By Tamara Fyke
School is almost out and the countdown is on. Those last few weeks of classes remind you that summer is near, and soon the final bell will ring. The first week of break often feels endless—lounging on the couch, catching up on favorite shows, and slowly realizing there are dozens of unclaimed hours in your week. What will you and your family do with that extra time? How will you turn idle hours into meaningful memories?
Have you stopped to spend real time outside lately? Not just a quick trip to the mailbox, but lingering in the sunshine, noticing the scent of flowers, watching bees work? That relaxed appreciation of nature is a small luxury that often gets lost in busy schedules. It reminds me of the beloved children’s story The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson: a gentle bull who prefers sitting under a tree smelling flowers rather than fighting in the ring. Ferdinand shows us the value of savoring simple pleasures—and that same lesson can shape a restorative, adventurous summer for your family.
When my children were young, I started gardening and they naturally joined in. While we pulled weeds and turned soil, we discovered snails and earthworms and other small creatures. My then five-year-old daughter became fascinated and soon created a little habitat from an old box. That collection of snails and worms became her caretaking project: they were proud house guests at the breakfast table and sleepy companions in her room. That curiosity sparked daily exploration and kept her excited to spend more time outdoors—much like Ferdinand, she learned to enjoy and respect the natural world.
I’m not suggesting you let your kids overhaul the backyard, but I do challenge you to spend more time outside. You can relocate indoor routines—eating, reading, napping, chatting—to the porch, patio, or park. Or choose something more active: bike rides, shooting hoops, hiking local trails, skateboarding at the park, or classic games like hide-and-seek. Whatever you pick, make it a point to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of summer.
Make a “Do Something” List: Family Summer Activities
Take time together today to write a summer “Do Something” list. For each prompt below, brainstorm ideas as a family and write them down. These categories help you balance adventure, learning, kindness, and creativity—so your summer is both fun and purposeful.
- Do Something Adventurous: Plan a family hike at a nearby state park or explore a new trail together.
- Do Something Intelligent: Visit the library to discover a new author or read a novel together and discuss it over dinner.
- Do Something Kind: Help an elderly neighbor by mowing their lawn, watering plants, or running an errand.
- Do Something Silly: Dress up in costumes with family members and go out for ice cream, or have a backyard costume parade.
- Do Something New: Try birdwatching in your neighborhood, learning to identify common birds by sight and song.
- Do Something Early: Wake up early to watch a sunrise together while sipping hot chocolate or juice.
- Do Something Creative: Paint a mural, create a family zine, or design a neighborhood map showing favorite spots.
- Do Something Scientific: Perform a simple experiment—explore why helium balloons float or build a homemade volcano.
- Do Something Green: Organize a recycling project at home or properly dispose of old batteries from the kitchen drawer.
- Do Something Old-fashioned: Write and mail handwritten letters to friends or relatives in another town or state.
Once your list is complete, pick activities for each week and put them on the calendar. Balance calm and active moments, solo pursuits and family experiences. Aim to be present, try things outside your comfort zone, and give back when you can. Live fully—be active, be generous, and cherish time together. This summer, celebrate connection and curiosity.
More Tips for Extra Summer Fun
- Be active: Keep moving. Practice a favorite sport or try a new activity like trail running, rollerblading, or family yoga in the park. Physical activity supports mood, sleep, and overall health.
- Read for pleasure: Visit your local library or bookstore to explore different genres—science fiction, historical novels, mysteries, or biographies. Reading opens new worlds and fuels imagination.
- Volunteer together: Serve as a family at an animal shelter, local food pantry, or community center. Volunteering builds empathy and strengthens community bonds.
- Try something new: Use the extra time to learn practical skills—start a band, pick up conversational Spanish, or bake a new dessert like cheesecake. New experiences create lasting memories and boost confidence.
About the author
Tamara Fyke is an educator and social entrepreneur focused on children, families, and urban communities. She is the creator and author of Love In A Big World, which offers mental health, social-emotional learning (SEL), and wellness curriculum and content. During quarantine, Tamara launched MusiCity Kids, an online educational program for children ages 6–12 that covers health, movement, character development, STEAM topics, and more.
This article was originally published by The Learning Counsel, a research institute and news media hub focused on the shift in education toward digital curriculum.