Summer Sun & Fun from A-Z

UPDATED  FOR COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

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! 

A day at the beach is easy and health experts agree being outdoors is relatively low-risk. But they said they would pay close attention to whether they could stay at least six feet from others.

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 14 and online for suggestions to send your little ones for fun!  Physical camps have safety measures in place and if you don’t want to send the kids to physical camps there are a lot of fun virtual camps and even mobile camp!

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 including reducing their overall capacity to 25% and increased sanitization procedures and cleaning. 

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! When the temperatures heat up its time to cool down at the ice rink check out Palm Beach Skate Zone and chill out. Public Skating will also resume early June.

J is for Juice Pops!  They are so easy to make and so refreshingly cool! We found a mold at target (you can also order it off of amazon) there are tons of recipes online or check out page 18 for some ideas!

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 offering curbside pickup of materials to borrow. Great for summer reading!

M is for Movies! Movie night is always fun activity to do pop up some popcorn and stay up late and watch some movies. Also drive-in movie theaters are making a come-back as well and some parks are also hosting outdoor movie nights.

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 –  Medical experts say that if you are going to travel on vacation the road is the way to go. The risk are relatively low but to be aware when you stop for gas or to use a rest area. Gas prices are also really cheap. It can be a short trip in and around Florida or go further – Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee. Find some cool quirky stops along the way! Remember to bring your masks, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies too. 

S is for Science – The South Florida Science Center has reopened! including their backyard space that includes mini golf and shows in their newly built amphitheater.

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 – Due to COVID-19, some experiences have had to go online. Sign up for a virtual course, class or camp. Learn a new skill, help prevent the summer slide. There are so many virtual resources out there!

W is for Water! Kids love water! Because we are home more, we recently invested in some fun water sprinklers and a mini splash pad for the yard! Perfect way to cool off this summer!

X is for eXtra Careful!  Please assess your own family’s needs and health risks before deciding to venture out this summer. There are lots of articles online about the risks involved and what activities are considered high or low risks. (PB Parenting is no way an expert on this). 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. 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 Yummy!  Kids love sweet treats! Ice Cream in a bag is a fun one! Kids love making ice cream in a bag because they can actually make the ice cream by running around!  Google Ice Cream in a bag  recipes and make your own using only a few simple ingredients and ziplock bags.

Z is for Zoo! Check out the Palm Beach Zoo! They will be reopening to the public on June 5. Spend time walking around outside and checking out the animals. 

There you have our updated A-Z guide for summer fun with COVID-19 precautions in place. Please be safe, use common sense and do what feels right for your comfort level.

Have a Fun and Safe Summer from PB Parenting!