13 Fun Summer Family Traditions
Summer is the perfect season to honor old family traditions, but introducing new ones can be even more fun. Although each summer seems to fly by quicker than the last one, you can make the most of it by holding onto those special moments and memories made with your loved ones.
If you’re not practicing these summer family traditions, consider working them in this year and in summers to come!
Family Olympics
Get the kids out of the house and their heart rates up by holding annual family sporting events. Play backyard football, kickball, baseball, badminton, etc. and turn it into a weekend-long competition. Make it even more special and competitive with custom family t-shirts! (This is also a great idea for Cousin Camps.)
Camping Trip (with a digital detox)
Even if you camp out in your backyard, be sure to leave the cell phones and tablets in the house. Spend some quality family time in the great outdoors.
Road Trip
Discover the road less traveled by taking your family on an exploratory road trip. Maybe show the kids where you grew up.
Visit a Local Farmer’s Market
Nothing brings a family together like food. Support a local business by picking up some sweet corn and tomatoes at your local farmer’s market or fruit stand and break out the oven mitts.
Saturday Night Sing-along
Music is healthy, healing, and perfect for bringing families together. Even if you’re not a song bird, bust out the karaoke machine and sing like no one’s listening.
Summer Bucket List
Before summer begins, sit down with your family and make a summer bucket list. Be sure that everyone’s interests are accounted for.
Family Cook-off
Spice up your family reunion with a little competition this year. Have everyone bring a dish and make little boxes to put ballots in (this can be a crafty tradition in itself).
Full Moon Walks
Full moon nights are perfect for summer family night walks. Want to add learning to the fun? Check out this family astronomy course by homeschool dad, Luke Gilkerson.
Check Out a New Amusement Park
Discover a new roller coaster each summer to keep the family fun alive!
Back to School Bash
Add to the excitement of kicking the school year off with a “Back to School” event. You can make this as special as you wish with food and decorations.
Family “Book Club” Meeting
Keep the kids reading and learning by having a “family book club” each summer. Pick a book or two to read and discuss as a group. Or mix it up with these G.A. Henty inspired adventure audios you can enjoy together.
Yard Sale
Declutter your home and make a little cash for your fun excursions by getting the family together for a yard sale each summer. Make it a competition to see who can earn the most cash. Plan a special event or trip after the sale.
Christmas in July or August or even September
One Christmas just isn’t enough. Christmas in July/August/ September doesn’t have to be as extravagant or expensive as the real thing, but a little gift-giving and extended family time shouldn’t happen just once a year.
Whether it is a big event or just a quick activity, traditions help build great memories and strong family bonds. Take the time to make them happen and enjoy every second.
So tell me what traditions your family enjoys each summer.