5 to THRIVE: Boredom is BANNED this Summer
Mayra Kavan,
So, there might be some restrictions to our summertime fun, but that doesn’t mean your vacation has to be an epic fail!
Summer isn’t canceled, it’s just gotten a little more private. There are plenty of ways to have fun indoors and out. You can still enjoy the weather and spend time with your family, whether you’re having a garden barbecue or taking long walks under the sun.
Social distancing is there for our safety, and it’s not worth it to abandon it for the sake of a vacation. You don’t have to abandon all hope to have fun this summer.
But if you’re out for ideas of what to do – we know, we’ve all been cooped up way too long – here are some ways you and the family can do something entertaining.
1. Create a summer bucket list
Stop! Before you plan anything, you know what we’re going to say next, right? Write down your bucket list ideas on your 1THRIVE Center! Include the kids in brainstorming and task them with crossing items off as you complete each of them. Check out our bucket list printable to get started!
Here are a few ideas for your summer bucket list:
- Make s’mores or roast marshmallows over a fire.
- Learn a new skill such as crocheting, skateboarding, or drawing/painting. Sidewalk Chalk is still a thing!
- Make homemade popsicles and smoothies.
- Make and bury a time capsule. Include some of the art you created earlier.
- Date night with new summer cocktails!
2. Plant a garden
This can be as small as a single potted rose in your kitchen or an entire garden in your backyard. This is a great opportunity for the kids to learn about nature, not to mention a tasty, healthy treat if they choose to grow vegetables.
Look for specially made “grow your own” kits that put the simplicity into gardening. After everything is grown, you can take the fruits or vegetables and make a meal together as a family, too.
If you’re more about the flowers, you can find some that thrive in any environment, such as Peonies or Coreopsis.
Even when it’s raining, you can enjoy your garden. Grab a warm cup of coffee or an iced tea, sit at your window, and take in the view. Okay let’s face it, it’ll be a glass of wine.
3. Scavenger hunts
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned scavenger hunt. Take a trip to a park, or do it from the comfort of your own garden.
Kids can find anything from flowers (for pressing into your scrapbook) to packaged treats you’ve hidden.
You can also include bird watching, plant searching, and any kind of sightseeing that involves taking notes of what you’ve seen. Make this part of the scavenger hunt: spot and take a tally of at least five types of birds or bugs.
4. Go on a family run or walk
Get the family up early and head to a quiet area, such as a park. Select a start and finish point and time yourself. If you have competitive children, maybe don’t keep track of who won and who came last to keep the argument to a minimum. Just enjoy the exercise and hit the finish line when you come to it.
You can even make them some homemade completion medals, hanging them on your command center when you get home.
You could even make this a fun family bike ride or even roller skate. For 1k or 10k, it’s up to you. For some prompts and inspiration, there are tons of apps out there that can help.
5. Go on a road trip
Who doesn’t love a good old road trip? We know, you’re still technically INSIDE the car for a while, but hear us out. We’re getting you out of the house! We promise!
Get out and see the sights from the comfort of your own car, and camp sleep under the stars. Turn your road trip into a full-on vacation by renting an Airbnb at your destination.
The cool part of road trips is all the fun games you can play and teach the kids. Share some of the games you used to play when you were young or create something new.
The second cool thing about a road trip is that it doesn’t really matter where you go because it’s about the journey, not the destination.
If you’re visiting a national park, you can rent an Airbnb that’s close to the park and spend a few days. Keep an eye on national parks that are open before you choose your destination.
The Sarah can make your summer non-vacation feel like a dream. Planning everything from walks, creative goals, and summer meal plans. Find your ideal 1THRIVE Center here and follow us on Facebook for more advice on living your best life.