1. Lemonade Stand 

Cha Ching! We planned our lemonade  stand around some construction happening on our road. Nothing tastes better than a cold cup of summer’s sweetness on a hot day. The workers loved it and the kids had a great opportunity to make some serious cash! I wrote out “Lemonade Stand” on a piece of notebook paper and let them get crafty as they made their own signs. This was also the perfect time to pull out their Learning Resources Pretend and Play Calculator and cash register to practice our counting and numbers. I asked what they were saving for – “Horses!” they said. One named Sparky & the other named Maggie. 

2. Scavenger Hunt 

You can make this as easy or complex as your Momma heart desires. We opted for a smooth rock, a bundle of dry sticks, 5 acorns, bird poop (because let’s be honest, what 5 year old doesn’t think poop is hilarious!) , and a handful of unbroken “helicopters’ ‘ … you know, the little green seeds that fall from oak trees. They set out on foot with little bags we already had in a drawer. The girls took their mission very seriously. The acorns had to have the hats on too – which posed to be quite the challenge! But we did it! When we got back home the girls went to the top of the deck to toss the helicopters and watch them twirl through the air. We also dropped their stick piles off in the fire pit for a quick marshmallow treat before we headed back inside.

3. Paint/Color Rocks.  

I think this one has my favorite vote; a sweet way to honor both my girls and husband too. Our girls deeply mourn the loss of their Grandpa so we used this as an opportunity to dress up “Poppa’s Place”. These rocks have been a small miracle for them to cope with their grief and connect with the memories they have. We found a pack of 24 colorful sharpie markers during school supply shopping. Now was a perfect time to use those smooth rocks we found on our scavenger hunt. Since we started this, they continue to find perfect rocks and create a special present for their Poppa. 

4. Hike 

The girls especially like this one because of the freedom it allows for their exploring hearts. Saylor is usually our leader, while Sami takes her time to find the ladybug looking for lunch, or the ant carrying a crumb larger than its body. Try and walk across a log like a balance beam or see if you can spy any animal tracks. Isn’t nature amazing? 

5. Beach day. 

Sam’s favorite, and the dogs too. 

A simple google search of “closest beaches to me” should populate some great options. We were so impressed with Edge Water in Cleveland and all it offered for our kids and pooches too! The kids and dogs chased each other up and down the shore line for hours. I could feel how full their hearts were. Ever see a dog smile? I have. We packed sandwiches and learned how to skip rocks, somehow harder than I remember.  It was very relaxing to just sit back and breathe, it felt so good for our souls. We needed this day. 

6. Go to the park and pick up trash.

There’s something so gratifying about volunteering. Our girls take so much pride in keeping their spaces clean. Feeling down? Go help someone or some place. Nothing resets your mindset like good ol’ fashion community service.  Really challenge yourself and do it in silence. Resist the urge to jump on social media and share with the world what a great person you are. Just do it. That old saying rings true. “Leave every place better than you found it.” …I’ve learned that can apply to people too. 

7. Go to a museum

A dinosaur museum, a troll museum, a butterfly museum, a fire fighter museum — these are just a few in our area that are worth the trip! Make sure you get down on your child’s level here to fully experience all the things your selection offers. I am always amazed at how well our girl’s adapt to different surroundings and artifacts. Learning is so fun! 

8. Picnic 

I like to pair any picnic with a view. Is there a spot near by a creek you can find? Maybe a nice tree? Our girls have become quite the avid climbers over the years. There’s a quiet little waterfall nearby I’ve been eyeing for our next picnic lunch. Where can you soak in the sounds and sights of serity? Unpack your basket and enjoy all the things your picnic has to offer. 

9. PJ Day 

Can I get an Amen? Stay in PJs ALL day long! I mean sign me up right? We pitched a tent to set the mood just right. A dozen cozy blankets, tons of snacks, and all the snuggles this Momma could handle. We did manicures and pedis, even cut a cucumber for our eyes – Ahh so relaxing! I can’t wait for this one again . Maybe even pair with a screen free day? Nah…more like wine night.