Summer Memory Makers

Summer is always my favorite time of year with my boys. There’s just something about the longer days and warmer nights that leaves me yearning for more. We spend more time outdoors. I say yes more. We stay up past bedtime more often. We explore more new places. There are also more opportunities to make lasting memories.

I grew up only 20 minutes from the beach, and my fondest memories are of catching sight of the ocean as my mom drove across the connecting bridge to the island. My sister and brother and I would strain our necks to catch the first glimpse, and the anticipation was palpable. After a long day of sand castle building and jumping waves, we’d make our way back across the bridge, but not before collectively waving good-bye to the sea.

Living in the Midwest now, my kids can’t experience that tradition. However, we’ve created many traditions of our own to ensure that they can one day look back with that same nostalgic feeling. Here are 10 simple but fantastic ways to make summer memories:

1. Camping

If your kids are younger, they may prefer to camp in the backyard. When they get older, visiting a campground for a weekend retreat can be an exciting adventure. According to the article “A Guide to Camping Spots,” in the Kansas City Star, Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a perfect location to pitch a tent. Enjoy a night under the stars and don’t forget the marshmallows!

2. Farm Stays

Both educational and fun, farm stays provide families the opportunity to experience farm living by milking cows, collecting eggs, riding horses, fishing, harvesting, making soap and watching birds. Netherfield Natural Farm is located 60 miles south of Kansas City near Fontana, KS.

3. Breakfast Picnic in the Park

On Babble.com, breakfast picnics are a unique spin on typical picnicking. Pack a basket with breakfast sandwiches, fruit, chocolate milk for the kids, a thermos with mimosas or coffee for the adults, a blanket and a ball to toss around afterwards. It’s a beautiful way to start the day.

4. Carnivals

Summer is perfect for local festivals and street fairs. Mom of three Molly Schalz recommends Lee’s Summit Downtown Days…Streets Alive! The event runs on the first weekend of June every year. This festival spans six city blocks and includes live entertainment, a barbecue contest, a variety of local vendors, a carnival, kids area and more. Don’t miss the white tiger exhibit!

5. Lemonade Stand

Summer doesn’t officially begin until there’s a neighborhood lemonade stand. I love watching all of the children on my block work together to make, promote and sell to friendly passersby. My boys love running over to the stand and paying for their Dixie cups.

6. Aqua Entertainment

With temperatures on the rise, there are unlimited ways to keep cool. One of the most popular weekend destinations is Lake of the Ozarks. Even better, there are activities for the entire family, including boating, fishing, golfing, state parks and shopping. If you’re looking to keep things simple, turn on the sprinklers and let the kids run wild. It’s inexpensive and highly entertaining for little ones.

7. Night Games

Anyone up for flashlight tag? At dusk, hand one kid a flashlight and have the rest hide. The seeker shines a flashlight on the person hiding to “tag” him. When you’re done playing tag, grab some glow-in-the-dark paint and let the kids show off their artistic side. Other activities include glow-in-the-dark ring toss and bowling, capture the flag and a nighttime scavenger hunt. Last, but not least, go old school. One of my husband’s fondest childhood memories is of catching fireflies with his grandpa. He has carried on this tradition with our boys, much to their delight.

8. Plant a Garden

This is an activity that truly can be tailored for all ages, experience levels and budgets. It also provides an added educational benefit, as your kids learn how to plant, water, grow and harvest the fruits of their labor. According to Inhabitots.com, some of the easiest produce to grow is peas, strawberries, potatoes and tomatoes. Powell Gardens offers a youth gardening program for ages 6-12, from spring through fall. The program features a variety of gardening activities and opportunities for kids to learn more about plants and insects.

9. Quirky Family Traditions

Every year in July, my friend Leanne packs up the car and heads to Beaver Lake with her husband and sons. Her aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and grandparents meet them there, and they all have a huge Christmas in July celebration with presents and even a family-appointed Santa Claus to hang out with the kids. It’s something the entire family looks forward to every year and an opportunity to make unique memories that will last a lifetime.

10. Free Activities

If you’re looking for budget friendly options, look no further. Deanna Rose Farmstead has free admission Monday through Thursday and offers a variety of activities such as tractor races, baby goat feeding, pony rides, a butterfly garden, two playgrounds and areas for picnics. Kaleidoscope offers programs for toddlers to 12-year-olds and allows them to get hands-on with Hallmark materials and crafts. If you’re in the mood for a family movie, Legends offers free G- and PG-rated movies on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Nothing beats an outdoor showing of a family favorite, however. During the summer, places like Crown Center host free Friday night flicks. Make sure to check out the schedule for times and listings.

            The memories I hold dear will always be the simpler ones spent connecting with my family. It doesn’t have to be fancy, expensive or large-scale. What our children will remember most are the smiles, the laughs and, most importantly, the love. Now go out and have some fun making memories!

Jennifer Bosse lives in Kansas City with her husband and two sons. She loves making memories with her family.