It’s now officially summertime! Time to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air! We are ready for mountain hikes, camping, and lake days. Maybe a dip in the pool or a full-on beach day is in order. How about a summer road trip? Which ever you choose, it’s time to get out for a much needed break!
Kick off summer with one of these quick trips:
Hit the Beach
One of the most iconic summer activities is obviously going to the beach! Swimming and sea shell hunting, sandcastle building and burrying your toes in the sand. There are so many ways to accomplish this. You could rent a beach house, stay at a resort, or use Airbnb. You can even camp out at some beaches!
This might be a little more challenging as a quick trip for those of us who live in the Midwest and not near the East or West coast. However, some lake locations have created a beach area so you can get a similar experience. Depending on the beach you visit there could be crowds and parking could be difficult to find which could result in lots of walking – so get there early! Whatever you do, pack a cooler to stay hydrated and don’t forget your sunscreen! I love sunburns, said no one ever.
Camping
One of our favorite summer starters is camping because the cost is lower, and we really get to decompress. Being in nature is truly a fabulous way to have all the traffic, electronics, and just plain noise melt away. There are opportunities to go hiking, biking, swimming, exploring natural wonders, tell ghost stories by the fire, and eat a crazy number of s’mores.
Our typical camping spots tend to be state parks and we have been to quite a few, but I know we haven’t made a real dent in the sheer number of them. As of 2018, there are 8,565 state parks in the United States according to the National Association of State Park Directors. That’s not even counting the National Parks like Yosemite. Most parks tend to have a minimum stay of 2-3 nights but check with the campground you choose just to be sure. There is nothing like sleeping in a tent under the stars!
First time camping? Get some helpful tips here.
Theme Parks
For the thrill seekers, you can always visit a theme park! This is going to be a loud, fun, busy trip so plan accordingly. Roller coasters, water rides, yummy food, and lots of laughs – you will find all of that here.
The length of these trips can vary depending on the size of the park you visit since you may not be able to cover the entire park in one day. Aim for something like Six Flags, Busch Gardens, Cedar Point, or theme parks more local to your area. A great example of a theme park trip that is NOT going to be short is Disneyland or Disney World. You can go, but you are not going to get much done in a day or so. Trust me, we tried this one July when I was about 5 months pregnant. Yeah – never again! Otherwise, it’s a load of fun and your kids will be so excited!
Mini-Road Trips
Another summer “quick” trip could be a mini-road trip to a nearby town you have never been to. Don’t underestimate this option. You would be surprised the things you end up discovering when you allow yourself to wander. Choose somewhere within maybe 5 hours or so of you and check to see if there is anything interesting nearby. Reserve a room, pack a cooler, and GO. Take time to stop an enjoy things that catch your eye. Be curious. Allow yourself to explore. As they say, all who wander are not lost!
There are so many different ways to begin your summertime adventures with your kids. Make the experience even better by letting your kids help plan these trips with you. They will learn valuable skills for the bigger trips you’ll take later in the summer or any time in the future.
What are some of the first summer trips that your family takes? Please share below!