Summer is here and you might feel like a deer in headlights having the kids home, but you don’t have to! If you plan and prepare then you can have a great summer!
Backyard Olympics
Set up simple games:
- Sack races
- Water relays
- Tug-of-war
- Frisbee toss
- Obstacle courses
Kids love friendly competition and dads can join in too. Grab another family and make it an even bigger competition!
Build Something Together
- Birdhouses
- Lego cities
- Woodworking projects
- Garden boxes
- Blanket forts
Working side by side naturally creates connection. You can also go to Home Depot the first Saturday of the month and build something together!
Weekly Dad Dates
Take each kid on a one on one date. This will be the highlight of your summer.
- Breakfast dates
- Mini golf
- Ice cream runs
- Fishing
- Thrift shopping
- Bookstore visit
Summer Adventure Bucket List
Sit down together and make a family summer bucket list. Include both simple and bigger adventures like:
- Camping
- Hiking
- Movie night outside
- Visiting a lake
- Trying a new restaurant
- Stargazing
- Splash pads
- Watching fireworks
Teach Life Skills
Summer is a great time for dads to teach practical skills that might be overlooked during the school year.
- Riding a bike
- Grilling
- Changing a tire
- Lawn care
- Budgeting
- Cooking breakfast
- Basic repairs
- Meal planning
Kids love feeling capable and included.
Start a Summer Tradition
Traditions create lasting memories and give kids something to look forward to every year.
- Friday pizza and movie nights
- Sunday pancake breakfasts
- Evening walks
- Backyard campfires
- Monthly family challenges
No matter what you decide to do with your kids this summer, if you show them that you care and spend time with them, it will be great summer!
