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Three years ago, we started a new summer tradition called One Fun Thing a Day. Some years have been more successful than others, but in general, it’s been a nice low-key way to make memories as a family. This is the first summer where I can feel a shift: my two oldest boys aren’t quite as excited about blowing bubbles as they were in years past, hah! So bittersweet. Still, we’ll forge on and give the little ones the same fun experience the big ones had.
New Books for Summer Adventures:
+ Williams-Sonoma The Kid’s Cookbook & The Usborne Beginner’s Cookbook (both found at the thrift store)
+ The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science: 64 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists (for the big boys)
+ Look I’m a Scientist (for Sophie and TJ)
My Working List of Ideas:
- water beads
- sumo wrestling with Dad’s old t-shirts
- explore a new playground
- chocolate covered strawberries
- outdoor scavenger hunt
- make “super bubbles”
- have a picnic lunch
- Crafternoon Week
- finger knitting snakes
- bubble blower painting
- tape resist paintings
- torn paper mosaic
- suncatchers
- movie night popcorn bar
- squirt gun painting
- s’mores dip
- make a Lego catapault
- ribbon wands
- sidewalk chalk twister
- Cooking Week
- homemade M&M granola bars
- crusty bread “pizzas”
- jam cookies
- banana splits on the grill
- fruit pizza
- tie-dye t-shirts
- cookie ice cream sandwiches
- run in the sprinkler
- sidewalk chalk paint
- perler beads
- Science Week
- instant hot ice experiment
- dancing raisins
- grow geodes
- color changing celery
- dancing rice experiment
- roast marshmallows
- water balloons
- Nerf target game
- playdough
- marshmallow shooters
Tabitha Studer says
i love this! Such a good list of fun things to do! We do a "yes" day in summer that requires the parents to say Yes to all requests as long as they are safe (and possible).
This is the second time this week that i've seen that incredible summer calendar – where is it coming from!? I love it !
Ashley says
Oh man, my kids would LOVE "Yes Day"! Adding that to the list!
The calendar is from Lisa at Hand Lettered Designs! You can find it on her IG –> https://www.instagram.com/handlettereddesign/
Kristen says
How fun! I always search the internet for all of the free activities going on in the summer: concert series and movies, bowling, library events, festivals, etc. Then we try to hit up one a week 🙂
Ashley says
Love that idea! Our options are a bit limited out here in the country, but I should do some research about what's available in the surrounding bigger towns.
Shelly Cunningham says
One fun thing a day sounds totally doable and not too overwhelming! Maybe I can do this?!?
Ashley says
Definitely! I love that it gives a little bit of fun structure to our day. I think small and simple expectations are the key!