School is out, and that means it’s time to relax and have fun! For the kids, at least. Now, as a stepparent or parent, you’re probably trying to work, and then you’re coming home to kids who may not have enough to do. Yes, we can give them lists and chores, but why not have a little fun with them? (And we can have a little bit of fun ourselves in the process!)
3 Fun Summer Ideas for Your Kids and Stepkids
- Get creative with food! You can find lots of ideas for easy dishes to make with kids on Pinterest. I made this fruity owl, just by assembling a variety of fruit. I used two different kinds of grapes, strawberries, pineapple, and blueberries, but you could really get creative and include some exotic fruits as well. I used provolone cheese for the eyeballs, but you could also use fruit dip.
- Have a summer book club! Help your stepkids keep up on their reading even in the summer by encouraging them to read as part of a family book club. You can have a book discussion with snacks and activities related to the book’s theme. This is a great way to connect with your stepchildren and get to know them better! Wonder is an excellent choice for your first book because friendship, kindness, and bullying are central themes in the book. (For more ideas on a book club to encourage kindness, click HERE.)
- Take a day trip! Too often, we caught up in going on big, exotic trips when there are so many beautiful places right around the corner. If you do a quick search, you can find a new place in your city or in a nearby town. Recently, we went on a little trip to escape the heat in Phoenix. Just by driving two hours north, we enjoyed much cooler weather while visiting a lavender farm and a honey stand. What will you discover on your day trip?
These are just a few ideas to get you started on a summer filled with fun. How will you make this summer memorable? For other summer ideas, check out these 5 summer survival tips for stepfamilies!