6 Ways to Make Memories With Your Family This Summer

By: Annie Makhanlall
The good ‘ole days are now! Make summertime synonymous with quality time with these six family-friendly activity ideas from CCA Hollywood parent Annie Makhanlall — co-owner and co-founder of Broward Mom Collective. Join BMC for their free Grand Opening Celebration on CCAH’s campus on June 30; click here for more details and to RSVP. 

Can you believe how quickly summer arrived? Before I knew it, it was the last day of school. My family loves to kick off our summer with a mini staycation and making a gratitude time capsule.

One thing, in particular, we were grateful for was the love and support we received from the Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood staff during this unprecedented school year. My two girls — Isabella and Anabella — had all the resources needed to continue to grow spiritually, academically, and socially. Remembering how God blessed us despite the trials and changes we encountered not only helped us start the summer off on an uplifting note, but also spend quality time together making priceless, cherishable memories.
Remember, every moment with our kids counts.
As a parent, I strive to be intentional about planning activities that are also learning experiences for my daughters. This can be challenging at times with my work schedule, as I’m sure it is for many parents. Blocking out windows of time on your calendar just for your family can be a helpful tool for making sure you’re spending ample, tech-free time together, especially over the summer when the kids are out of school.

Below are the top six things we love to do over the summer as a family that I hope you’ll consider as well for yours!

  1. Outdoor Treasure Hunt

    Call your friends, family, or neighbors over for a Treasure Hunt outside, either in your backyard or a nearby park. You can gather items from around your home or purchase toys from the Dollar Store. The adults involved can create a treasure map that the kids can use to find prizes along the way or clues/riddles that lead them to one big treasure chest with prizes!

  2. Nature Rock Art

    All you need for this activity is glitter, paint, a paintbrush, and a rock. You can do this outdoors and even spend a few minutes exploring outside so each person can choose their own stone to paint. There’s no wrong or right way to paint them; just have fun and encourage creativity! These decorated rocks can be turned into garden decor, summer pet rocks, or gifts for family members.

  3. Pressed Summer Flowers

    The first part of this activity is heading outside and picking your favorite flowers or saving them from an event. Then, gather paper towels, clear liquid glue, scissors, tweezers, card stock paper, wax paper, a picture frame, and a few heavy books. Next steps can be found on this “How To Make Pressed Flower Art” guide. The final product makes a beautiful summer keepsake to frame or display on the fridge!

  4. Build An Indoor Campground

    In South Florida, the summer days can be so much fun, but the rain (and humidity) can often hinder plans. You can have outdoor-like fun indoors by building a fort in your living room! Plan the design of the fort together, what materials you want to use (blankets, pillows, sheets, etc.), and what activities you’d like to do inside the fort (card/board games, storytime, puppet shows, etc.). You can even sleep overnight inside the fort so it feels like you’re in a tent camping outdoors!

  5. Pay It Forward

    The best way to teach children about kindness is by showing them and living it out together. Random acts of kindness are some of the most fulfilling and most humane things we could ever do that also share the love of Jesus. Some ideas include donating food items, paying for coffee or groceries for the person behind you in line, adding coins to someone's parking meter . . . the opportunities are endless! Click here for a list of more ideas.

  6. Attend Local Events

    My family and I love to go around town and check out community events during the summertime. If you are looking for free or affordable family-fun events this summer in Broward County, check out Broward Mom Collective’s events calendar and their grand opening celebration on CCA Hollywood’s campus Wednesday, June 30. There will be live music, face painting, refreshments, games, raffles, and so much more! Click here to RSVP for this free event.

Remember, every moment with our kids counts. They will carry these moments with them for the rest of their lives and hopefully, one day share them with their families.

It is crucial to know that a parent-child relationship is a two-way street. As a mom, I always want to teach the girls everything I can, but sometimes I have to remember that we should focus on creating a partnership in which we reciprocate love and support while teaching each other and having fun together.

If you would like to get more ideas on things you can do with your child(ren) this summer, you can also check out this Parent Guide To Outdoor Play!

 
Annie Makhanlall is a proud CCA Hollywood parent who is passionate about bringing creativity and sparkle to everything she does. She and her husband Ruben have two daughters — Isabella and Anabella —who have attended the school for six years and will be entering 5th and 2nd grade, respectively.

Annie is the co-founder and co-owner of Spectacular Creations – South Florida, which specializes in luxury, personalized gifts for all occasions, and of Broward Mom Collective. Broward Mom Collective provides moms with valuable resources and guides to make parenting in and around our community as easy as possible. Whether you are looking for a summer camp, the best pizza place, or if you’re planning a birthday, they are always happy to share and support you!

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