Each season I like to make a “Fun List.” I fill this list not only with family activities that will help us thoroughly enjoy the season but also with some activities for my husband and I to do together or for me to do by myself.
This Fun List helps me be more intentional about doing the things that create memories. The thing is, while many fun things happen spontaneously, others take planning. If I want to go to a certain museum or to a concert, for example, I have to check for tickets, for hours, possibly get childcare, etc.
So, having this Fun List helps me to think through big picture goals and the small details that need to happen to reach those goals.
Today I wanted to share our Summer Fun List with you and the progress that we have made so far.
Our Summer Fun List
Go to a Baseball Game
We have tickets to go see a minor league game with Dan’s parents and sister. I love minor league games! They often have fun themed days or specials. For example, on the day that we are going, kids eat free. Each kid will get a hot dog, bag of chips, and a drink. Not bad! Plus, the kids can run the bases at the end of the game.
Enjoy a Beach Vacation with Extended Family
We went to Galveston to meet up with my family for my parents’ fortieth anniversary. We had so much fun! Playing at the beach, eating seafood, cooking together, playing games, staying up way too late–it was a blast! Plus, the kids were able to play with their cousins and spend time with an aunt and uncle they don’t get to see very often.
Play at a Splash Park
We have yet to do this one. The kids enjoy splash parks, but I feel that Andrew will soon feel he is too big for them (he’s 9 now). So, I want to take advantage of one last year where all of the kids have fun together!
Have an Anniversary Getaway
My husband and I went away for a couple of days last week. It was amazing! My in-laws watched the kids, and we stayed at my sister-in-law’s apartment while she was on a mission trip. This really kept the costs down. We went to coffee shops and worked side-by-side, ate Mexican food, watched a movie, and just relaxed.
Grill with Friends
We have made a concerted effort to invite friends over frequently now that summer is upon us. We will often make this a potluck by asking the guests to bring along a side or another meat, etc. Simple, fun, and easy to clean up!
Visit the Wildlife Refuge and See Buffalo
My parents live just a few miles from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, which has some of the largest herds of bison in the country. The kids love to drive through the refuge looking for buffalo. We also get out of the car at a few prairie dog villages along the way. It’s a simple, fun way to spend time together. Plus, it’s free!
Go to the Zoo
We are planning on visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo in a couple of weeks on their “Dollar Day” admissions day. Each Wednesday during the summer, admission to the zoo is just $1 a person. Not bad! Plus, there is a nice little creek that runs through the zoo in which kids are allowed to wade.
Hike Together as a Family
Our family enjoys hiking together, but we haven’t done so since we moved to Massachusetts. This summer we will go on a short hike in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, where they have several hikes that are good for families.
Get Pedicures with Ella
My daughter is very much a “girly girl” who loves getting her nails painted and doing fun things with her hair. So, she and I will have a fun date together getting pedicures.
Visit New Playgrounds
Since we have a playground right outside our front door, it’s easy to get into a playground rut. This summer I want to make a concerted effort to visit new playgrounds, something the kids really love. So far we have visited one in Massachusetts and two new playgrounds in Oklahoma.
Go to a Family Reunion
It has been nine years since I have been able to attend a family reunion in Iowa. Many of my aunts and uncles are getting older, and many of my cousins have children or grandchildren whom I have never met. So, Ella and I will travel to Iowa with my mom to spend time with the family at the end of July.
Read Outdoors
I spend a lot of time reading during the summer. I generally aim for 2-4 books per week! Reading outdoors makes the activity even more pleasurable. So far I have read at a picnic table by the playground on campus, in a lawn chair in our backyard, on a porch in Galveston, and on the deck of my in-laws’ house in Texas. It is so relaxing!
Say Yes to Ice Cream
What is summer without ice cream? We want to say yes to ice cream more frequently than we do no. So, we can often be found at an ice cream shop trying out new flavors!
What fun activities have you done this summer? Or, what are you planning on doing?
