There’s no better season to enjoy some unplugged family time than during the summer months. It’s a good time for sleeping in, spending afternoons at the pool and playing hide and seek until the fireflies come out. The days are longer and sunnier allowing for more time to get outside. Think about scheduling a family day this summer when you intentionally ditch the electronics. For inspiration, dsm4kids has put together a few fun summertime activities, none of which require a cord.
Looking for even more ideas for family time fun? Check out our Event Calendar and Summer Fun Guide.
Here’s a few unplugged summer family time activity ideas:
Unplugged Summer Outdoor Activity – Nature Exploration Pack
Having the right gear for whatever unfolds is part of the fun of setting off on new adventures. A well-stocked nature exploration pack will make it easier to get outside and explore. Here’s a few supply suggestions for you to stock up on, so you’re ready when adventure calls.
Supplies
- Backpack
- Drawstring or resealable bags in a variety of sizes
- Permanent marker
- Magnifying glass
- Binoculars
- Maps of your favorite hiking trails or parks
- Field Guides (insects, animal tracks, birds, etc.)
- Bandana
- First-aid kit
- Water bottle
- Whistle
- Small bug net
- Sketchbook or notebook
- Pencils (graphite and colored)
- Bug boxes
- Small towel or chamois
Instructions
- Gather your Nature Exploration Pack supplies.
- Place small items in bags and label each bag with its contents.
- Organize your supplies in you backpack so that it comfortable to wear.
- Be sure the try on your backpack with all the contents in it. Rearrange them, if necessary.
- Head outdoors and discover all that’s happening beyond your front door!
Summer Recipe to Make as a Family – Rhubarb Crisp
Rhubarb crisp may be one of the easiest summer desserts you’ll ever make! Contrary to popular belief, Rhubarb is a vegetable, and it seems like most people either love it or they don’t. My family loves it. But we like tart and sour things. The crumbly oat topping, and the tangy filling of this rhubarb crisp makes it one of my favorite summer desserts. Serve it warm, topped with homemade ice cream and it’s even better!
Ingredients
Filling
4 cups chopped rhubarb
1 ½ cups sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup water
2-3 drops red food coloring (optional)
Topping
1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
¾ cup oatmeal
½ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Place chopped rhubarb in a 9×13 pan.
- In a bowl, mix the sugar, flour, water, and food coloring and pour over rhubarb.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats and butter, and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over rhubarb filling.
- Bake until crisp is bubbly, and rhubarb is tender, about 45 minutes.
Family Friendly Summer Craft Idea – Seed Bombs
Homemade seed bombs are a perfect way to get kids involved in gardening and caring for the environment. While you may think seed bombs sound a bit dangerous, there’s nothing harmful about them. In nature, seeds are spread via animals, water, and wind. When seeds make contact with the soil, they wait for the right conditions and eventually germinate. Seed bombs are essentially seed balls that can be planted or thrown to produce new wildflowers and plants. By tossing them out into the world, you help to mimic the seed dispersal methods that naturally occur…because even nature needs a little help.
Ingredients:
- Wildflower seed
- Potter’s clay powder, from any craft shop
- Peat-free compost
- Water
- A bowl
- A baking tray
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup of seeds, 5 cups of compost and 2-3 cups of clay powder (you could use clay soil instead if you have it).
- Slowly mix in water with your hands until everything sticks together.
- Roll the mixture into firm balls. (about 1-2 inches in diameter)
- Leave the balls to dry in a sunny spot.
- Now for the fun part…plant your seed bombs by throwing them at bare parts of the garden and wait to see what pops up.
