Summer Sun and Fun
Summer is as easy as A-B-C from Camp Mommy/Daddy or Grandma to Weekend Fun to Summer Vacation. Here are some suggestions to keep the fun times of Summer going!
A is for Art! When the mid-day temperatures hit over 90 degrees seek some shade or a/c and work on an art project with the kids. Not creative? Let the experts at ArtNest, Lighthouse ArtCenter or Picasso’s help you with a class or take home kit for the kids!
B is for the Beach! People from all over the world travel to enjoy our beautiful beaches that we have year round! It is easy to take for granted what is right here in our backyard!
C is for Camp! Summer Camp is a great way for the kids to have fun and mom and dad to have a break! Check out our Summer Camp Guide on Page 24 and online for suggestions to send your little ones for fun!
D is for Discovery! Check out the Sandoway Discovery Center now open to the public. There are sharks, rays and more! Learn about Florida’s coastal eco system. Tickets are sold online only for contactless admission and masks are required.
E is for Energy! Seriously where do these kids get it from! Stay cool and let them bounce it all out at Adrenaline Entertainment Center in Lake Worth. They are COVID-19 compliant and have put some extra precautions into place. Their Summer Rush deal is awesome 3 hours of jumping, pizza and a water for $20. Monday – Friday from 11 AM – 4 PM.
F is for Family Game Night! Turn off the screens and spend some family time together. Some of our favorite games are Sorry, Monopoly, Clue, Uno, Apples to Apple and the Game of Life.
G is for Golf! Check out the 18-hole mini golf course at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium (and right now is included with admission.)
H is for Hungry! These kids are always hungry! Get them involved with cooking and meal planning. Let them pick dinner and help you make it. Teaching children to cook is a valuable life skill.
I is for Ice Cream! My kids love to go out and get ice cream. Their favorite lately is the frozen yogurt places with the add your own toppings. I try not to judge but gummy worms on mint chocolate chip!
J is for Jurassic! The summer exhibit at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is Dinosaurs! It’s a great place to visit on a hot or rainy day. Admission to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium during Dinosaur Revolution is $17.95 for adults, $13.95 for children ages 3 to 12 and $15.95 for seniors aged 60 and older. Science Center members and children under 3 are free.
K is for Kayaks and Paddleboards! Spend a few hours on the water kayaking. There are places all along the intracoastal to rent kayaks.
L is for Library! The Palm Beach County Library is a great place to grab some books for your summer reading list.
M is for McKee! McKee Botantical Garden in Vero Beach is a great place to explore their children’s garden and have fun. Cool off in the splash pad and enjoy lunch at their cafe. It’s a great way to spend the day!
N is for Naps! LOL we wish… but every day you should schedule some quiet time. Children don’t have to nap but some screen free time reading, drawing or journal writing would be appropriate.
O is for Obstacle Course – Have you checked out the Obstacle Course at Shark Wake Park? It is outside on the water and a lot of fun! It is a great way to spend a summer day.
P is for Parks and Playground! Make a plan to head outside early before it gets too hot and enjoy the many parks Palm Beach County has to offer. Find out what your local park has to offer at www.discover.pbcgov.org/parks.
Q is for Quest! Scavengers Hunts are a lot of fun! Print a sheet online and take it with you on the nature trail or in the car. It will keep the kids busy looking the items on their list. You can also use the camera on a phone or tablet to document their discoveries.
R is for Road Trip – Either a short trip in and around Florida or go further – Savannah, Georgia, Asheville, North Carolina, Chattanooga, Tennessee. These towns all have fun family activities to enjoy. A few summers ago my family and I went to Chattanooga and really loved the mountains, Ruby Falls and the Incline Railroad. It was such a fun trip and we found some cool quirky stops along the way!
S is for Schoolhouse – The Schoolhouse Museum and Learning Center is a great place for kids to enjoy Summer. Check out their calendar on their facebook page, it is filled with fun storytimes, art, and movement classes.
T is for Turtles – Loggerhead Marinelife Center is open. Check out the sea turtles and learn more about their conservation efforts. It is a great and affordable way to spend the day.
U is for U.V. – With all the summer fun you are having don’t forget to protect you and your kids skin with sunscreen!
V is for Virtual – Virtual was the big thing last Summer and it is still here! Lighthouse Art Center will be offering their Virtual Art Camp in a Box part of their Summer 2.0. The box includes everything you need for the week and are designed for independent exploration with some parental supervision and two optional interactive instructor led zoom classes.
W is for Water Safety! Kids love water! We have so much of it around us from the beach to pools. If your child doesn’t know how to swim or isn’t a strong swimmer, Summer is a great time to get some lessons in. Check out Live Like Jake’s new pool for ISR (Infant Self Rescue) or for older children who need to learn their strokes, the YMCA of South Palm Beach County is a great place to learn them!
X is for eXtra Careful! Things are returning to normal and many adults are vaccinated but COVID-19 is still a risk. When you do go out be extra careful. We always pack a little bag with hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes for all. Everyone has their masks to wear. (In summer we pack two as they can get sweaty or wet.) We wash our hands a lot and I remind my children to stay 6 feet away from strangers and stay close to me.
Y is for Yard! Sometimes you just need to keep it simple and go play in the Yard! Sidewalk chalk, sprinklers, hoola hoops, scooters are some fun ways to enjoy your own space!
Z is for Zoo! Check out the Palm Beach Zoo! Spend time walking around outside and checking out the animals.
Summer may be a littler shorter this year but we are going to pack it full of fun! Please share your adventures with us online in our PB Parenting Facebook groups!
Have a Fun and Safe Summer from PB Parenting!