Jill spills: Summer Kick-off - 5 Ways to Create Family Memories with Teens & Young Adult Kids!
Ahhhh summer is here! And it’s the perfect time for parents to embark on fresh adventures with their teens and young adult kids. While the traditional family vacations and outings are great, why not infuse some spontaneity and explore unconventional ways to create lasting family memories?
Get ready to dive into a list of enjoyable, creative, and offbeat ideas that will ignite fun, curiosity, and deepen connections with your tribe.
Explore Your Local Hidden Gems:
Instead of heading to the typical tourist destinations, why not become adventurers in your own hometown? Take the time to research and discover the hidden gems and secret spots that even locals might not know about. Venture off the beaten path and create your own unique experiences. You could stumble upon a hidden beach, explore a secluded hiking trail, or visit a quirky local museum. Embrace the element of surprise and let your curiosity guide you. These spontaneous discoveries will not only create lasting memories, but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty and wonders of your own backyard. And always remember to bring a tasty bag of treats to snack on or make food part of this adventure! Sipping, chewing, slurping is fun to look forward to!
Plan a Mystery Day Trip:
Add an element of excitement by organizing a mystery day trip for your teens and young adults. Keep the destination a secret until the day of the adventure. Prepare a backpack with a few essentials, such as snacks, water, and extra towels, and set off on an unforgettable journey. Consider surprising them with activities like a hot air balloon ride, an outdoor scavenger hunt, or a visit to a nearby amusement park. The element of surprise and anticipation will fuel their curiosity, making the day even more exhilarating. The joy of uncovering a new experience together will create bonds and memories that will be cherished for years to come. And if you don’t want to plan it, have your kids surprise you by planning a mystery trip – be available to go and enjoy!
Embrace Technology-Free Days:
In this digital age, it's easy for quality time to be consumed by screens and distractions. Challenge your teens and young adults to embark on technology-free days. Plan a day where everyone disconnects from their devices and immerses themselves in the real world. Maybe go hiking, biking, picnicking, or exploring a local farmers' market. Disconnecting from technology will foster open conversations, improve focus, and allow for a deeper connection with one another. Embrace the present moment, capturing family memories through shared experiences rather than through a camera lens. These technology-free days will not only strengthen your relationship but also help everyone develop a healthier relationship with technology.
Create Family Memories by Volunteering Together:
Summer is an ideal time to instill your family’s core values of empathy, compassion, and gratitude. Find local volunteer opportunities that align with their interests or something completely new to them. Whether it's helping at an animal shelter, participating in a community garden, or joining a beach cleanup, volunteering together can be a rewarding and enriching experience for the entire family. Deliberate acts of kindness fuels the soul and allows your kids to develop a broader perspective of the world around them. Through volunteering, you'll not only create beautiful family memories but also leave a positive impact on your family and community.
Host a Family & Friends Olympics:
Unleash your competitive spirit and organize a family & friends Olympics event. Plan a day filled with unconventional and amusing challenges for everyone to participate in. Create events like a water balloon toss, a three-legged race, or a homemade obstacle course. Or even who can make the best fresh squeezed lemonade? Encourage creativity by allowing your kids to come up with their own game ideas. Award medals and celebrate everyone's unique talents and skills. The laughter, friendly competition, and camaraderie will undoubtedly create memories that will be shared and cherished for years to come. This could become a new summer family & friend tradition! Plus, it's a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the summer sun together!
This summer, go beyond the ordinary and infuse your adventures with spontaneity, creativity, and many splashes of playfulness. Explore hidden gems, plan mystery day trips, disconnect from technology, volunteer together, and host a family & friends’ Olympics. By embracing these unconventional ideas, you'll create an atmosphere of joy, curiosity, and camaraderie. Summer awaits, and so do the memories that will last a lifetime!
When you’re well, the whole world benefits–especially your family!
