View Article

Family Life > Family Time & Vacations

5 Best Things to do This Summer
Printer Friendly Version

1. Water Fun

In the last 20 years, water parks have exploded in popularity around the country. Summer is hot! What better way to cool off than sliding down a twisting, winding tube of cool rushing water? It's a can't miss with the kids and you will have just as much fun as well.  No water park within driving distance?  No worries!  Hit the surf or local watering hole.  For most families, no summer is complete without dipping the toes in the sand and waters of our great oceans and lakes. Water draws us like flies. No wonder. It's awesome!

2. Geocaching

Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.  Geocaches can be found all over the world. There are geocaches hidden in your own city. They may be at your local park, at the end of a long hike, underwater or on the side of a city street.  All you need is a free membership at www.geocaching.com (to learn where the caches are hidden), a GPS device (your cell phone or the GPS in your car work great) and a spirit of adventure.  You'll be surprised to discover these hidden gems in your own backyard, and it's a great way to explore and learn at the same time.

3. Take a hike

Beautiful scenery, wildlife, exercise and fresh air. Hiking is an extremely popular activity. Show your kids what lies beyond their TV's, iPod's and laptop's. Your taxpayer dollars support and maintain thousands of trails and greenways all over. Get your money's worth and get out there and enjoy them! www.americantrails.org is a great site to help you plan.

4. The backyard

Right outside your window lays limitless possibilities of family fun. Badminton, volleyball, cookouts, sprinklers and tossing a ball around are wonderful!  Use your imagination and put your own land to good use.

5. Relax

Do nothing. Sleep in. Turn off the phones. Stay in bed watching movies all day. Life is so very busy and creates so much stress. Jump off the carrousel for a day. Your health will send you a thank you card.

© 2010 Family Minute. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.