Summer is practically upon us, and everywhere you look—on Pinterest, Facebook, and in family magazines—there are countless suggestions for fun activities to do with your kids. But honestly? As if we need more planned outings! I’m lying here, in a post-school year haze, thinking, “Oh sure, I can’t wait to craft homemade moon sand or dye ourselves using organic veggies—what a blast!” Or maybe, “Of course, I’ll take four kids on a two-hour trek to the science museum for a scavenger hunt!”
Hold on a minute! Let’s not forget the dollar store trip to buy 125 pool noodles to construct an extravagant backyard water park. We’ll invite the neighbors, serve organic popsicles, and cut watermelon into dolphin shapes. And how could we forget the gourmet hot dogs on gluten-free buns slathered in artisanal ketchup?
I’m over it. Just like I was done with the school year, I’m ready to ditch the extravagant summer plans. What I really want for my kids is the same carefree summer I enjoyed in the late 1970s—a time filled with genuine fun that we created ourselves.
So, here are my top 10 tips for giving your kids a summer reminiscent of the 1970s:
- Encourage Outdoor Play: Let them roam outside all day long. Hot outside? Drink from the hose. Run through the sprinklers, swim until your hair feels like straw, and explore nature. Climb trees, play hide and seek, or simply lounge under a tree with a good book. Judy Blume is a great choice!
- Let Them Watch TV: Yes, lots of it! But only classic shows on TV Land. I want my kids to experience The Love Boat, The Carol Burnett Show, and Charlie’s Angels. What little girl from that era didn’t dream of being an amateur detective with a stylish car?
- Embrace Unrestricted Eating: Forget the organic snacks—let’s indulge in Frito-Lay, Kool-Aid, and fried bologna sandwiches. I’ll whip up some cherry Kool-Aid with more sugar than they know what to do with, and we’ll feast on Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner. Dessert? Pineapple upside-down cake made from canned pineapples in syrup!
- Movie Marathons: Drop them off at the theater for an all-day movie binge. They can sneak from one showing to the next without a care in the world.
- Sleepovers Without Supervision: Let them stay at their best friend’s house for a few nights without constant check-ins. It’ll be an adventure for them, especially when nobody is home during the day.
- Craft from Found Objects: No store-bought craft kits here! Let them search the garage for materials and create something unique. No Googling allowed—imagination is key!
- Host a Talent Show: Encourage them to put on a genuine talent show. No themes, no rules—just pure creativity. I promise not to share it on social media.
- Play Classic Games: Bring out old-school board games that will drive them to the brink of frustration, but also lots of fun.
- Build a Backyard Fort: No help from me on this one! They can use whatever they find, even that fancy duvet cover. Memories made this way are priceless.
- Find Joy in the Mundane: Teach them to appreciate the beauty in everyday life. This skill will serve them well into adulthood.
Happy summer adventures!
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In summary, the essence of a 1970s summer is all about freedom, creativity, and joy in the simple things. Let your kids explore the world around them without over-scheduling their time.