With the sun peeking out more and temperatures rising, it’s nearly summertime! That means you’re preparing to have your kids home for a long break. Good for them but stressful for you, especially if you don’t have a plan for what you can do with them throughout the break. However, it would help if you embraced this time with your family. More than 71% of Americans in a study are open to spending time with their families post-pandemic. So, there’s no need to worry. All you need is a little research and planning. Luckily, this article will provide you with helpful tips to make you and your family have the best summer ever. 

Make meals together

Over the years, it’s become less common for most families to eat together due to the demands of work and school. Summer is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of your time off work and school to spend family time in the kitchen. Even better, why not take the cooking outside and have a nice family barbecue? Cooking together is an easy way to unwind with your kids and connect. You can assign each member of your family a role to play so that everyone feels needed and important. Additionally, it would teach your kids the value of teamwork. 

From slow-cooked chili hot dogs to pizza, there are so many recipes to choose from that even the pickiest eater in your family will have a good time and enjoy the family meal. 

Go on a family vacation

Family vacations are a great way to build long-lasting memories. They also give each member a break from their usual routines and expose them to new cultures and experiences. Traveling can be a good learning experience for the entire family, especially your kids. It’s good for your kids to leave their comfort zone and encounter new things they wouldn’t typically see at home.

Going on a family vacation also promotes family bonding in a more relaxed setting. Whether you choose to go on a hike, ride a roller coaster, or lounge at the beach, there are so many activities that you can do together. It’s a great way for parents and kids to learn about each other. Plus, your kids might see that you are a pretty cool person! 

Find a new family hobby

It can get boring spending several weeks with your family. One of the best ways to keep things exciting this summer is by learning a new hobby with the family. You can make a plan to learn a new language, for example, and even make a little competition out of it. You can play word games or use language learning apps. Or you could set aside days where everyone speaks a particular language. You will certainly be guaranteed a few laughs.

Of course, there are other hobbies you can try. You can take up nature watching, which can be a fun and learning experience for the entire family, or you can get into painting, gardening, and scrapbooking. You can also use this time as the perfect opportunity to teach your kids about reducing waste by getting them into recycling activities. 

Attend community events

Summertime is the perfect opportunity to get your family more involved in community activities. You can attend summer events within your neighborhood, whether to meet new people, learn new skills, give back to society, or spend some quality time outdoors.

It’s a great way to teach your kids the importance of community, and it also provides them with the opportunity to make new friends and learn about the history of their community. It’s also a good time for you to catch up with neighbors and meet some new people. To make your planning easier, research any upcoming community events that fit into your family’s itinerary. 

Throw a garage sale

The warmer months are the perfect time to get rid of any clutter gathered in your home over the past year. Before hosting a garage sale, encourage your household to throw their belongings and take out items they no longer need but are in good condition. Garage sales are a good way to earn extra cash during the summer. Plus, your kids will learn basic skills like money management and customer interaction. 

Thanks to this list, you no longer have to worry about keeping your family entertained during the summer. Hopefully, you can pick up an activity or two to help your family bond and have fun.