Family Book Contest– summer reading lists can often    feel impossible to get through, but organize a family book  contest to encourage participation and excitement! A  visual star chart, tracking each members progress is a  great reminder for everyone involved, and don’t forget a  prize for the winner(s)!!

 Redecorate the Yard- redecorating the house can be an  expensive undertaking with a lot of planning involved,  but redecorating the yard can be done in a few short  hours. Dig up holiday lights to string across the patio,  plant flowers or vegetables in small pots or “paint” the  sidewalk with washable chalk. Celebrate the hard work with a special outdoor dinner or picnic and bask in the mental (and physical) exercise done by all.

Plan a Party- potlucks, BBQs, block parties or pool parties… Summer is the season to gather the troops and play! Involve the whole family by giving the kids special tasks like decorating placemats or creating a play to put on while you prepare the scene by inviting friends and family. Potlucks and block parties are a great way to keep the event inexpensive for everyone involved.

Try Something New- from food to swimming to reading or TV. Make a “Summer Bucket List” and write down a few NEW things everyone wants to accomplish this summer. Is it jumping off the high dive? Eating an avocado? Reading 10 books? Or maybe making new friends? Set a few goals for everyone and you’re sure to have a summer no one will ever forget. 

Take a Drawing Class- Young Rembrandts offers art classes and drawing workshops all summer long.Drawing and coloring are fun ways to keep your kids mentally fit and ahead of the “summer slide”. Look at your community center to see what’s available in your area! Can’t find anything near you? Download these how to draw eBooks to hold you over until classes start.

 Cool Summer Badges from MamaMiss

*Photo Credit: Sunsurfr on Flikr