There is still time to enjoy your summer even though we are bombarded with “Back to school” marketing on television and in newspapers. Let’s make the last few weeks of summer the best we can.
Enjoy fresh fruit and veggies! A trip to your local farm market is a must this time of year. Some local markets even offer a “Pick your own” option. Check out this link to find a local farm listed by county. Follow the season harvest schedule before planning your visit. 
Allowing your children to touch and talk about the produce can be fun. Also preparing those items with your child in the kitchen can be very rewarding at meal time. I’m a believer in the concept of the more involvement of the child in the picking and preparing of the vegetable…the more successful results of eating of the vegetable.
Go outside! Yes it is hot out. But SO much better than having to sit inside all winter long. Make use of your home’s outdoor space and get creative.
Here are some fun outdoor ideas:
- Get out the messy art project that you’ve postponed.Take it outside and do it with your child. Grandparents love those art projects.
- Assemble some containers and water outside for free play. Pouring water, playing with bath toys outside can be very fun and different. Put on a sprinkler.
- Have a backyard picnic on a blanket. Invite your child’s favorite stuffed animals. Keep it simple with crackers, cheese and fresh fruit.
- Go for a walk and look for common items such as a bird, a flowering tree, a pond, a bench, a bicycle, a garden hose etc. Maybe search for 5 red things?
- Visit a neighbor and say “hello”.
- Stay up past bedtime and catch fireflies.
- Go camping or fishing or both. Put a tent up and sleep outside with your child. If you have an outdoor fire area you could make hot dogs and smores for dinner. Maybe even sing a campfire song.
- Go swimming. Don’t know a friend with a pool or have a public pool membership? Purchse a small “baby pool” for your back yard that you can fit in with your child.
- Lay on your back and look at the clouds with your child. Find animals, shapes etc.
- Go find a new place to play. A playground, a park etc.
Central Pennsylvania has an enormous amount of things to do outdoors, even in your own backyard. Fall weather will arrive before we even realize it. Let’s try to enjoy the summer! School is right around the corner.
