25 Ways to Recreate Classic Summer Experiences at Home
Some of your kids' favorite New York summer venues may not open this year. Here's how you can recreate them in your backyard.
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As they start to wander outside, have some binoculars and bug catching devices at the ready. Kids can spy birds and other backyard wildlife while trying to catch caterpillars, butterflies, and all sorts of insects.
If your brood is less the wandering around nature type and has more of a competitive side then consider planning for some traditional camp fun like a scavenger hunt, an obstacle course, or a game of capture the flag or kickball. Depending upon the age of your children and size of your family, you may even organize a summer-long color war!
When it starts to get dark, put the little ones on firefly spotting duty and think about how you can create a cozy atmosphere with twinkle lights or a small bonfire with s’mores using these amazing vegan marshmallows. Just add some sparklers, glow sticks, or anything that illuminates in the dark and it’ll feel like a special summer gathering.
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Create an at-home carnival.
Since amusements parks and local fairs won’t be an option for a fun activity this summer, why not bring the games and attractions to your house? Places like Disney parks, Universal Studios, Six Flags, and Coney Island have made virtual roller coaster rides a reality for thrill-seeking fams.
Smaller children will be challenged and entertained by simple diversions and activities like a ring toss, a water balloon catch, swatting at air-filled balloons with racquets, or setting up a homemade bowling game with empty bottles and your favorite ball.
You can also do some eye-opening live streaming of zoos and aquariums from across the country. Or embark upon a kid-friendly museum tour at some cultural hotspots throughout the world.
Enjoy summer sweet treats.
Nothing says summer quite like a warm weather sweet treat. Up the fun factor of ice cream by making a sundae bar (with homemade ice cream!) in your backyard. Assemble frozen banana pops and have kids top them with hot fudge, sprinkles, nuts, and mini marshmallows. Get creative with homemade popsicles as healthy or as decadent as you like. Or wow your family with a cotton candy or snow cone machine. And don’t let the summer pass you by without helping the kids host a family lemonade stand. You can dress up in costume and visit the stand time after time as a new person!
