Fun in the Summer Sun!
Summer fun is just around the corner! With kids out of school for the summer, in addition to summer camps many parents are looking for things to do around the house or things to do locally in the area to keep the family busy and have some fun together. Summers can be fun, without breaking the bank, so whether you are traveling or staying home this summer…check out these great ideas!
Things you can do around the house!
Swimming or being in water is always a hit with the kids! This is a great time to utilize your community amenities like the pool and splash park. If you do not have one in your community or back yard, set up a sprinkler in the back yard for hours of fun!
Even with hot North Texas weather, water balloon and water gun wars paired with sidewalk chalk masterpieces are a few of other outdoor fun activities. Family bike rides when weather cools down in the evenings can also be a great way to end a long summer day.
Fun outdoor family activities at home could also include geocaching or rock hunts. Search around your home or neighborhood for rocks, then bring them home for your kiddos to paint. Re-hide the newly painted rocks for others to find. In addition to this craft, think of all the fun crafts you can make throughout the summer. Make a calendar of fun craft ideas to make each week so that you can plan to get supplies in time and be prepared. Kids enjoy artwork throughout the school year, so a fun art class at home during the summer is also a great way to beat the summer heat on days when staying inside is needed. Cooking or baking can also be another fun family event at home….maybe take time during the day to bake dessert to have it ready for dinner that evening. If your kids are older find desserts or meals they can cook themselves for the family to learn more in the kitchen too.
Things to do around the area:
McKinney Public Libraries (Judy Gay Library and Roy & Helen Hall Library) have a wide variety of FREE activities for kids ages 16 months to 10 years old, including Toddler Time, Adventure Tots, Little Explorers, and their Beehive Program. Check out their calendar of events for story time and other fun things planned.
APEX Centre in McKinney is a fabulous place for members or non-members to enjoy a day of swimming in their indoor or outdoor pools, with slides, lazy river, dive pool, and more! Other amenities here include basketball courts and gym workout area. Check the calendar and online registration for their Dive-In Movie Nights too for just $5 per person!
Frisco Sci-Tech Discovery Center and Urban Air Indoor Trampoline Park & Pump It Up, both in Frisco, are great places for the kiddos to burn their energy. They have great specials from time to time to be sure to check their websites for coupons and special offers.
Collin County Farm Museum in McKinney is open most Wednesdays and Saturdays with very little admission costs. This is another fun outing to take the kids to, to see tractors, barns, collections and artifacts from Collin County’s rural heritage of the early 1960s.
Downtown McKinney is another great place to walk around, grab a bite to eat and maybe splurge on a little shopping. So much to see when walking around this beautiful area.
Concerts by the Creek in Watters Creek, Allen has concerts on every Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer. Great place to grab dinner and sit in the open area for kiddos to run and play!
Similar to this, but without the concert is the Fairview Town Center The Fountain. Located in the middle of the shopping that Fairview Town Center has to offer is a big open area with splash pad where kids can run around, cool down in splash pad, and have some fun. Visit in the evenings and watch The Fountain shows at 7 and 8pm. Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants while there, too.
Cinemark in Downtown Frisco offers $1 movies for Kids during the summer! Check local listings for showings. Several other theaters in the area will offer similar deals, so if looking for a fun movie outing, check local theaters for specials, movies, and times.
Visit your local Fire Station!! Firefighters love to get visitors and enjoy giving kids a tour of the fire station!! Make some cookies or homemade cards and bring them a special “Thank You For Your Service” when you visit. Kids love getting to see the fire trucks and what a perfect photo opportunity and service project.
The area is filled with parks and splash pads that make for such a fun day out, enjoying sunshine! You can pack a picnic and towels and go have a free outing that is fun for the whole family. Make a list of all the parks in your city and plan to visit each one and discuss your favorites for various activities you might find your family’s new favorite.
These are just some fun summer ideas, but the possibilities are endless. FREE outings and things to do around the house as well as activities that you can do but still not break the bank…in between summer camps and travel plans, you can make the most of your family time to make those memories! Just don’t forget the sunscreen!