With summer upon us, I’ve been thinking more about the summers of my youth. Back then, the season felt endless—an open stretch of time filled with warm, sunny mornings, barefoot wanderings, and long afternoons where nothing much had to happen. We had fewer stressors as kids. Our days weren’t packed with structured activities or meticulously planned schedules. There was no such thing as “enrichment programs” or “screen time limits” or “risky play” because our time wasn’t mediated by devices or calendars. Instead, we were given the gift of unsupervised boredom—and in that boredom, imagination thrived.
I know the world has changed. Our lives are more connected, more fast-paced, more scheduled than ever. Safety looks different now. Technology is everywhere. And yet I wonder: is there a way to reclaim even just a sliver of that good ol’ fashioned summer?
Here are some free or inexpensive things I want to try with my kids this summer as a nod to the glory days. These can be done across our region in various locations, but mostly at home is the easiest of options! Let’s travel back to when we didn’t know how good I had it. I call this collection of ideas and ideals… Kickin’ It Old School: Summer Edition:
- Bust out the sprinkler: This is such an underrated pastime that can be done wherever you roam…Grandma’s, the neighbour’s house, or the community soccer field. If you have a hose and a sprinkler, don’t hesitate to run through that thing. Fun options also include cartwheeling through it and avoiding being touched by the water stream. You likely already have the materials and just have to be mindful of water consumption, but other than that, it’s a freebie that’s easy and the activity runs itself!
- Fort Building: Did you know anything can become a fort? Old box. Upside down laundry basket. Pillows and couch cushions. Blankets over a table. The possibilities are endless when you use your imagination. These are fun to lounge in to take a break from the sun or to even have a sleepover.
- Make friendship bracelets: I used to create and wear gimp bracelets ALL.SUMMER.LONG. I had my own creations and then those that were given to me. It is a fun tradition that my daughter has now adopted, as she is still sporting her anklets from last summer.
- Star gazing: Stay up late on purpose and just lay outside watching the stars. I have seen some shooting stars in my day and those moments were magical. Outside is free and nature is calling…add this to your list for sure.
- Bonfire Bonanza: Depending on the fire bans and current weather situation, a bonfire is a great daytime or nighttime activity. Most people have access to someone with a firepit or an area to safely burn items. A bonfire is such a wonderful time for connection. You can sing songs. You can tell stories. You can laugh and reminisce. Bonfires are a crictial summer activity.
- Chalk it up: The sidewalk…the greatest canvas there ever was. Create hopscotches, an obstacle course or a mural whenever you are. The best part is that nature washes it all away and you can start fresh on a new day!
- Host a lemonade stand: This is just classic fun. Kids are always trying to think of ways to earn a buck. We had kids on our street selling rocks. I, of course, had to admire their ingenuity and business sense, and purchased a rock. Whether its selling lemonade, freezies, old toys, stickers or Pokemon cards, it’s a good skill for kids to practice money management.
- Ride your bike: How many of us own a bike, but never actually ride it? This is your summer to get out there. I have memories of doing ridiculous bike parades… seemingly nonsensical, but also, why not! With so many paved paths and trails in our region, coupled with the forests and Provincial Parks, there are ample locations to get out and ride. What are you waiting for?
Maybe the days of ripping around the neighbourhood until dinner time are gone. Or maybe they are just waiting to be rediscovered. Capture some of the nostalgia with your little ones and try some of these classic summertime activities. This Villager is putting air in the tires and ready to roll.
