Summer is now upon us, and with it comes the promise of long, sun-drenched days perfect for making cherished memories with your family. For those of us who thrive on creativity and curiosity, the warmest season offers an expansive canvas to explore, learn, and play together. With that in mind, here are five tips to help you make this upcoming summer the best one yet for your imaginative and inquisitive family.
1. Write Up a Family Summer Bucket List
I’ve found that all good seasons in life start with some sort of plan. Hence, I recommend kicking off your summer with a family brainstorming session to create a bucket list of activities. Let everyone (big and small) contribute ideas, ensuring a mix of creative projects and educational outings. Whether it’s painting murals, taking a pottery class, or exploring a local museum, having a diverse list will keep everyone engaged and excited. Last summer, we chose the theme “Art and Music Around the World” and planned activities each week that aligned with this theme. Unsurprisingly, it was a big hit!
2. Embrace Musical Adventures
As we know so well, music has the power to bring people together and kick any experience up a notch. This summer, dedicate time each week to musical exploration. We have always loved having family jam sessions with real and homemade instruments and hosting living room dance parties featuring our favorite tunes. Attending local outdoor concerts has also been a favorite. For a deeper dive, I recommend looking into summer music camps or family music classes. Not only will this enrich your family’s musical abilities, but it will also create lasting, joyful memories.
3. Host a DIY Film Festival
Summer and movies go perfectly together. Transform your home into a mini-cinema by organizing a weekly family movie night. Choose films or documentaries with creative, musical, or educational themes. Let each family member pick a movie, and then discuss it together afterwards to share insights and different perspectives. Last year, we had a blast doing this and found it to be a wonderful way to bond over shared experiences and spark conversations about creativity and storytelling. And if you have the time, set up an outdoor screen and make the most of these brilliant summer evenings.
4. Explore the Great Outdoors
I wholeheartedly believe that nature is one of the most effective sources of inspiration and learning. Plan regular outdoor adventures to different natural settings—hiking trails, beaches, botanical gardens, or even local parks. Many families I know bring sketchbooks, cameras, or binoculars to document their discoveries. Encouraging the kids to write journals or create art based on their outdoor experiences not only stimulates their creativity, it also fosters a deep appreciation for the environment.
5. Set Up Creative Workshops at Home
Turn your home into a hub of creativity with weekly workshops. Rotate between arts and crafts, science experiments, cooking projects, or DIY home improvements suitable for kids. We’ve found that incorporating music into these workshops by adding a small performance element or integrating music lessons makes them even more engaging. For example, creating instruments and then having a mini-concert, or learning about the science of sound through hands-on experiments, has kept our family engaged, learning, and creating together.
By incorporating these tips into your summer plans, you’re sure to create a season chock full of joy, exploration, and creativity. Remember, the goal is to provide a variety of enriching experiences without over-scheduling, allowing for plenty of spontaneous fun and relaxation. Here’s to a harmonious and vibrant summer that leaves your family with beautiful memories and stronger bonds. Happy summer, everyone!
The Music Mom: Eileen Carey 