get outside this summer! I love the premise of 1000 Hours Outside which aims to get kids and families outside to have free time and use their imaginations. They encourage families to track the number of hours they are outside, and the goal is for each family to get one thousand hours outside in one year. There is something magical about hiking in the woods, swimming in the lake, flying a kite, picking veggies in the garden, and collecting seashells. When you purpose to get those hours, you will find ways to take walks, garden, go on bikes and more to get the hours that you “need”. Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the Creation that God made for us! Don’t be stuck indoors in front of a screen… Get outside!
2. Reading
With the extra time that your children have away from school, one of the best things they can do to keep sharp and continue learning is to read! Whether you have books at home, download a few, or make a trip to the library, reading is a perfect way to intentionally invest in your kids this summer. They can learn about something they are interested in, travel to a new place, or meet new friends within their books.
We have made reading goals each summer. Some decided to read a certain number of pages or books during the summer. Others opted to read for a set number of minutes each day. No matter which way you choose, there are such wonderful benefits to reading this summer! You can also find time to read your Bible as well. Check out my summer reading lists for Christian kids HERE and summer Bible reading plans HERE.
3. Learning a New Skill
Have your kids been itching to learn something new? Whether they desire to paint with watercolors or cut wood in the woodshop, summer gives them the freedom and time to learn a new skill. One of my girls has learned to crochet beautiful blankets that she donates to the Crisis Pregnancy Center. Another one of my children has learned to take amazing pictures. The time away from school gives him the flexibility to hone his skill in this area.
Hop onto Youtube or find books at the library to teach any skill you’d like. You may even have someone in your community or church who would be willing to teach you! Learning a new skill can be something that your children can use for the rest of their lives or even use as a way to make a little money! (And this doesn’t just have to be for the kids, moms!)
4. Memorizing Bible Verses or Poems
Throughout the school year, my children have lots of things they need to memorize: people, dates, piano songs, math facts, and more. Because of this, I sometimes feel bad about adding Scripture to their to do list. But not during the summer! With their schedules freed up, this is the perfect time to memorize the Word of God. Whether you want them to hide certain verses in their hearts or you pick a whole chapter for the entire family to memorize, summer gives you the time and head space to know more of the Bible. This can prepare your kids for sharing their faith (memorize verses from the Romans Road HERE), navigating hard decisions, dealing with a sin like lying, or keeping their minds sharp. Find tips to help your memorization HERE or take the Alphabet Scripture Challenge HERE.
5. Making Time for Friends
This may seem obvious, but in the irregular patterns of summer you may need to schedule intentional time with friends. Get some dates on the calendar right away so you will not miss their company. Whether you meet at the park, roast hotdogs in your backyard, or swim at the lake, make time to be with your friends to create memories together. Because we homeschool, our lives are a bit different, but for years we had “Fun Fridays” where there was a standing invitation to come to our pool on Friday afternoons. Each family just had to bring their own towels and a snack to share. Some weeks we had eight families while other weeks we only had three. It was time that we set aside for fostering friendships. It was delightful! And it only happened because we intentionally set the dates far in the future!
6. Serving
Visit the VA hospital, serve at the local soup kitchen, organize donations at your local pregnancy center, assemble homeless bags to give out, or volunteer at church. The possibilities are endless… and so are the needs. Find something that your family is passionate about and start volunteering your time and talents to your community. When our family serves, it is incredible to notice how we take our eyes off of our problems and desires. We shift our focus onto others. This could literally transform your family as you intentionally fill needs in your area. Is it uncomfortable? Maybe. Can it be awkward? Sometimes. But the reward and life transformation in your family is worth it. You may be unlocking something in your family you have never dreamed of. What could you and your family do to be a blessing to those in your community?
7. Resting
With our school-year schedule busier that we would like at times, it is nice to have a slower pace. The problem is, though, that we need to schedule it! If we are not careful, we will let the busy of the school year carry over into the summer. Our bodies need rest. One of the ways you can do this is creating one (or more) day each week that you don’t have out of the home activities. Yes, you can do that!
This day is one where kids can stay in their pajamas and just have a quiet day. While this may not seem like fun to you, the time to rest is rejuvenating to your family. It is not only physically helpful, but it is needed for you emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. When our days are not as full, the kids find things to do together. They are more creative, and they use the things that they already have around the house!
8. Scheduling Field Trips or New Experiences
Do you have some really cool place around your area that you have never visited before? It always surprises me to learn of places near me that people travel to visit. Make a list of several places in your area to visit and then decide on a few that you will try this summer. You can even ask friends to join you on this close-to-home adventure! There are many places that are even free. Ask a Facebook group for suggestions or Google your hometown! Explore places right in your community!
9. Planning Some Mischief
This is a concept that we adopted several years ago. It is a way to create memories with your children — things that they will never forget. It started when my husband was a youth pastor and got permission for the junior high kids to Toilet Paper the senior pastor’s house! That was certainly an event that they will ALWAYS remember. It didn’t hurt anyone, and it was a memorable and bonding time.
As a family we have done several “planned mischief” events as well. Most of these happened when we were living in Zambia, though. We were able to get into friends’ house and put googly eyes on their veggies, picture frames, piano, walls, and more! We left them with a note: “The Lightners are ALWAYS watching!” They were shocked to come home and find what we had done. It certainly was memorable… and it lit a fire in our kids to do more of these mischievous activities as a family. What could you do? Decorate a friends’/rivals’ front door in your team’s colors. Put plastic forks all over friends’ front lawn. Have a dinner or dessert night where all of the menu items aren’t really what they look like. The possibilities are endless and bond your family together in a new way!
10. Cooking and Baking New Recipes
Boy, the family will love this one! With the flexibility in your schedule, learn to make a few new recipes whether for dinner or dessert! Your children will love to help you cook, bake, and eat! We have found that some of the new recipes were family favorites and were added to the rotation. Others were never thought of again! Try searching for copycat recipes of things that your family loves to eat at restaurants. Those could be real winners! We love trying new popsicle recipes as well — and summer is a great time to test those out! Cooking and baking together as a family is a perfect way to create lasting memories.
I hope that you can see from this list, there are many great ideas for the summer months. I don’t want you to run ragged but to have intentionality as you chose things that are better and best for your family. You will never regret the time that you invest in your children, and this summer is the time to start!
Did you find any good ideas for this summer? Comment below what you are going to try or give us other ideas for our community.
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