With classes—for ourselves and for our children—at an end, the BC government moving into phase three of its restart plan, and summer upon us, I notice the tension in the air melt away like the sea-salt caramel ice cream cone dripping in my hand. While we now have the freedom to travel within British Columbia, as a student and parent, I find myself considering staying put. Wanting my summer with the family to be fun, cost effective and healthy, I’m spending late nights on Pinterest and Google looking for cheap or even free things to do with the family.
Staying at home in Victoria isn’t exactly a terrible thing—I could think of worse places to be. With the Pacific Ocean, warm lakes such as Thetis or Beaver/Elk, and the vast number of parks within our reach, it’s fairly easy to fill the days with outdoor activities.
Pack a picnic, a board game, Frisbee, or any other games you like and venture to a park you haven’t been to. Create a journal adding photos of all your trips to the parks, rate each park, and at the end of the summer vote for your favourite one.
Next, spend some time at the farmer’s markets. There are fresh fruits and vegetables there, as well as creative wares such as handmade toys, soaps, and clothing. Some even have homemade popsicles.
Speaking of popsicles, the internet is filled with popsicle recipes. A few we’ve already made to get us ready for summer: layered raspberry and peach, banana-raspberry-yogurt and honey, and a virgin Mojito popsicle. (Note: The virgin Mojito can be tossed into a glass and topped with rum and soda when needed.)
Lastly, organize a yard sale to sell all the items you collected during your COVID-19 spring cleaning. Add a lemonade stand for the kids. If a yard sale isn’t possible, post your items online. With all the money you make, take the family out for an ice cream, order some take-out food from a local restaurant, or head to a nearby toy store.
If none of the above ideas inspire you, here are a few more to consider:
– Look up free outdoor movies or drive-in movies
– Plan a scavenger hunt
– Create a sidewalk mural, using chalk, with your neighbours
– Build a blanket fort and tell ghost stories (with flashlights, of course)
– Learn a new card game
– Plant a butterfly/bee garden in your backyard or in a planter on your deck
– Draw a picture or write a letter to a senior’s nursing home
– Make ice cream sandwiches
– Camp in your backyard
– Create a family yearbook or family cookbook
– BBQ with friends and/or family
Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your time with your family; wishing you all a wonderful summer.