Summer is halfway over, and if you’re anything like me - some days feel like Groundhog’s Day. We’ve done the same thing day after day, and we are ready for a CHANGE UP! We asked the ladies in the Mother’s of Fitness Facebook Group (come join us!) to share some of their favorite summer activities to do as a family. So whether your kids are 6 months or 16 years, here are some universal, fun ideas to do with your kids on these hot summer days!   Water, water, and more water!

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Even if you don’t have a pool or lake/beach nearby, there are still so many fun water activities that you can do! Here are some of our favorites:  
  1. Kiddie pools! An inflatable kiddie pool is a great way to cool down. Bonus points if you add in a kids basketball hoop or bring a water table into it!
  2. Set up a sprinkler. Any other parents have some incredible memories as a kid running through the sprinklers? Get silly and grab an umbrella or rain boots, and have some fun while running in the water.
  3. For the older kids - a homemade slip n slide! Tarps or plastic drop cloths work great, are super cheap, and incredibly easy to set up.
  4. Find a splash pad in your neighborhood to visit.
  5. Play with water balloons or water guns!
  Get CREATIVE!

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Here are some great activities to spark the creativity in our kiddos:  
  1. Set up an art station! For older kids, set up a mini easel and let them paint/draw to their heart’s desire! For younger kids/toddlers, a great option for “painting” is dipping a paint brush in water and painting on cement. This is one of those God-send CLEAN “messy fun”activities that really doesn’t leave any mess at all!
  2. Sidewalk chalk - perfect for all ages.
  3. Art projects! These can vary a ton based on age - but things like making necklaces, paper mache, making a card for a grandparent or family member, making a collage, etc are all ideas to start with.
  4. Depending on the age of your kids, bake or cook together! Kids LOVE being involved and helping to measure/pour when possible (and safe, of course).
  Play Outside

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One of the obvious favorites, get outside when the weather permits. Here were a ton of favorites listed in the group:  
  1. Go for a hike!
  2. Visit a neighborhood pool or park.
  3. Lawn games at home or at the park! Favorites included washers, flying kites, softball and kickball, cornhole, etc.
  4. Visit a local zoo or farm.
  5. Find local orchards where you can pick apples, peaches, etc.
  6. Set up a scavenger hunt around the yard or neighborhood (this can be done indoors too on super hot days!).
  7. Plant a garden together.
  8. Have a picnic dinner during sunset.
  9. Go fishing!
  Other Fun Ideas…

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  1. Play tourist in your own city! Check out places you have never been before.
  2. Make ice cream, popsicles, or smoothie bowls together.
  3. Take a walk or ride bikes in a different neighborhood
  4. Have a camp out (in the living room or backyard)
  5. Visit a Farmer’s Market and pick out fresh produce together.
  6. Take a trip to a museum or aquarium.
  7. Play hide and go seek.
  What are some other favorites you would add to this list?   Molly Tilove @mollyeledge