When I think of summertime, I automatically think things will slow down. I always plan on having some down time to relax and enjoy this short season. I’ll even hum that old song “Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer. Then June turns to July and suddenly August is here and it’s time to plan for the fall!
Between the kids’ summer sports commitments, driving here and there, all across town, weekend weddings and special events, attending and planning barbecues and checking activities off a summer bucket list there doesn’t seem to be much down time at all.
If your summer seems to be going by way too fast try some of these simple, relaxing, plain old fashioned fun activities:
Lay on the grass and watch the clouds. Can you see a rabbit or a boat floating by?
Pick the petals from a daisy, one at a time.
Blow the dandelion or milkweed fluff into the wind.
Look for a four-leaf clover. They are out there!
Make a whistle with a wide blade of grass laid between your thumbs.
Take blankets outside and watch the stars in the night sky.
Sit in a lawn chair, close your eyes and just listen to the birds.
These little things remind me of the saying “stop and smell the roses” and sometimes we need to do just that. It’s a little bit of mindfulness or self care that doesn’t cost a thing. Show your children that you don’t always have to be on the go. Appreciate nature and all that is around you whether you live in the country with lots of land around you or have a balcony off of your apartment, there is always something to notice and enjoy. Best of all, with these ideas, you don’t have to pack everyone in a car to do them!
Need some more inspiration? Check out these budget friendly activities: 25 Free or Inexpensive Summer Activities – Inspired Budget