Make the Most of Summer with Your Family

July is here, which means we are almost halfway through summer break with our kids. You may be thoroughly enjoying summer, or you may be counting down the days until your child goes back to school. Whether you thrive during summer break or prefer the structure of the school year, our heart is to equip you to make the most of this second half of summer with your kids. We want you to look back and see incredible family memories, spiritual growth, joy and life breathed into your family during these precious months together.

Here are some key ways to make the most of your summer this month!

Family Devotional Times

Take time this summer to open God's Word together with your kids. It doesn't need to be extensive—even 10 minutes can make a meaningful impact. You don't have to be a pastor to lead your children in Scripture.

This can be as simple as reading a passage together during breakfast on a slower morning or spending a few minutes in God's Word before bedtime. My children are 6, 4 and 1 years old, and my older two love to draw what we read about. Afterward, we talk about what stood out to them from the passage and then pray together about what we learned.

Instead of being quick to turn on the TV in the morning, let's be quick to open God's Word!

Get Outside, Soak Up the Sun and Swim!

My children love to swim all summer long. We especially enjoy community pools, splash pads or simply pulling out a sprinkler and letting them run through it in the yard.

There are many local parks with free splash pads, as well as community pools that are reasonably priced for families. Getting outside is a great way to create memories, stay active and enjoy the beautiful Minnesota summer.

Host a Lemonade Stand

Take time this month to host a neighborhood lemonade stand with your kids. You can even make homemade freezies to sell alongside the lemonade.

Purchase lemonade in bulk from a store like Costco or Sam's Club, then let your kids help set up the table, prepare the drinks, create signs and welcome customers. When the day is over, use the opportunity to teach them about tithing, generosity, saving and financial stewardship.

This is a great hands-on activity that helps children learn simple math, practice responsibility and understand the importance of honoring God with their resources.

Discover Local Parks and Family Outings

Minnesota is full of amazing parks and family-friendly destinations. Take a Saturday this month to enjoy a family adventure and experience something new together.

Here are a few of our family's favorite day trips:

Stillwater

We love packing up the car and spending a day in Stillwater, Minnesota. Our first stop is Teddy Bear Park, where our kids enjoy the rock wall, slides and playground equipment. From there, we walk down Main Street, grab a coffee, climb the steps overlooking downtown Stillwater and browse the local shops.

Our kids' favorite stop is the Old Fashioned Candy Store, where they stock up on saltwater taffy and gummy bears. Stillwater also offers great restaurants and beautiful walking paths along the river. There's truly something for every age, making it a wonderful destination for families.

Breakfast and Bike Rides

Minnesota has incredible state trails that are perfect for biking and walking. We love starting the day with breakfast and coffee before heading out for a family bike ride or walking along one of the scenic river trails. Our favorite local breakfast and coffee spot is Getaway Motor Cafe in Downtown Carver. There is a bike trail right next to the coffee shop and they have great outdoor seating and kids' books you can read while you sip on your coffee. It's a simple way to spend quality time together while enjoying God's creation.

Minnesota Zoo

Our children love a good zoo day—and so do we! The Minnesota Zoo is a fantastic place for families to explore animal exhibits, enjoy the playground and cool off at the splash pad.

We try to make at least one zoo trip every summer. Our kids especially love the tractor ride to the farm area and seeing the llamas along the walking trails. It's always one of the highlights of the season.

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Whether you're spending your summer days at home or out on adventures, you can be intentional about how you use these months to invest in your children. Take time to slow down, be present, get on their level and cherish moments you'll never get back. Instead of allowing July to fly past you, sit down with your spouse and family and mark out days you will be intentional to either go out as a family, stay in and do something fun or just slow down to be together. 

Make the commitment today to make July the best month of your summer so far!

BINGO

This summer, we challenge you to complete our River Valley Kids Summer Activity Bingo card! Complete any 20 of the activities and return it to your Kids Pastor for a fun treat! Click here for your Bingo card!