Five Ways to Create Your Own Pathways to Summer Fun
⌛ By Kaylin R. Staten ⌛
Everyone loves summer. When I was younger and still in school, I couldn’t wait to hear the final school bell and set up my summer days with doing whatever I wanted. Of course, I loved school, but I also loved having breaks!
The Cabell County Family Resource Network and its partners recently released the Pathways to Summer Fun Guide. The online and paper guide give local resources to parents and others. Is your child saying he’s bored? Enroll him in a summer camp. Is your child looking at screens all day? Get her outside to enjoy some of your nearby park’s activities.
Here are five of our favorite ideas to engage in some summer fun with your kids — or with a significant other, friend or yourself!
DIY Moon Rocks
Let’s face it, most of us won’t be traveling to the moon any time soon. (But, if we’re being real, I would love to travel through space. This is coming from the company owner who names everything U.S.S. Something and pretends life is “Star Wars,” “Star Trek” and anything sci-fi.
This moon rock recipe only takes four ingredients — two of which you’ll have around your house. Three if you’re me and have glitter stored away in your office. We’re huge glitter fans #behindthehourglass.
Squirt Gun Painting
Take some leftover squirt guns from the pool and repurpose them for this craft. Uncover your inner Jackson Pollock and use the squirt gun, some watercolor paint and watercolor paper to create your own squirt-gun work of art in your backyard.
Sidewalk Chalk Masterpieces
My sister and I used to love playing with sidewalk chalk. We also showcased our creativity by making our own Matchbox car mats with cardstock, colored pencils, crayons and daydreams. This is the same concept — only large scale. Who wouldn’t want to create a city of sidewalk chalk and drive your Little Tikes coupe around?
Mini Jell-O Aquariums
Did you just come back from the beach? Settle your at-home blues by bringing a little bit of the beach home for you (or your kids). Make these cute little aquariums for a midday snack or after-dinner treat! Just pick up some blue Jell-O, your favorite sea-themed gummies and Mason jars the next time you’re out. If you have any of these on hand, even better!
Summer Schedules
OK, the last one isn’t exactly *fun* for many people. But, I LOVE schedules. Why not schedule some crafts or relaxation for you and your child, too? Plus, education shouldn’t stop just because your child isn’t in school. Continued learning in the summer months is essential for your child’s educational growth. So, plan it out! It doesn’t have to be as detailed as this, but it’s good to have some general rules so your child is learning, spending time outside, playing with others and more.
For more ideas, visit the Cabell County Family Resource Network’s Pinterest!
Check out our latest Electronic Press Kit about Pathways to Summer Fun. View the most up-to-date list here.
Copyright © MMXVIII Hourglass Omnimedia, LLC
Kaylin R. Staten is an award-winning public relations practitioner and writer. She owns Hourglass Omnimedia, a consulting company based in Huntington, WV.
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