School’s out, so it’s time to start thinking about how we’re going to pass the time and make some fabulous summertime memories for our families. While I know I’m definitely going to catch a few movies with my kids; I saw ET and the Goonies as a child of the 80s, I also want to make sure they experience the world around them.
Summer should be a time for children to explore their interests without the constraints of school schedules, homework or team sports. For any parent who loathes the complaint “I’m bored” nearly as much as the idea of root canal, have no fear.
This summer, try something new. This doesn’t mean you need to book extravagant trips or go to every amusement park in the tri-state area. With just a tiny dose of creativity, you can break down the weeks between June and August in a way that will make camp counselors envious. One week put your kids on a reading challenge. Another can be dedicated to practicing a new swimming stroke or learning to dive. You may even try a pet care week, where you visit an animal shelter. Above all, try to have them put the tablets and cell phones away.
This summer, I’m also hoping they’ll try some of the activities that they weren’t quite ready for last summer.
Here are five ideas I had that you may like to try, too:
* Geocaching: This is free activity where high tech meets the great outdoors. Geocaching can be a fun way for children to explore various locations in the area, searching for treasures/caches from a series of clues put out by other geocachers. And, yes, there’s an app for that! Head over to www.visitpa.com/articles/geocaching-pa
* Hiking: It’s an activity the whole family can enjoy, exploring one of the local state parks like Marsh Creek or French Creek. Bring everyone along, even the family dog. Go to www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/recreation/hiking/ for some inspiration.
* Canoeing: kayaking or tubing. Inspire and empower your children by letting them paddle a canoe or kayak down the Brandywine. Check out www.northbrookcanoe.com/
* Biking on the Chester Valley Trail: Even little ones will enjoy taking their tricycles and training wheels out on a nice, paved trail that starts in Exton at the Church Farm School. For more adventurous and older children, take a few hours and go all the way to King of Prussia and back. Go to www.traillink.com/trail/chester-valley-trail.aspx for details.
* Plant a Time Capsule: Find an unused shoe box and things around the house with your children that represent your lives. Include newspaper clippings, movie ticket stubs, photos or even store receipts. Place these items inside the shoe box, seal it tightly with tape, write the date on it, and bury it for someone to find in the years to come.
As parents, it can be gratifying to educate our children about the world around them, while encouraging creativity and outdoor activities. Don’t forget the basics. For us this is usually a trip to the backyard trampoline, swing set or riding bikes and scooters on our cul de sac.
Whichever way you choose to keep your family busy and entertained over the summer, know that the memories will be cherished ones. And if your children say they’re bored, you can always create a list of the top five things in the house that need to be cleaned.
Julia Sherwin is the host of “Perspectives on Parenting with Julia Sherwin,” which airs on Mondays at 1 p.m. on WCHE 1520 a.m. You can send her your parenting questions at parentingwithjuliasherwin@gmail.com, or connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/perspectiveonparenting or on Twitter @JuliaSherwinPoP.
