Parenting Guru: Camp WhereYaWannaGoToday

Much to my 5-year old's disappointment, I'm not a camper. In fact my friends joked that the reason I had a baby this Spring was so I could avoid their annual summer camping trip. Again. (And they just might have been right.)

I have no doubt that one day this will catch up to me. I'll lose the battle-weeping through the night with frozen toes and itchy arms-to prove how much I love my family. But for now, I've got a way to keep my kids thinking I'm pretty cool. With a lot less dirt and drama.

Friday Adventures. (It even sounds cool, right?)

My kids love Fridays. They know each week that we'll have our special day together. We get up, pack a simple lunch, hop in the car and go wherever the mood takes us. Living in the SF Bay Area, we have far more options than Fridays-especially since my boys tend to have their favorite spots they pick time and again-so it's always exciting to hit the road. Museums, amusement parks, aquariums, playgrounds, you name it.

Friday adventures bring us new experiences. Like Big's first roller coaster ride. Little's sudden obsession with sharks. My growing confidence driving through the city (yep, I'm a 'burbs kinda girl).

Friday adventures leave us with sweet and funny memories. Like watching the boys learn to enjoy discovering things together and being able to sit back and watch the wonder. And boy was there awe in their eyes when they witnessed an elephant relieving himself at the zoo. (They still talk about it...and other equally amazing experiences, of course.)

And some weeks, above all, Friday adventures get us out of our routine and leave me with completely exhausted kids-in the best kind of way.

So for now, I'll leave the tents, bears and burned hot dogs to the rest of you. Because as far as I'm concerned, a few hours exploring the world around us is more than enough adventure for our family. (Well, for me, at least.)

What are some of your favorite ways to entertain your kids during the summer?

Amy is a Shine Parenting Guru. Read more about her adventures (and mishaps) at Using Our Words...which you can also find on Facebook.