Get off to a Great Summer Start

June 13, 2023 | Posted in Bank Blogs

There's just something about summer. Maybe it's the longer days. Warm temperatures. Or tasty barbecue treats. Or maybe it's the break in routine from meeting morning school buses or haggling over evening homework. One thing no one can dispute is that summer is a short season, so it's important to make the most of it.

Here are some tips for a great summer start for the kids — and the entire family.

1. Schedule a trip. Looking to get away from it all this summer? Start planning. Whether you are thinking about a week-long vacation or just day trips throughout the summer, advance planning will ensure you're prepared and that all your family members will be available.
2. Live in the moment. While it's great to plan ahead, spontaneity can also make summer more exciting. Every now and again, take a last-minute day off and surprise your family members with an unexpected trip to the ocean or lake or maybe even an amusement park.
3. Start an exercise routine. There's no better time of the year to exercise. Schedule some fitness goals for the family and work toward them together. For example, you might plan to run or bike in a race and train together.
4. Learn something new. Is there some new skill you and your family members would like to learn? Perhaps a new craft, instrument, or even a foreign language? Find a common goal and then arrange to take classes or study together.
5. Get outside. Instead of staying in and watching television, get outside as much as you can. And if possible, serve your meals outside to soak up even more summer sun.
6. Take in some culture. There's always something happening in the summer, such as free concerts or movies in the park. Check your local listings to learn about events near you and to see if there are any museums offering discounted or free admission.
7. Volunteer together. There's nothing quite like the feeling of knowing you are making a difference in someone's life. Try recruiting your family members and volunteering to help a local organization, such as a dog shelter or soup kitchen.
8. Plan campfires. You don't have to have a trailer or tent to enjoy one of the most enjoyable parts of camping — campfires. With a fire pit, you can bring the relaxation of a campfire right to your back yard. Don't forget to buy some marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate and make some s'mores.
9. Start a family book club. Pick a book that the entire family might enjoy and then set up a regular book club meeting where you discuss the book and enjoy special "book club" treats.

Summer is the season to be active. So put these simple ideas into action today to make the most of it.