As a kid I grew up canoeing in Algonquin Park at least once most summers. Our whole family would go. Portages were the norm. So was dirt. Ah, but the beauty and peace of the place was like none other. It was good.
Part of me misses this. I often think my kids are so “city-fied.” Of course different experiences don’t mean better but there is something to be said about spending time in the wilderness.
It is the season, rite now, to be thinking about what summer activities you and your family will do this summer. What camps your kids might go to. Or if a family vacation is an option this summer.
Should someone in your family be going to camp this summer take this opportunity to weave in the opportunity to send a postcard from home. I love this postcard above and used these when my daughter went to camp one summer. She never mentioned them, but I found them later, tucked away safely in her suitcase.
Ideas for summer time fun that don’t involve going too far or spending too much money
1. day trips to local splash pad, pool or lake
2. plan a scavenger hunt in your neighborhood
3. local library summer reading clubs
4. visit something in your own city – often we forget about what is offered right here at home
5. make it a summer quest to find the best ice cream shop in your town – get the kids to develop a rating system and see what shop wins! Let the shop know – maybe some free ice cream?!
6. take a train trip . Make sure to check Via Rail express deals and, as we get closer to summer, check for special deals as Via Rail has in the past ran great promotions for child and adult fares.
7. summer is a time to throw out the structure and rule by the clock. oh yeah, taste the freedom (OK, and maybe some mild chaos at first) but trying to keep the schedule open and flexible is key
8. ride bikes more; pack a picnic and head to a new park or path, bring a magnifying glass and a jar – who knows what you will find
9. 1 day a week is a non-gadget day – no IPods, (no Twitter/blog for me) no texting friends, no TV, see what happens
10. Plan themed days – do some of that wacky camp stuff at home – backwards day for example. Dress backwards, eat your meals backwards, etc .
11. Get your kids to come up with 1 idea each (within reason) of what they would like the family to do
12. freshen up the proverbial lemon aid stand by making lime aid, cookies or popsicles. Signage is fun and so are hecklers!
13. What summer suggestion would you add? Post a comment so we can all try it out!
Most of all, as summer goes by way too fast, slow things down and enjoy the moment, rite here, rite now!
Here’s a summer suggestion that might appeal to some: go camping, get up early and take out your canoe. Glide soundlessly through the morning mist!
Love this idea! If only I had a canoe….
I like the ice cream rating idea – we don’t have so many in our area but I can see myself rating all the different flavors 🙂
I always liked camping in the back yard when I was a kid – parents always close at hand if we got too spooked out after dark to be able to sleep.
Hi Ana, I think any ice cream with salted caramel in it would get the highest rating in my books! Thanks for stopping by. Enjoyed your comments, especially the camping in the back yard idea. Nothing like having mom and dad close by to scare away the boogie man. Hope to see you here another time. Enjoy.
Love these ideas! Sometimes we forget about the things that are right in your backyard!
Hi Michelle, it is so easy to miss the fun things close to home isn’t it. Fun to explore in your own neighborhood! Thanks for reading. Enjoy.
I have a friend who is trying to hike to all the waterfalls in her region with her family. I love that idea. I also like to have the kids plan a meal and set up a “restaurant” in the evening. They get to shop, cook, decorate the table, make pretend menus. That’s always fun.
Dominique, I love your “restaurant” idea! A must try for this summer. The waterfalls quest is very interesting. Can’t say I have ever thought about where, if any, waterfalls are in my region. A good reason to get out there and explore your surroundings this summer. Thanks for sharing these great ideas!
Hi there! I am co-hosting this week on Fit Frugal Family Link Party. Thanks for linking up!
I also host a TGIF Link Party over at my place — A Peek Into Paradise… http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/ Would love for you to link up, Opens on Fridays and stays open until Wednesday at midnight.
Thanks again for visiting Fit Frugal Family Link party!
Have a terrific week!
Hugs, Cathy
Hey there Cathy,
Thanks for visiting ritewhileucan. It is always lovely to have new visitors! I will definitely check out the two Link Parties. Thanks so much for the invite. I am working on one that will definitely fit FFF, just not sure I will have it ready for this week. But, with new motivation, you never know! Have a wonderful Tuesday.
I love your blog – each edition contains new, interesting & inspiring info! Another summer suggestion would be to have your kids search for the most beautiful rock they can find on their travels, bike rides, whatever. Then, later, they could do research as to whether it’s quartz, granite or a gemstone, etc. Who knows, you might have a geologist in your family!
Love your idea Mary B about budding geologists! Judging by the contents of some jean pockets in my house I think I may have one or two already. 🙂
I love camping! And how sweet are these camp-inspired postcards!
I know! Can’t get enough of them. So glad you like them too! Time to roll the sleeping bags…