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Here’s How to Make the Most Out of Summer with these Fun Activities

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Sunny days and no school make summer the perfect time to enjoy some fun activities with your family. No matter what your budget is, there are lots of fun things to do this summer that will bring the whole family together.

Five Reasons Why Camping is One of the Best Things to Do This Summer with Kids

If there is one word that sums up the ultimate summer experience it would be camping. Whether you’re in a forest or in your backyard, pitching a tent and sleeping outdoors is one of those magical experiences that should be at the top of your summer bucket list. Here are five reasons why:

1.    Get in Touch with Nature - Activities that normally occur indoors, like eating and sleeping, are suddenly outdoors. You’ll be able to interact with and experience nature up close and be aware of new sights, sounds, and smells.

2.    Learn New Games - Screen time is replaced with outdoor time which creates an opportunity for everyone’s imagination to soar. Take turns making up new games or go exploring and see where you end up.

3.    Learn New Life Skills - Camping gives you an opportunity to learn new skills. Tasks you typically don’t do on a regular basis such as pitching a tent or cooking on a campfire create lasting bonds with your family as you work together to figure things out.

4.    Improve Your Health - Camping outdoors is beneficial for your mood and overall health. Try different summer activities where you are exposed to fresh air and away from artificial light. You can relax, recharge and step away from work and other responsibilities which all help to improve your mood.

5.    Set Your Own Schedule - Put the clock away when you go camping. You can eat when you want, sleep when you want, and make time for as many fun outdoor activities as you can.

Campfire

Must-Do Fun Outdoor Activities When Camping

Whether you’re a camping veteran or novice, the list of fun summer activities you can do is only limited by your imagination. Here are some that you just have to try on your next camping trip:

Camping
  • Hiking

  • Bird watching

  • Gather firewood

  • Throw a frisbee

  • Go on a scavenger hunt

  • Play card games

  • Look for bugs

  • Collect leaves

  • Roast marshmallows on the campfire

  • Tell ghost stories

  • Watch the sun set

  • Sing songs

  • Count the stars

Get into Gear with these Camping Essentials

Having the right equipment will make your next camping trip a success. Here’s a list of camping essentials you’ll need once you get to your destination:

  • Tents

  • Sleeping bags

  • Camp pillows

  • Flashlights

  • Propane camping stove

  • Food Cooler

  • Water cooler

  • Folding chairs

  • Folding table

  • Cast iron skillet and other outdoor cookware

  • Portable coffee pot

  • Enamelware dish set and cutlery

If you want to take your camping trip to the next level and experience the outdoors without sacrificing comfort, there’s an array of modern, portable camp furniture and accessories. From cots to heated camp chairs, there’s something for every camper and every budget.

Camping Dinner

Just Add Water for More Fun Summer Activities

When you plan your camping trip near the lake, you’ll have a whole array of fun summer activities to try. Here are a few water-related essentials to make the most of your trip:

Day Tripping – Check these One-Day Adventures Off Your Summer Bucket List

If you can’t take a whole week or weekend to get away but still want to do some fun activities with your family, here are some ideas of where to go and what you can do in one day.

Strawberry

Fun Activities You Can Do in One Day

Day tripping doesn’t have to be expensive or need tons of planning. Why not plan one of these adventures?

Pick Your Own  Find a local farm so the whole family can pick their own fruits or vegetables. This makes for a fun way to show kids how food is grown.

Go Back in TimeWhether you love shoes or steam engines, there’s a museum for you. Find one in your area for your family to spend a few hours exploring together.

Go SpelunkingChannel your inner Indiana Jones and explore some caves. You’ll be able to glimpse at the historical geology within and perhaps even find a hidden treasure.  

Go Bird WatchingDo you know the difference between a sparrow and a finch? Spend a day at one of the many conservation areas that offer bird watching events and challenge your family to see who can spot the most species.

Dining Alfresco Never Tasted So Good – Everything you Need for Your Family Picnic

When something is done “alfresco” it means it is done outside. Having a family picnic is one of the best summer activities you can do that won’t break the budget. Whip up everyone’s favourite sandwiches and snacks, load them into a cooler and head out to a park or conversation area. Make sure you bring blankets to spread out on the ground and fill drink jugs to keep everyone hydrated.

Road Trip Checklist – Everything you Need for Your Family Get-Away

Before you leave for a trip, you’ll need to make sure your car is tuned up and that you have all the road trip essentials:

For Your Car:

  • Air fresheners

  • Phone charging cables

  • Power cords for your cooler

  • Tire inflator

  • Windshield screen​

Food and Drinks:

Entertainment:

  • iPhones/iPods

  • Crossword puzzles

  • Audio books

  • Colouring books​

Fun Things to Do Without Leaving Your Home

If your idea of fun things to do with kids this summer means playing games in the backyard or on the sidewalk, there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. These include:

  • Lawn darts

  • Volleyball

  • Badminton

  • Hopscotch

  • Bean bag toss

  • Ring toss

  • Running through the sprinkler

  • Boardgames

Backyard game

Whether you head out for a week-long road trip or plan a stay-cation in your backyard, there are plenty of fun things to do this summer with kids. Whatever your budget, be sure to plan some fun summer activities that the whole family will enjoy so you can create wonderful memories that are sure to last a lifetime.

Inspiration is always handy

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