5 family outings perfect for Summer

Ah, summer—with its warm sunny days, anything is possible! A great time to head out to the beach, to get back to nature or to take a dip in the pool with the family. 

As every parent knows, it can be quite a balancing act trying to keep kids entertained and hydrated. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of fun activities to consider for your next summer outing.

1. The beach bonanza!

Who doesn’t love the feel of the waves lapping at their feet and the sand between their toes? The beach is the perfect backdrop for creating family memories filled with laughter and the salty sea breeze while basking in the warmth of the sun.  

From toddlers to grandparents, there’s plenty of fun activities to involve the whole family. Here are some fun ideas:

• Play beach volleyball
• Search for seashells
• Relax under colorful beach umbrellas
• Do a little beach fishing, look for animal habitats in the water or sand dunes
• Create beautiful beach art or host storytime in the sand

You can even organize a beach scavenger hunt, keeping kids busy while enjoying a few minutes of relaxation. 

Use sunscreen to protect against UV rays and reapply every couple of hours. Beat the heat by seeking out shade and drink plenty of water from reusable bottles, so you stay nice and hydrated while spending time with the family. 

2. Explore the great outdoors

There’s nothing like filling your lungs with that fresh air! 

Whether it’s hiking through lush trails, discovering hidden waterfalls or observing wildlife, an outing to a local nature reserve or national park can provide endless opportunities for learning and adventure. Here are a few ideas:

• Take a nice drive through the wilderness 
• Do a spot of birdwatching
• Take a guided tour
• Identify local flora and fauna with the help of worksheets or phone apps  

Nature not only allows families to immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors, but provides valuable lessons on conservation and appreciating the environment. 

And always remember to be safe while out exploring with your little ones. Stick to designated trails, if you plan on camping, check to see if the park requires a permit, and pack an emergency kit. This can include: toilet paper, flashlights (with extra batteries), a first aid kit, and reusable cups and bottles, along with clean water and non-perishable foods.

3. Enjoy a relaxing picnic

Is there any better way to spend a sunny afternoon than with a picnic in the park? A picnic can be a great way to laugh and to relax with family, creating beautiful memories and spending quality time together.  

Get everyone involved by picking out pillows, a cozy blanket and a picnic basket. Decide on easy and delicious foods to prepare like sandwiches, muffins, salads, and cold cuts and cheeses. And after the food is done? Bring along fun things the whole family can enjoy, like board games, coloring books, or playing freeze tag or hide and seek.  

Sometimes, the best summer outings are the laziest, where you can lay back in the sun and just… relax.  

4. Make a splash

Have a spare day on the weekend? Then perhaps it’s time to head to your local water park. Nothing produces a bigger rush than heading to the splash zone or sliding down a giant water slide at full speed! 

From splash pools for toddlers to thrilling flumes for older kids and adults, there’s something for everyone at the water park. Adrenaline junkies can battle raging rapids or a torrid typhoon. Budding surf enthusiasts can hang ten in the wave pool. And after a full day of fun, parents and grandparents can go relax in the lazy river and soak up the sun! 

Or if the hustle and bustle of the water park isn’t your thing, why not cool off at the local pool? Not only is it close to home, but kids can also learn valuable swimming skills and get a full body workout, encouraging the whole family to get fit. Dive right in!

5. Get arty

Maybe the splash zone isn’t your kid’s kinda thing. If they like getting creative, then why not have them unleash their inner Kahlo or Van Gogh? 

Visiting an art gallery or museum can be a highly educational and enriching experience, and can even spark creativity in both kids and adults. Go on a guided tour, attend an exhibition or workshop or just reflect on what you see. Engaging in art as a family can be a fun and memorable time, allowing you to express yourself, to learn new things and discover new talents. You may also find the museum has some fun exhibits set up for kids, making it a great place to learn and have fun at the same time! 

Want to create your own home museum? Here are some easy art ideas you can do at home: 

• Set up a canvas in the backyard and do a little splatter painting
• Make a mandala to fill in
• Get younger kids to scribble on the driveway with some chalk
• Incorporate nature into artwork by collecting flowers, leaves and feathers, and make a beautiful collage. 

The limits to what your family can create are endless!  

Summer is a great time for families to explore, to learn and to experience new things, but most importantly—to have fun! So to make it a summer to remember, why not take your family on an outing that they’ll never forget!