1. walk a dog

Walking a dog with your child is a great way to enjoy the sunshine, become familiar with your neighborhood or check out a new park. Don’t have a dog? Volunteer to walk a dog at the local shelter!

2. FLOWER TOUR

Walk, bike or drive around your town to find houses with great flowers outside, let everyone decide which ones are their favorites.

3. HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER

Make your own hummingbird feeder by following these instructions (adult supervision encouraged). To make your own hummingbird nectar, all you will need is sugar and water! Hang from a tree and watch out for these tiny delighted birds.

4. listen to PODCASTS

Podcasts are a great way to learn something new from a wide range of topics. Listen while relaxing or you can listen while getting some exercise.

5. MOVIE NIGHT

Gather round with a bowl of popcorn and select your favorite family movie for a night that’s sure to please the whole family.

6. SING & dance

Who doesn’t want a playlist with all of their favorite music? Learn what kind of music your child is interested in, and share your favorites too to create a playlist that you can dance to together.

7. GO ON A PICNIC

Pack a blanket and take your lunch outside! Eating on the grass is a nice way to spend an afternoon. You might even end it with a nap!

8. COMMUNITY SERVICE

Now that the weather is warmer and brighter, there are sure to be lots of community service events in your area. Picking up trash, volunteering for a charitable event or helping an elderly neighbor with yardwork can be so rewarding.

9. MAKE YOUR OWN POPSICLES

Homemade Popsicles are a sweet treat you can pull out of the freezer on a nice day, and a good way to switch up the kids’ juice box routine!

10. SIDEWALK CHALK

Take coloring outside and let your kids decorate the sidewalk. It’s fun to see their imaginations run wild!

11. DONATE GENTLY-USED TOYS AND CLOTHES

It’s a great activity for you and your child to go through their things and donate items they no longer use so another can benefit. It clears out clutter and leaves a good feeling when someone else can use what they no longer need.

12. SEND CARDS TO THOSE STATIONED ABROAD

No matter the time of year, it is always nice to send joy to a soldier stationed away from home by having your kids make homemade cards. Such a meaningful activity!

13. COUNTDOWN TO SCHOOL

An inexpensive calendar will give your kids something to look forward to every day in the countdown to their first day of school.

14. fall in love with READING

There are endless great reads! Whether it’s a picture book or one with chapters, this is a great way to spend time with your child and feel like you’re traveling somewhere new.

15. WATCH THE CLOUDS

Lie outside in the grass with your family and find different shapes in the moving clouds. You may be surprised by how many different things you pick out!

16. LEMONADE STAND

A great introduction to math and business! This is a fun way for children to meet neighbors and make some extra money!

17. enjoy ICE CREAM

Visiting a local ice cream shop as a family is always a special outing!

18. LIVE MUSIC events

Enjoy the many opportunities to hear live music in your community or surrounding areas. Many are free!

19. MAKE COLORED PLAY DOUGH

Young kids will love playing with multicolored play dough, and you’ll love that it’s cheap and free of scary chemicals.

20. PLANT FLOWERs

Getting your hands in the dirt is proven to lift spirits! Spruce up your yard or a pot by planting your own seeds and watching them grow. For instant joy, go to a local greenhouse and choose one already blooming to plant.

21. FAMILY CAMPING

Whether pitching a tent at a campsite or spending the night in your own backyard (or living room), kids love to camp!

22. FAMILY FUN DINNER

Let your kids choose the entrees and help with putting it all together. Bonus points if they clean up the dishes afterward!

23. make s’mores

Not much beats the process of roasting marshmallows over an open fire with great conversation and a sky full of stars!

24. PLAY IN THE WATER

Floating down the creek, splashing in a pond or spending a few hours at a local swimming pool. Great family time can be spent in the water!

25. TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS & FAMILY/FRIENDs SELFIES

Take a long walk through a park or forest taking snapshots of the beauty; including fun selfies of you all. These will be enjoyed for years to come and the process is so rewarding!