5 Ways To Give Your Kids A Sprinkler-Running, Screen-Free 90s Summer
Antonius Ferret | Pexels If you grew up in the 80s and 90s, before screens lived in everyone's pocket, you remember the kind of summer that no longer exists for our own kids. The summer of riding bikes until the streetlights came on, of sprinklers (often malfunctioning) in the front yard, of grass-stained knees, bug bites, and fireflies, and lazy afternoons waiting for the sing-songy notes of the ice cream truck to pull up.
Recently, the craving for a 90s summer is something Millennial parents want to bring back for their own kids, and good news if you're part of that nostalgic crew: You don't need an insane amount of money or elaborate creativity to do it — you just need your memories.
Here are 5 ways to give your kids a sprinkler-running, screen-free 90s summer:
1. Recreate fun 'throwback' summer activities from your childhood
My parents couldn’t afford to send us to day camp, and my mother took a leave from her job to spend the summers with us. At the time, I admit I was peeved about not going to camp with my classmates. However, when I think back to those summer vacations, my memories are pretty fabulous. Innocence and pure joy are associated with them. My mom allowed my brother and me to each bring along a friend. We traveled on subways, buses, and boats the entire summer.
We lived in New York City and watched the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge being built from Shore Road Park, spent hours at Coney Island and Brighton Beach, swimming, collecting seashells, going on rides, and staying for the evening fireworks while eating kosher hot dogs. My brother taught me how to swim in the Atlantic Ocean, we took boat rides to Bear Mountain and West Point, ferry-hopped to Staten Island and Lower Manhattan, and so much more.
2. Turn everyday outings into old-school summer magic
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My mother’s mantra was fresh air and sunshine, and we weren't permitted to sit home and watch TV. Take advantage of the sunshine and warm weather and get out there!
Maybe over the course of your walk to the park, play "I Spy," or "20 Questions" with your children. Carry something in your hand, and have your kids guess what's in there. Have you heard of "Car Color?" Each person chooses a car color before they start their walk and tallies how many of their colored cars they see. Whoever has the highest total when you arrive at your destination wins.
Warmer weather and sunlight of the summer actually make you feel happier, more creative, and more focused. On sunny days, our brains produce more serotonin, a mood-lifting chemical. Sunlight is also a natural source of vitamin D, which helps you fight various diseases.
Pack a fun breakfast or buy some assorted takeaway items and drinks (like fruit and breakfast bars) from the supermarket, and head to the park before it gets too hot. Don’t forget to bring a ball or Frisbee.
You might discover something you never noticed before. If you get out early, you can find a nice spot and have a socially-distant breakfast in the park. Or sit on a bench and look at the amazing skyline, talk about everything out there. You can point out different buildings, or make up stories about people you see.
3. Introduce them to games you loved as a kid
What were some of your favorite summer activities or memories? Consider teaching your children some of the old-school backyard games, like Red Light, Green Light, 1-2-3, or Red Rover. Share with your children what you liked best about the summer or loved doing as a child. Was it the smell of the ocean, building a sandcastle at the beach, or having a barbecue in the backyard?
You could even go camping in your own backyard, or organize scavenger or treasure hunts. Your kids could even build a tent in the den, or download a self-guided tour of your city and go together. Your children will have fun, get some sunshine and exercise, and will learn some U.S. history, to boot.
Walking across bridges or local landmarks can also be an adventure. Inspire your children to use their imagination. Who else may have walked across the bridge? Who knows how old it is or how long it took to build?
Take advantage of those teachable moments. Teachable moments — those times when your children have an opportunity to learn something new — don’t just occur in a classroom. My physical therapist, Hannah, shared a summer idea: make sure you do something every day to make your kids sweat. Physical activity is wonderful for the body and mind. It improves energy levels amd mood, and keeps your kids' still-growing bodies strong.
4. Try an old-school summer hobby
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Learn a fun new skill or sport as a family: Try juggling, roller-skating, soccer, piñata making, rock painting, or whatever sparks your children’s interests. Teaching a sport to your child helps build their confidence and learn about teamwork and good sportsmanship. Don’t forget to have a family meeting and vote on group activities.
Family puzzles are fun, or do Zumba, or turn on a dance-along video on YouTube. Who doesn’t like ice cream or smoothies in the summer? Making your own ice cream is a popular family activity this summer.
5. Get your hands dirty
Exercise your green thumb and do some planting. Gardening gets your kids outside, gives them skin in the game by growing their own food, teaches them science and healthy eating, and so much more.
I recommend a "themed" garden, such as a pizza garden that includes your favorite vegetables to put on pizza. Summer is also an ideal time for your children to read just for fun, not for a school assignment.
Encourage them to write letters (a lost art) or emails to a different friend or family member each day, or even to find a pen pal they can exchange summer letters with. Wishing you a healthy and safe summer with lots of opportunities to create new and joyful memories together.
Ellen Kamaras is a life and organizational coach whose specialties include: relationship-coaching for singles, individuals seeking to reinvent themselves, empty-nesters looking for new purpose and fulfillment, and individuals who want to get “unstuck” but are afraid to take risks.
