Here we are at mid-summer and I can’t believe just how quickly it is flying past. Because I don’t want to miss the moments, I’ve teamed up with Pringles® in order to bring you a post about bringing people together and enjoying the little things this summer. The older the boys get, the more I realize that we don’t have time for all of the details all of the time. We have to live in the moment and keep it simple. Much of what we do involves family, fun, being active and music. Here are 5 ways to keep childhood summer simple this year:
1. Take a Walk. If you are not fortunate enough to live on lots of property (we are so thankful for my grandfather’s hard work so long ago) then you can find places in your neighborhood, the park, or maybe local places of interest. Here’s the thing, there’s no agenda here. Just let them go. Let them run ahead of you and explore. Let them dig in the dirt and make a mess. We like to bring along our favorite tunes on the phone and turn it up and dance along. Sometimes we just like to be quiet. Let your kids set the pace and have fun.
2. Create a Band. Now, this is a very simple band, mind you. Just grab a Pringles® can (empty is better because who wants crushed chips?), a few sticks or drum sticks and you are good to go! Our 4 year old really enjoys making up his own songs. He generally has a new one each evening before bed and then tries to teach me the song. Other times he likes to just let the beat take over and jam out without words. Either way, it is adorable, simple and creative.
3. Cannon Balls in a Pool. Don’t have a pool nearby? That’s ok, just find a lake or dip your toes in the creek. Water is always a fun way to get out energy, have fun and to cool down. You could even grab the water hose and let them take turns running through the stream. Sometimes we play a game of “water tag” that usually ends with me soaking wet. Why is everyone always out to get mom? Ah, we moms love it!
4. Ride a Bike. You don’t have to be a world class mountain biker or cyclist in order to have fun with your kids on bikes. Just ride around the house, explore a new trail or pack them up and go to the park. We really enjoy a few of the trails around the Biltmore Estate. The boys get out their energy and we get plenty of exercise. It is also a great lesson on endurance and perseverance.
5. Pick Wild Blackberries. We are so fortunate to have wild blackberries growing right behind our house in the woods surrounding us. I realize that not everyone can step out their door and pick berries, but I’m sure you can find some growing at a local farm. Even if you aren’t picking blackberries you could find blueberries or whatever fruit is native to where you are at this point in time. The idea is to keep it simple and to let your kids experience something new. You can learn about where food comes from in a very real way.
Pringles® Summer Jam Sweepstakes
If you are looking for a little more simple fun this summer then make sure you are saving those codes under the seal of your Pringles® lids. Those babies are like gold! Enter them online and you could win several different prizes. The grand prize is a VIP concert experience with Train! You and a friend will be flown to the concert, get a hotel stay and receive premium tickets.
While you are busy eating your chips and making your one-man-bands, check out the music sensation M4Sonic as well as other talented musicians jamming out with Pringles® cans as their instruments! If you are feeling inspired by the Percussion Prodigies you can share your creations using #PringlesSummerJamSweeps. I want to see them!
Abbreviated Rules. No Purchase Necessary. Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry, and are a registered Twitter user. To enter and/or for complete Official Rules, go to https://www.pringles.com/us/promotions/summer-jam-2015/percussion-prodigies/official-rules.html. Promotion ends on 7/31/15 at 11:59:59 PM (ET). Subject to complete Official Rules. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Kellogg Company, One Kellogg Square, Battle Creek, MI 49016.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pringles® Summer Jam. All ideas and opinions are my own and these are the 5 simple things we are doing this summer! I can’t wait to see what you are doing.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
You know , even in this world of electronic everything, our kids are still remarkably into the simple things. We live in the south where fishing, exploring, and riding bikes with your friends is still considered good fun.
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
I’m fighting to do exactly what you suggest: keep it simple! My kids are older and sadly have school work over the summer. Remembering to take time for simpler things is so important.
Melissa Pezza says
I try to keep summer simple by not worrying about if the kids had an “epic enough” summer. As long as they have fun, the summer is a win.
Catherine S says
What great ideas. We spend a lot of time in the pool during the summer.
Stephanie says
Funny how the simpler summers are the ones I remember the most as an adult. We never had a pool, but kids can have a lot of fun on a country road in the middle of nowhere!
Pam says
It’s the simple things like this that kids really remember when they grow up. My kids still talk about picking wild blackberries and playing on the farm.
Brandy says
I am all about keeping childhood fun and simple for these kids! The five tips you shared are really easy ways to enjoy childhood and have fun with your kids!
Liz Mays says
Making a band! How fun! My kids used to play with instruments together!
Cinny says
That’s such a clever idea. Snack and then playtime, right?
Donna says
We’re doing a staycation this year (going on vacation during my son’s fall break) and have been having a ball checking out things in our area we either haven’t done in a long time or have never been to before. It’s been fun! But my son has had the most fun so far going to a community pool we have membership at 2-3 times a week (although it’s rained us out for the las week). 🙂
Marcie W. says
I like the idea of keeping things simple, especially during summer vacation. Life has enough hustle and bustle. Taking a break is good for the whole family!
Kate K (My Mommy Brain) says
I confiscated my kids’ electronics because they were obsessed with them! We have been working on things that are “low tech” and having a blast.
Veronica says
My son has been staying up late and sleeping in all summer. It is hard during the school year
Amanda O. says
We love going on nighttime walks. It’s a great way to get the kids to exercise too.
Kristi says
Some great ideas. Our girls LOVE nature and could dig in dirt and wander the woods for hours on end. That is what summer is all about!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
The summertime is perfect for outdoor activities! The options seem almost endless!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
Cannon Balls in a Pool was always a personal favorite for myself and my cousins when we were little! Now it’s more pina colada by the ocean than Cannon Balls in the pool, but swimming is still a favorite part of my summer!
Christie says
I need to do more local fruit picking with the kids! I love all of these simple summer ideas, definitely childhood memories for a lifetime!
Jeanine says
Great ideas! I love keeping things simple especially for the kiddos. They work hard all year long why not let them enjoy a simple summer!
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
We love to take a summer walk. Also, we enjoy visiting a local park. We get fresh air and burn off some energy.
Chrystal | YUM eating says
Going to the park, going for walks and bike rides are a big thing around here. We even take the dogs on walks and go to the dog park. Easy and free!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
When I was little one of my favorite things to do was ride bikes. It’s especially fun in the warm summer!
Lisa Joy Thompson says
Growing up, we spent every summer in New Hampshire riding bikes, picking berries and building forts. We’re now doing the same thing with our kids. They spend days riding around on their bikes, taking hikes, and swimming with their cousins! It’s awesome!
Shell Feis says
Picking blackberries sounds fun! I live in the city but maybe there’s a place near me I can go to, I bet my boys would love that.