Summer sunshine and breezes have arrived! And with their arrival comes the memories of summers past. My favorite childhood summertime memories center around simple games, activities and desserts. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and check out these 5 easy old-fashioned summer fun ideas!
- Take time to enjoy backyard games.
Horseshoes and softball were all the rage when I was growing up. While my family’s yard is too small for either of those, we love to play cornhole, ladder golf, and a frisbee game we call CanJam. Whether it’s kickball, basketball, or a simple game of catch, backyard games bring folks together.
2. Make ice cream sodas or sundaes.
Not everyone has an ice cream machine, but a little store bought ice cream has potential! Turn vanilla ice cream into a root beer float or purple cow. Create your own recipe with your favorite ice cream flavors and soda pop. Or grab a few classic toppings like chocolate syrup, peanut butter, or hot fudge sauce. Take a peek around your kitchen for any add-on’s you have in the pantry – maybe sprinkles, nuts or chocolate chips.
3. Learn a “new” old-fashioned game.
I played a lot of jacks growing up and Chinese jump rope had it’s phase. Grab a jump rope and learn how to double dutch or get out the chalk and make a hopscotch board. Reflect on your favorite childhood games and perhaps you could make a list of games to learn together as a family.
4. Do a scavenger hunt together.
Last week it seemed the walls were closing in a bit at home and I heard a few words between siblings that were, well, unappreciated at best. So we headed out to the state park and tackled a short hiking trail. The park was new to us and the beautiful fields boasted wildflowers galore. This little adventure called for an old-time scavenger hunt that quickly changed attitudes and gave everyone space to breath.
5. Sleep under the open sky for a night.
If you’re short on time and budget, sleeping under the stars doesn’t have to be conventional camping in the woods. Try out the trampoline for a night. Or a tent in the backyard. Maybe a hammock or air mattress on the deck becomes the new summer tradition. Reading together under the stars is an old-fashioned summer idea your family will not soon forget.
One of the best ways for kids to get involved with their family and the world, and also get closer to God, is to spend time outdoors, enjoying creation and each other. This sweet devotion, Duck Commander Devotions for Kids is the perfect way to tuck in children directly under the night sky. The Scriptures, prayer, and real-life stories from the Robertson family will help your family dig into God’s Word and soak up its truth.
YOUR TURN!
What old-fashioned summer fun idea would help your family draw closer to each other and God?
Rachel at RachelWojo.com
Rachel Wojo
Rachel Wojnarowski loves being a wife, mom to 7, author and Bible study teacher. She and her husband, Matt, enjoy caring for their busy family, whose ages span 3 to 25 years and includes a special needs daughter. In her "free time" she crochets, knits, and sews handmade clothing. Ok, not really. She enjoys running and she's a tech geek at heart. Reader, writer, speaker and dreamer, you can find Rachel at RachelWojo.com. Website URL: http://rachelwojo.com
