Ideas for Summer Family Fun at Home
Memorial Day marked the unofficial beginning of summer, the season that is filled with barbecues, beach getaways, poolside relaxation, and sunshine. It's also the season where schoolchildren get about 10 weeks off from school and have tons of free time. So with the conclusion of Memorial Day, the countdown to summer vacation begins.
Click here for Ideas for Summer Family Fun at Home!
Sure, traveling to faraway beach destinations and going to amusement parks is a wonderful way to spend the next few months, but spending so little time at home can be costly and difficult, especially for families who are pinching pennies. However, family fun can be affordable and still be fun - with a little creativity, you can find the perfect family vacation right in your own backyard.
Check out these Must-Haves for Summer Entertaining!
For those who are already feeling stressed thinking of new ways to keep the whole gang entertained for the next few months, worried that this summer is going to be just the same as the last, or are starting to hear the constant "I'm bored" complaints, we present this list of family activities to shake things up a bit - The Daily Meal's Guide to Summer Family Fun at Home.
A Night in Space
Discover the galaxy that exists beyond your backyard. Bring out a telescope, print out a star-gazing map, and launch a miniature rocket into the sky. Let your children be astronauts for the night. Feature freeze-dried fruit, nuts, flour tortillas, granola bars, re-hydrated soups, and other space food for dinner. For more ideas, scope out The Astronaut's Cookbook written by Charles T. Bourland and Gregory L. Vogt. The possibilities are infinite - and beyond…
Backyard Ball Game
Make your kids feel like major-leaguers by hosting a backyard ball game. Take the whiffle ball and plastic bat out the garage. Then feature some stadium food for dinner by tossing some burgers and ballpark franks onto the grill. Play ball!
Treasure Hunt
Before handing out the treasure maps to everyone, serve up some Pirate Ship Sandwiches and Pirate Pasta. Then, it's time for your pirates to go find their loot. What kinds of treasures will they find buried in the backyard? Perhaps a treasure chest filled with chocolate gold coins.
S'Mores Camping
Pitch a tent in the backyard, grab some flashlights, and start thinking about your scariest stories. Everyone loves a good old-fashioned campout. And everyone loves some campfire s'mores.
Hot Dog Eating Contest
Think anyone in your family can beat last year's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest winner? Gather around and watch to see if anyone can eat more than 62 hot dogs in one sitting.
Sundae Party
Not sure what time Mister Softee passes by your house? Don't feel like driving all the way to the nearest ice cream or frozen yogurt shop? Forget waiting and turn your kitchen into an old-school ice cream parlor. Pick up some waffle cones, sprinkles, hot fudge, and different ice creams from the grocery store. Lay them all out on the kitchen table - buffet style. Then, it's time to create the ultimate sundae!
Movie Night
See what is available at your nearby Redbox, check out what is at your local library, or scroll through the On Demand list - choosing a movie is the hardest part of this simple night. When grabbing snacks, think movie theater style. Order your favorite movie theater candy online. Experiment with different popcorn toppings, including everything from Parmesan to lime juice. Feeling more ambitious? Rent out a projector and watch the movie in the backyard.
Click here for More Ideas for Family Fun at Home
- Trish Clasen, The Daily Meal
More from The Daily Meal:
25 Best Party Foods Your Guests Will Love
8 Couture Donuts Across the Country
