By: Thassia of Meraki Mother.

It is super important to have family quality time and Summer is the perfect time to create memorable moments with your family away from the day to day routine of work and school.

However, screens dominate many family’s lives nowadays, and replacing the outdoor time that kids used to have back in the days we grew up.

Let’s take time this Summer to ditch the devices (except for taking pictures for your summer photo album of course) and enjoy some old fashioned Summer fun with the family.

Read below for the best ways to have your children enjoying an old fashioned Summer.

 

10 Activities for an Old Fashioned Summer

 

1. Visit the County Fair

During the summer months most towns have a county fair close by and spending the day there is perfect for some old fashioned fun.

Eat some cotton candy, play games on the midway, and enjoy the view from the top of the Ferris wheel!

 

2. Make Root Beer Floats

On a hot summer day we love to cool off with our favorite flavor at the local ice cream parlor or stay home and make ice cream floats.This summer treat never gets old!

 

3. Go on a Bike Ride

Pack a picnic and bike around a local park before settling down for lunch. Enjoy nature, roll down grassy hills, find shapes in the clouds and go on a nature scavenger hunt.

There is so much fun to be had outdoors with kids, and most of them are totally free.

 

4. Watch a Parade

Find a town close by that hosts an annual Fourth of July parade and head out early to get a good seat. Enjoy the floats, classic vehicles and maybe even catch some candy that’s been tossed into the crowd!

 

5. Run through a Sprinkler

Even the oldest of “kids” will enjoy running through the cold spray of water on a hot summer day.

Buy a sprinkler or make your own with a plastic bottle for some afternoon fun! If you’re brave enough try a waterslide with a sprinkler spraying on it as you slide!

 

6. Make Ice Cream at Home

Making homemade ice cream can be a fun family science activity, and a yummy one at that!

With just a few simple ingredients and elbow grease you can enjoy your own ice cream treat.

 

7. Go on a Road Trip

There’s nothing like driving down the highway with the windows rolled down on the way to a new adventure.

So pack up for the weekend and set out for new sights! Don’t forget to pick a few great audiobooks to listen to with the family on the way. There is a great family friendly oudiobook list here. 

 

8. Go Camping

Camping is a great way to unplug as a family because many camping areas don’t have good cell service. So enjoy nature hikes, star gazing, roasting s’mores around a campfire and many other great camping activities.

Camping is also perfect to give children the opportunity to learn life skills such a cooking with minimum equipment, washing up and build tents.

 

9. Watch a Movie Under the Stars

Blend new technology with old fashioned summer fun by hooking up your smart phone to a projector. Hang a sheet in your backyard and host a family movie night under the stars!

You can even pop some popcorn and cuddle up on some soft blankets while watching the movie.

 

10. Build Something

Building a tree fort or lemonade stand will create hours of together time, playtime, and lasting memories.

Don’t try to accomplish something extravagant that will take days or weeks, just plan a small hideout for kids or a roadside stand to sell friends homemade choc chip cookies.

 

Enjoying an old fashioned summer is all about slowing down to experience what is around you and your family.

Treat each day as a new adventure! If you want more screen-free outdoor fun for the kids, check out out list of cool outdoor toys and games here.