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- Written by Kimberly Blaker Kimberly Blaker
It’s the season your grandkids have been waiting for, so how will you maximize the long, lazy days of summer with them? Celebrate the carefree season to its fullest with these outdoor activities and adventures all of you will enjoy.
Back to Nature
Park play – Head to a local, state, or national park and make a day of nature hiking. Before you go, make a list of things for your family to find and identify, such as a black oak tree, woodpecker holes, or a garter snake. Or, take your grandkids for a picnic and an afternoon at the park. Bring along a playmate for your grandchild, and they’ll be content for some time.
Z is for zoo – Check out animals at one of the many zoos that have created natural, spacious settings, and teach your grandkids the importance of these habitats. Check the schedule for animal presentations, and don't miss the petting zoo, where youngsters can walk and talk with the animals and feed them.
The strawberry patch – Perk up those taste buds because strawberries are now in season. Round up the family and head to the strawberry patch for a day of fruit-filled fun. When you get the berries home, work together rinsing them, removing stems, and preparing them for shortcake, smoothies, and fresh strawberry pie.
Water, Water Everywhere
Beach bummin’ – Load up the beach ball, buckets, and blankets, and get ready for a day at the beach. For added fun, take along goggles, snorkels, and fins for underwater exploration.
Wet your whistle … and more – Spend a smoldering summer day cooling off at one of the many water wonderlands. Your family can swoosh down waterslides, catch the manmade waves, and tube around narrow canals.
Backyard water blast – Plenty of cool fun can be had right in your own backyard. Fill water balloons, and play a game of catch. Or hook up the sprinklers for a refreshing game of tag. Don’t forget to fill up the squirt guns and super soakers to ensure everyone stays drenched. Then take a refreshing break in a wading pool.
Your Own Backyard
Under the stars – Take full advantage of the peaceful summer nights and camp out in your backyard. Kick off the evening by watching the sun set. Then build a bonfire (if it’s permitted in your area), roast marshmallows, and gaze at the stars. Bring along your guide to the stars, and see what you can spot: the Little Dipper, Hercules, or Sagittarius.
Green thumbs – Make summer gardening a family affair. Ask each member to choose a favorite vegetable to plant. If you’re getting a late start, look for starter plants that have already sprouted. Work together to get the garden ready and plant it. Then give each person his or her own responsibility for keeping it up: watering, pulling weeds, picking ripe produce, cleaning it, and preparing it to eat or store.
Swiss family, who? – What’s a backyard without a hideout or special place to kick back? Younger kids will thrill at building a treehouse or fort. Older kids will look forward to a covered hangout, such as a gazebo, for visiting with friends. Whatever you make, have the whole family pitch in.
Out and About
Dancin’ in the street – Summer abounds with fairs and festivals along riverfronts and in the streets. Enjoy live music, new foods, boating and ski shows, magic acts, and arts and crafts. Look for upcoming festivals online or in the entertainment section of your newspaper.
Performing arts in the park – Unwind listening to a summer concert in the park or taking in a movie under the stars. These events aren’t always well publicized, so contact area parks for a summer schedule.
Coasters, cars, and Ferris wheels –A trip to a theme park can be the highlight of the season. If your grandkids are at different ride levels, invite a friend or two with grandchildren similar in age to your own. Then divide up so everyone can get the most out of the day. Meet up for lunch and dinner to swap kids, so all grandparents get time with each age group.
Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera; and more at sagerarebooks.com.