Summer activities for families are in high demand these days as we look ahead to the next few months. The school year is winding down. And long, warm days waiting to be filled with fun are on the horizon.
Summer is a funky time in ministry. Lots of travel happens. Attendance goes down. Schedules are unpredictable. But, on the other hand, for families, it can be a season of relationship-building. With kids out of school, families often need to fill lots of time. And why not fill it together? So, if you’re looking for fun summer activities for families in your church, we’ve got you covered. What events are on your family ministry calendar? We’d love to know, so don’t forget to share in the comments below!
Outdoor Morning Activities
Plan regular park play dates. For young families, the park is an easy way to get together. Kids are engaged while parents can interact. Consider planning weekly morning play dates at a local park. It’s best to keep the time and location consistent from week to week. Then, if someone has been out of town or missed an email or text, they won’t show up at the wrong place. To go above and beyond, bring snacks for kids and a goody for parents to share. Plan to finish up by noon so that kids can be home for naps.
Practice yoga together. There are a couple of ways to do this. One, invite parents to meet at a local yoga studio for a class that’s already scheduled. Two, ask a yoga instructor to lead a class for your group in a community space. This second option is especially useful for larger groups. Be sure to set an age guideline for those who can attend. Classes can be taught for any ability, including baby-wearing mothers, young children, adolescents, and parents.
Explore on a local hike. Gather at a local trailhead for a nature walk or hike and wander through beauty together. If you have parents with young children attending, be sure the trail can accommodate strollers. Also, to include all levels, look for a path that is relatively flat and no more than a couple of miles.
Outdoor Daytime Activities
Party in the pool. Invite a family in the church with a pool to host a family pool party. This could even happen on a Sunday after church. Summer activities for families can feel overwhelming for a family to have at their house. To make it easy on the hosts, ask guests to bring brown bag lunches. Also, bring extra towels and sunscreen. Families can forget some of their stuff when running out the door.
Feast with a food truck. Hire a food truck or a mobile taco grill. On a Saturday or Sunday, invite families to enjoy lunch together. This works well in the church parking lot or at a neighborhood park. Alternatively, schedule the food truck to be a part of the family pool party.
Cheer on a local sports team. Afternoon sporting events are a great family activity. For a particularly affordable option, look for minor league teams in your area.
Outdoor Evening Activities
Go to the fair. Schedule an evening for families to meet up at the local fair. It’s best to make the time early enough so young families can attend before needing to be home for bedtime. This is an excellent event for families with kids of all ages. Older kids can split off, and younger ones can stay with their parents.
Attend a movie in the park. This is another one of the low-prep summer activities for families that you can do anytime. Very little is required of you if your families can merely attend an event that’s already planned. Invite families to bring their dinner and some popcorn.
Service Projects
Support a local animal shelter. Gather supplies such as food, beds, towels, and bowls for animals in need. Invite a couple of the families to deliver the supplies to the shelter. Additionally, older youth can volunteer their time over the summer.
Support a local food pantry. Encourage families to give their time at a local food pantry. Sorting food is a job that children as young as kindergartners can assist with. Your families can also host a food drive over the summer, asking for a specific non-perishable item each week.
Indoor Morning Activities
Munch on Saturday brunch. Plan a gathering for families at an inexpensive local cafe or restaurant. Coffee shops and bagel shops are good options since they’re often casual and have outdoor seating. If you’ve got a large group that’s spread out, give a few locations.
Create at a local store. Craft and hardware stores often host weekly or monthly morning classes for kids. Notify parents of these opportunities and attend one altogether. Kids work on skills they need, connect with other children, and the classes are almost always free.
Indoor Daytime Activities
Meet up at the library. Often, libraries host classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers that include stories and singing. Choose a class to invite your families to attend together. Also, children can enjoy searching the shelves with their friends for new books to take home with them and keep until the following week.
Wander a museum. Museums will often have free-admission days. Look into these options for museums in your area. This is a beautiful way for families with kids of all ages to spend an afternoon. This is especially true when it’s hot out, and you’re all desperate for air conditioning.
Watch a matinee movie. Find a kid-friendly movie for families to attend together. Then, look into discount days that local theaters are holding for matinees. Meet families in front of the theater. Stay out front for 20 minutes to greet late families.
Even More Fun Summer Activities for Families
Your city is probably putting on summer activities for families that are unique to your area, too. Search for events on your city’s website or social media feed. To make it most accessible on families, try for low- or no-cost options. Have a blast!
And don’t forget to share your what summer activities for families you have planned in the comments below.
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