School is out and Summer Break is finally here! Many parents are wondering what to do since many of the usual options won't be a possibility this year. Below are 10 things you can do with the whole family this summer, while still socially distancing.
Aren't we fortunate to live in Colorado? We barely have to step outside our front door to enjoy fishing, hiking, bike riding, nature walks, scavenger hunts, bird watching, and so much more.
Need ideas?
Get lost in a book! Online registration is now open for the Splash Into Summer Fun Reading Program with Douglas County Libraries! The annual reading program is for all ages and runs from June 1-July 31. Kids, teens, and adults can register at DCL.org/summer-reading.
You'll get to enjoy a great read, earn prizes just for signing up, support a non-profit, and maybe even help your child's school win $500!
Get information on other Summer Reading Programs for kids and teens!
The family that plays together, stays together!
Try a little summer "throwback" with Classic Outdoor Yard Games.
Dust off the board games and card games that have been sitting on a shelf since your kids fell in love with video games (here are 5 Games Our Family Loves).
Or get really creative and Make Your Own Board Game!
There is something so fun about setting up an entire day — or week — around your child's favorite movie, book, character, activity, or even your family's favorite vacation! It's easy to Create Your Own Themed Summer Camp.
We've created some sample schedules to make it even easier for you:
Mix it up and have a campout in your backyard! Put up a tent, grill out, tell stories, play music, sing karaoke, and play charades.
Take the opportunity to review Leave No Trace and camping safety rules so you're ready for camping beyond your yard.
Support a local business! Now is a great time to visit your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt shop.
If you'd rather stay home, here are some delicious recipes your whole family will enjoy:
7. Summer Camps: In-Person and Virtual
Our Summer Camp Guide has been updated with information on camps that have gone virtual and in-person camps that have instituted additional safety precautions.
Check it out and keep your child entertained so you can enjoy some time to yourself!
You can make a craft or create some art at home together. I've never been a crafty mom so I like crafts that are easy-peasy! Here are some to try:
- DIY Bird Feeder
- DIY Musical Instruments
- Fizzy Dinosaur Eggs
- Pool Noodle Sprinkler
- Rain Gutter Play Wall
- Scratch Art
- Sponge Grass Garden
Pick up fresh ingredients from a local Farmers Market, take a virtual cooking class with Uncorked Kitchen, or enroll your kids at one of the upcoming Kids Nights Out with Flour Power Cooking Studios and have them recreate the recipes for you at home.
Many family memories can be made together by creating something in the kitchen, all while learning valuable life skills!
10. Check the Mac Kid Calendar
As Colorado continues to move forward into a phased re-opening, we are adding virtual and in-person events every day to our monthly calendar, so check back often.
If you want to explore beyond Colorado, our list of 50+ Virtual Field Trips lets you explore museums, zoos, national parks, natural phenomena, aquariums, other countries... even the surface of the moon!
Macaroni Kid can make it super easy for you to find your family fun all year long. Receive a local calendar of family-friendly events each Wednesday morning when you SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE! You'll be glad you did... and so will your kids!
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