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It’s easy to love spring when the sun is shining and we get our first warm days. But the is something about a rainy day that pose more of a challenge. We know they’re good and necessary for the environment, but they take a little more planning to enjoy. Take a look at our best ideas for those days when it’s rainy and you aren’t sure what to do!  

Activities in Jersey City

With such a diverse amount of arts and entertainment in the city, the choices are endless in Jersey City. Call up your best friend or gather a group to get together on an upcoming Saturday or day to yourself. Try these on for size:

• Indoor Rock Climbing – Try your hand at The Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gym where people of all experience can enjoy climbing. You can try a day pass or sign up for a membership or get lessons. It’s a whole new world of strength and fun. 
• Take a Cooking Class – Learn to roll sushi, practice cake decorating or even sharpen your barista skills. Jersey City has it all– you can take group or individual classes on your own schedule. 
• Virtual Dance Class – Cut up the rug in the privacy of your own home! Learn to tango or two-step with your partner or yourself. It’s fun and a great workout too. 
• Do a Brewery Tour – Choose from an online event, or a public or private tour of some of the best breweries in Jersey City and the surrounding areas. You’ll get the best of an ever-changing selection of craft beers and learn a lot, too.

Indoor Fun for Kids

It’s easy to zone out on TV, video games and screen in general on rainy days. But there’s so much to do with kids that gets them up and moving. Here are some activities you can do with your little ones that they’ll get a kick out of on an otherwise blah day.

• Liberty Science Center – Currently, you can check out a Minecraft exhibition, where kids step “inside” the world of the game. Also check out the Butterfly House exhibit or any of the other hands-on fun for which they are so well known. 
• Create a home restaurant – Kids from age 2 on can be helpful in the kitchen and love to participate. Devise a menu, table settings and play restaurant with your delicious creations. 
• Enjoy some indoor puddles – This simple yet delightful craft is fun for toddlers and you can set it to music. Everyone loves a dance party and easy crafts!  

Around the House / Homemaking Ideas 

Maybe your recent spring cleaning has uncovered more areas you’d like to devote time to in your home. A rainy day is a good time to take stock of projects, work on decorating ideas and just enjoy your home that you work so hard for. 

• Create a Craft – Make a DIY project that’s Etsy-worthy! Depending on your area of interest, you can start simple or go hog wild. Giving gifts of homemade quality is always more beloved than anything store bought. 
• Organize a Closet – Don’t laugh– rainy days are the best for mini at-home projects like that closet that you can’t find anything in. Using some expert advice, you can turn on some music and get organized. You might be inspired to tackle that junk drawer next. 
• Photography Inventory – You know all those photos on your phone you’ve been meaning to print for three years? The ones where your kindergartener was a baby? Time to organize photos in a way that works for you. Learn the best ways to tackle this seemingly daunting task and decorate your home with photos.  

Relax or Expand Your Mind  

Americans are known for their hard work ethic, and sometimes this means burning the candle at both ends. It can take a toll on our health and families and overall way of life. A rainy day is the perfect time to reevaluate your priorities and work on some inward care. 

• Make it a Spa Day – If you have an opportunity for some solitary time, enjoy one of Jersey City’s most luxurious day spas to relax and rejuvenate you. Don’t feel guilty about taking time out for yourself as spa treatments have tremendous health benefits.
• Escape to a Movie – But not just any movie. Check out a classic that you’ve never seen, or a recent Oscar winner, or an underrated or foreign film. 
• Yoga Expertise – In an age when it seems like everything is available virtually, it matters even more to have the steady hand of an expert guiding you. Jersey City is home to many of the best yoga studios. For fitness, flexibility and spiritual balance, yoga is key. 
• Read – Sometimes the best use of our time isn’t fancy or “trending.” Just read something for your mind. Start at the Jersey City Public Library, or support one of our local independent bookstores. 

Sometimes staying home is the best way to spend a Saturday. The hustle and bustle of everyday life is enough to make anyone feel a bit crazy. When you have a little down time and some room to breathe, you can enjoy the simple things – umbrella in hand – or stay at home and get cozy.

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season descends upon us, so do the cold temperatures. It’s the perfect time of year to get the most out of your slow cooker. The last thing you need is any added stress, and a slow cooker gives you back the thing you need most: time. Check out this fantastic collection of the best slow cooker recipes to share with loved ones. You’ll feel yourself relaxing into the season. 

Why You Need a Slow Cooker this Holiday Season

Slow cookers are as essential as a good winter coat. When the temperatures drop and the calendar fills up, turn to your best kitchen appliance. Whether you’re pulling a Crock Pot out of your pantry or shopping online for an upgraded multi-cooker, the recipes are innumerable. Be sure to visit the list of the best slow cookers for 2021, especially if you’re asking Santa for one.

Advantages of Slow Cookers

• Easy to use – You don’t have to be an expert to pull of a delicious meal with a slow cooker. Most recipes call for literally placing ingredients in a pot and turning it on.
• Saves you time. LOTS of time – Once you’re set up and it’s on, you’re good to go. Go do anything else you need to do. And there is no need to constantly check on its status, so you can fully turn your attention to work, family, or yourself. 
• Serve a crowd with no reheating – The “keep warm” setting on slow cookers means that you can keep your meal ready for a while after without overcooking. This comes in handy around the holidays when you may have guests arriving at different times or coming back later for second helpings. 
• Easy to Clean – When food is cooked at low temps, that means less sticking and caking on. This results in an easier cleanup and many inserts are now dishwasher safe, which is even better.
• Saves you money – This one might surprise you. Not only does the slow cooker use less energy than a standard electric oven, but you can cook in bulk. Almost all the recipes we list are freezer friendly, so you can cook ahead too. 
• Bring out the flavors – Slow cookers are known for bringing out the fullest flavors in your ingredients. The low temperature and length of cooking time ensures the precise integration of flavors and gives you a treat for all the senses. 

Best Squash Recipes

Fall flavors always include various types of squash. The slow cooker allows you to use this family of veggies in unique and delicious ways.

Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs – Talk about an easy, healthy meal that really pleases a crowd of the pickiest carb lovers. This also translates easily into gluten-free meatballs if you so choose. 

Stuffed Acorn Squash – Perfect as a whole meal on a weeknight and a decadent side when part of a larger feast. 

Slow-Cooker Squash Casserole – Originally conceived as a side dish, your family may disagree and eat this like a main course. Simple ingredients with a comforting flavor. 

Sweet Acorn Squash with Apples and Craisins – If you’re looking for something unique and on the slightly sweet side, look no further. This side dish’s ingredients are forgiving, so it’s ok to approximate. Freezes beautifully as well.

Winter Roasts to Warm You

Tis the season for the flavors of slow-cooked roasts. These recipes will warm you from the inside out when you step in from the cold. Enjoy them with your loved ones, or with a good book.

Homemade Mississippi Roast – If you want all the deliciousness of a traditional Mississippi roast but actually a version that’s healthier and less expensive, you’ve arrived. Check out the ingredients– you probably have almost everything on hand. 

Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast – 4 ingredients here. Quick to prepare, perfect for a Sunday night dinner with family or weeknight meals that last for days. You really can’t beat 5 minutes of prep time. 

Slow Cooker Pot Roast – For the ultimate comfort food, this pot roast recipe will hit the spot. It’s got all the classic flavors that will bring you back to traditions past or provide the perfect dinner to create new traditions with your family. 

Soup of the Evening, Beautiful Soup! 

The Mock Turtle knew what he was talking about. Soup is a wonderful part of cold and dark nights. Try these slow cooker soups for Thanksgiving or to bring you warmth and joy throughout the late fall into winter. 

Butternut Squash Soup – Pre-cut butternut squash is a huge time saver for this recipe. Put all the ingredients together in the morning. You’ll have a lovely meal waiting for you when you get home from work.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup – Scrumptious is the word that comes to mind. The recipe makes wonderful leftovers and the heart-shaped puff pastry actually keeps well in the refrigerator. 

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup – And it’s like the choices just keep getting yummier. Who can pass up dinner loaded with ground beef, cheesy potatoes and bacon? 

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup – Rich with flavor, this meal also packs a nutritional punch with spinach and sundried tomato. It’s definitely soup but hearty enough to fill you like a meal.

Pulled to Perfection

Texas Pulled Pork – This traditional Southern fare tastes best on a roll, toasted and buttered. Think movie night with friends.

Best Shredded Beef – Everyone should have a “go-to” shredded beef recipe for their slow cooker. You can use this for a variety of purposes. Over pasta, tacos and sandwiches are a few of our favorites! 

Crockpot Chicken Tacos – Use this flavorful recipe for tacos, enchiladas or burritos. 

Chili Champs 

One of the first things that comes to mind with slow cookers is chili. It’s the best stick-to-your-bones meal that really makes you appreciate the season. Try these new and classic recipes. 

Traditional Chili – If you’re looking for a tried-and-true chili recipe, start here. You put it together, leave it, and enjoy it. Spice it up, spice it down. However, don’t forget the toppings. 

Vegan Chili – This healthy and delicious chili takes 10 minutes of prep. The reward is a cozy vegan twist on a classic and will make your vegetarian loved ones feel cared for. 

Turkey Chili – Not all your thanksgiving turkey leftovers should go to the almighty sandwich! Try this turkey chili on for size after and among your holidays this year. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at this lean and healthy yet flavorful dish. 

Slow Cooker Dessert?

Yes! Did you just feel a weight come off your shoulders? This holiday season, give it a try. Sweet treats that basically make themselves while you handle so much else. 

Chocolate Caramel Cake – A combination of decadent and creamy layers of chocolate and caramel make this irresistible. 

Blackberry Cobbler – Delicious and a lovely alternative to the pumpkin and chocolate of the holidays. Above all, you can say you got a serving of fruit.

S’Mores Brownies – A show-stopper for sure, these brownies are amazing. You’ll be the hit of the holidays with these tasty treats in addition to having delicious leftovers.

Simplify Your Life

WIth a slow cooker and the right recipes, you can spend more time with things you love. Easy prep and cleanup means stress free meals for you and your family. You can start basic and if you’re feeling more experimental, delve into your own recipe construction. It’s always handy to have the conversion times for oven cooking to the slow cooker. Whether it’s date night or thanksgiving pot-luck, the slow cooker is your key to success this winter. 

This fall, Jersey City residents have plenty of activities to choose from to celebrate the season. With cooling temps and foliage beginning to change, it’s the perfect backdrop to get together with family and friends. Remember, summer months aren’t the only ones where you can enjoy the outdoors. Make some plans to get out of your routine this fall with these Jersey City and local events. 

Food and Festivals

One of the best things about fall festivals is that you can be outside but comfy in a sweater. Whether it’s hot tea or a craft brew, the right goodies are waiting for you at these festivals. 

Bergen Square Day – Where diversity, food and fun meet. Enjoy street performances, special treats for kids and a wide variety of delectable foods at Bergan Square. Culturally diverse arts and crafts will encourage supporting local businesses, too. 

Smorgasburg – Dubbed “the Woodstock of Eating” by the New York Times, Smorgasburg is the largest open-air food festival that occurs in several cities. Jersey City residents are lucky to live in the home of one of these amazing festivals. Enjoy an eclectic variety of food every Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 5 PM, rain or shine. 

902 Brewing Fall Festival – This year on October 23 you can get into the Halloween spirit with the whole family at 902 Brewing. Besides some of the best beer around, enjoy live music, food trucks and pumpkin painting all day. Additionally, the kids will love the costume parade that begins at 3 PM. 

Hoboken Coffee and Tea Festival – Enjoy local vendors as well as art and cultural traditions behind some of our favorite brewed beverages. This November 7 event will take place in the Hoboken Historical Museum’s walkway and tickets are $10 with pre-registration. 

Jersey City Art Fair – Come support and enjoy the work of local artists from November 12-14, at the annual art fair. The annual fair showcases hundreds of artists from New Jersey, New York and around the world. The Juried Show specializes in New Jersey artists. This year’s show will be at The Glass Gallery at the Mana Contemporary. 

The Harvest of the Season

So much of our fall events are centered around fruits of the harvest that bring us delicious treats and staples of our daily life. It pays to get outside and with nature to bring home some of these foods. Skip the grocery store and stroll through one of these local areas next time you have a chance.

Best Local Corn Mazes – Choose any of these fun corn mazes for a weekend outing with the kids or your loved one. They range from child-friendly to complex and challenging. What’s even better is visiting a farm site with your pumpkin spice coffee in hand or achieving a holiday-worthy photo of your kids in the process! 

Demarest Farms – Take a day trip to this beloved farm with your whole family. Their fall festival of lights is well underway, plus they have tons of choices when it comes to delicious treats. 

Ward’s Pumpkin Patch – Visiting the pumpkin patch is a must-do with family during the month of October. Whether you’re decorating the front stoop, the mantel or plan on having an epic carving event in your home, stop by Ward’s for all your gourd needs. 

The Best Kid-Friendly Events this Fall 

Halloween falls on a Sunday this year, but there’s plenty to do in the days and weekends leading up to it. Jersey City always has a variety of activities going on for kids of all ages, often with an educational twist. 

Fall Fest at Liberty Science Center – This year’s fall festival is underway at our hometown science center. Choose from indoor or outdoor adventures that include a Spooky Pathway, a Creepy Crawler Corner and even a Monster Mash party. Get your tickets today and be sure to attend the Fall Fest Finale on October 30 and 31. 

Halloween Family Blast – Come on over to the Grove PATH Plaza on the 31st for face painting, music, art and candy. It’ll be a great time for the little ones as well as their parents. Don’t forget to dress up in your best costume! 

Spooktacular Halloween Events – My Gym has multiple Halloween parties available to kids from all ages this fall. Check their website for calendar and availability. The best part is that parents can enjoy an evening while the kids have a blast dressing up in costumes and enjoying fun and games. 

Get Out, Stay Active

Finally we present an updated list of charity walks and running races for the next few weeks. Take your cardio to the next level by getting involved in your community. Finishing a 5k feels a lot more empowering when you’ve raised awareness or donations for a cause. 

Glow Walk/Run – Epilepsy Services of New Jersey is sponsoring this Halloween-themed 5k walk/run for the whole family. Join your neighbors at Liberty State Park on October 23 for fun and to spread awareness and raise money to improve the quality of life for those living with Epilepsy.
Jersey City Road Runners’ Everybody’s 10k – If you’re looking for a longer race event, join fellow runners on October 24 for 6.2 miles around Liberty State Park. 

Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk – This event has recently gone virtual but participants will be able to connect with other racers and see a live leaderboard. Begin fundraising today to raise money for prostate cancer research and awareness. 

Hoboken Turkey Trot – On Saturday, November 20 you can jog off your turkey dinner with fellow runners in nearby Hoboken. Enjoy the beautiful cool temps where you can rock some warmer gear and kick off the holiday season. 

There’s plenty to do this fall in and around Jersey City. Plan ahead so you can beat the crowds and arrive on time, especially when you’re bringing the little ones. You can have fun while enjoying a mix of outdoors and indoors, as well as supporting local businesses. 

This fall, we turn our attention to the best books of 2021. While some of us might still be finishing up our summer reading, have no fear: these new releases and noteworthy books will spur you forward in your reading. And despite our desires to be mindful and present, the holidays are looming— and there’s no shame in organizing your gift lists. So get ready to gather your next stack of books to enjoy, discuss and share. 

Best Fiction Books of 2021

You’ll want to lose yourself in these powerful stories. Find yourself in Vermont, then dystopian New York City of the future. There’s no better way to take a break from reality while gaining perspective on it at the same time than devouring works of fiction. 

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. Fans who loved All the Light We Cannot See have long awaited his return, and won’t be disappointed. This new novel intertwines stories of five people spanning a great stretch of time, space and age. Doerr praises the art of storytelling and of stewardship of books, of the world around us and our shared human experience. Available September 28. 

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave is a perfect book for a weekend away be it on the beach or at a cabin. It’s a wild ride with twists and turns— a real page turner. This is especially true through the poignancy of a realistic and sometimes frustrating relationship. 

Miracle Workers: A Novel by Simon Rich. This fairytale love story is set in the bureaucracy of heaven. The CEO (God) is pretty much over everything and ready to shut down this whole “Earth and humankind” experiment but two angels who believe in love and their work in the Dept. of Miracles convince him to give them one chance to prove to him he shouldn’t end the world.

Anxious People by Frederik Backman is a deeply funny and brilliant novel that examines how a shared event can change the course of so many lives at once. The characters are strong, and the mix of humor and heartbreak pulls you in both directions at once. 

The Body Scout by Lincoln Michael is a fast-paced techno thriller that brings you into a futuristic New York City. Michael’s world keeps you guessing as the protagonist transforms into an amateur sleuth and fights crime. Available September 21. 

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney. This novel is stylistically consistent with her previous novels yet has a maturing sensibility readers will notice. It’s a story about relationships, but so much more. 

Best Books of 2021 Outside Your Comfort Zone

We’ve selected two books you might miss if you’re not into YA or if you haven’t discovered the magic of short stories.

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett is worthy YA that has the perfect-for-fall dystopian storyline. It’s dark and atmospheric and perfect for adult reading. Those who loved The Hunger Games, Battle Royale and even The Handmaid’s Tale will be drawn to this unique novel.

Prepare Her by Genevieve Plunkett. The New York Times lauded this collection of “Brilliant, biting stories.” Plunkett weaves together women of various ages wrestling with friendships, motherhood, sex and their own power. For anyone who loves a good spellbinding story, this is the perfect treat. 

Non-Fiction

Listening and watching the news isn’t the only way to stay informed. Spending time deeply learning about a topic expands your knowledge more meaningfully. Plus it adds to your life more than the sound bytes we’ve become so used to. Learn about history, people and your own mind with these titles. 

Maiden Voyages: Magnificent Ocean Liners and the Women Who Traveled and Worked Aboard Them by Siân Evans. In this engaging social history, Evans explores how the lives of women were transformed by the Golden Age of ocean liner travel between Europe and North America. It’s the perfect example of a niche topic that is so timely and fascinating.

Get Through Hard Times by Making Up Stories by Charlie Jane Anders explores story-telling as survival. It’s a study of using imagination and creativity to get through rough times (like now!). So many people are feeling the effects (physical, mental, spiritual) of the last nearly two years and this is a great perspective on what I can only describe as productive escapism.

More Excellent Non-Fiction

Don’t Call It a Cult: The Shocking Story of Keith Raniere and the Women of Nxivm by Sarah Berman. Investigative journalist Sarah Berman digs into the alarming practices of NXIVM, a global organization run by Keith Raniere and his high-profile enablers (Seagram heir Clare Bronfman; Smallville actor Allison Mack; Battlestar Galactica actor Nicki Clyne). Through first-person accounts, Berman reveals how young women found themselves blackmailed, enslaved and near death. 

This is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollan delves deep into three plant drugs: opium, caffeine and mescaline. He explores and reveals the cultures that have grown up around these over the years. He also asks why so many people want a shift in consciousness. It’s an eye-opening trip into a compelling subject. 

Home, Land, Security: Radicalization and the Journey Back from Extremism by Carla Power. This is a provocative and deeply investigative book. Power looks at the many forces driving young people into the arms of radical belief systems. Her interviews span the globe and give a view behind the scenes of homes and families affected by this phenomenon.

Create and Learn

In a world of uncertainty, many people have found grounding in hobbies and projects. An ever-changing environment of potential lock-downs and work from home mean spending time differently than we used to. Intersperse some “how-to” in your life. 

The Joy of Brewing Cider, Mead, and Herbal Wine: How to Craft Seasonal Fast-Brew Favorites at Home by Nancy Koziol. This book is not only a wonderful introduction to homebrewing in an informative way, it’s also entertaining and perfect for fall. Seasoned brewers will also find ways to spice up their know-how, practicing better techniques that yield successful results. 

Cottagecore: Inspirational Ideas, Crafts and Recipes for Wholesome Country Living by Daisy Oakley. If you haven’t heard of Cottagecore, check it out. This movement brings us back to agricultural life, skills and crafts. It embraces a simpler, more sustainable way of life that works with nature. You’ll be making your own window treatments and homemade bread before you know it. 

Crochet Cute Critters: 26 Amigurumi Patterns by Sarah Zimmerman. Amigurumi has been steadily gaining popularity and continues to be on the rise with more people looking for crafts and hobbies to try. These teeny-tiny crocheted creatures are fun to keep and give away. So if you’re been looking to try crochet or return to crafting, grab this book. 

A Real Feel-Good Read

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig. The bestselling author of The Midnight Library presents this uplifting book for anyone in need of a little hope. The path to a more meaningful life can be difficult to see. Haig’s inspirational stories can help put you in position to find the way.

Cozy Up with Fall Reading

We hope you found some titles that grab your attention on this list. If you’re unsure, or want to just talk literature with some folks who really get it, walk over to your local bookstore. At Word on Newark Ave., you can get the latest on literature-related upcoming events. At Little City Books in Hoboken you can also visit the Children’s Books Annex for countless ways to engage your little ones’ imagination. Carve out some reading time for yourself, make a cup of coffee so you can sip and get lost in the best books of 2021.

Summertime is a magical time for kids. The warm weather allows for new and different activities, time to meet new friends and bond with family. With a little planning, you and the possibilities seem endless around Jersey City. Whether it’s cooling off at the beach or learning new things at a museum, there’s something for everyone in and around Jersey City. With a little planning and curiosity, you’ll never hear those dreaded words: “I’m bored” this summer! 

Kids Summer Activities that Make a Splash

Playing in water is a must for every kid in Jersey City. Luckily, there are many options when it comes to beating the heat this summer. For a short drive, you can make it a beach day or decide to sit by a refreshing pool. Put these destinations on your cool-off list today! 

Pershing Field Pool – This is a great place for swim lessons, family swim, and all around fun. Kids especially love the water sprinkler and on-site playground.

Newport Green Park – Jersey City’s “urban beach” is a favorite this time of year. Young kids love the climbing contraptions, the splash pad and the carousel. Take a stroll down the walkway and enjoy some snacks or some bubble tea, too. 

Lafayette Aquatic Center – Conveniently located near downtown and Liberty State Park, this pool is great for kids of all ages. The kiddie pool offers water features and a slide. The larger pool is beautiful and everyone loves a great snack stand. 

British Swim School Hudson Waterfront – This survival-first approach to swimming works with babies of 3 months up to adults in their 70s. For peace of mind with kids around water, lessons from experts are a must.

Firefighter’s Memorial Park Pool – Pop over to Union City for a dip in this Olympic-sized pool with beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline. 

Sprinklers and Splash Pads

These are less of a time commitment but still a refreshing option for a hot and muggy day. Kids squeal with happiness at the simplicity of these summer activities. 

Hamilton Park – Sprinklers are on daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The splash area is fenced in for safety and kids can enjoy water from buckets overhead and sprinklers below.

Van Vorst Playground – This is the heart of Jersey City and features a sprinkler area for kids during the summer months. It’s long-since been known as one of the most formal of Jersey City parks, and your kids will love it.

Enos Jones Park – Little ones love the cute sprinkler area at this small park. There’s a dolphin, whale and a seal that squirt water while kids run through. The gated area also contains a playground next to a beautiful community garden. 

Riverview Fisk Park – Located at the edge of the Heights, this park has beautiful views and a lovely playground. The splash pad is a Jersey City kid favorite!

Rainy Summer Day Activities for Kids

Then there are the days when your pool plans get cancelled. Or your kids are just too beached-out. Keep the TV off and head out for one of these engaging activities instead.

Liberty Science Center – Spend the day at Jersey City’s best location for learning fun for kids. This summer you can check out a Hot Wheels race, learn about wild animals or settle in for a fantastic planetarium experience. 

Jersey City Public Library – So many resources await kids and parents alike at the library. Everything from storytime events (in Spanish too!) and STEAM activities to music making and comedy. Plus, the librarians have the best access to information and ideas to keep kids learning all year long. 

Ice Cream – Need we say more? It’s not just a treat, it’s an event in Jersey City. Use a trip to the creamery for an afternoon event, a reward for good behavior or because  you simply don’t know what else to do. Can’t go wrong! 

Cooking Classes – At Bambino Chef, kids can take virtual or in-person cooking classes. Summer camp classes are open now and you might be impressed with what your little ones learn. Bambino Chef also books groups and parties for summer fun. 

Timeless Backyard Fun

When you think about your summers growing up, what stands out? Whether you have a backyard or a patio, here are some great ideas for summer fun. Run these by your kids or just surprise them with an activity to shake things up! 

Camp under the stars

Make S’Mores

Have a scavenger hunt

Build a recycled water wall

Create outside art

Make a lemonade stand

In the spirit of all that comes to mind with summer, remember not to over-schedule. Sometimes it’s just better to be. As our resources seem to be endless, sometimes it’s hard to believe that kids actually do benefit from being bored occasionally. But it’s true. Having time to think, for the mind to wander and ponder, all that leads to creativity.