How to Have an Old-Fashioned Summer with Your Kids

At a certain point in life, we realize that slowing down and enjoying the simple things is a luxury. If we do so with intention, that luxury becomes a way of life and a way to truly value, and be present, with those around us.

Naturally, we all remember the pandemic. If there was any silver lining during that period of our lives, it was that it forced us to slow down and go back to the little things. The things that matter: home-cooked meals, Friday night bonfires at home, backyard swimming pools, and lots of arts and crafts with our kids. For that one summer in 2020, we were back to life like it was 1965. 

We forget the value of time and presence when busyness distracts us from what matters most. Summer is a time when we can really absorb those precious moments with our families. In the end, they say, all we have are the moments. 

In today's world of over-consumption with costly, Pinterest-worthy birthday parties, luxury family vacations, and tablet-addicted kids, we should remember that though we feel pressured to follow trends, it is possible to have a simple, old-fashioned summer. They say, “You only get 18 summers with your children,” and to make it count.

Here are my personal favorite ways to celebrate summer, the old-fashioned way:

• Make homemade popsicles. This is such an easy way to get kids in the kitchen, and they love making frozen treats. This recipe is so fun. 
• Ride bikes together as a family. Is there anything more nostalgic than hopping on a bike? Pittsburgh has plenty of resources and places to rent bikes if you don’t have them. 
• Go to a drive-in theater or see a movie in the park. Pittsburgh offers various movies in the park that are perfect for family nights:
  • Saturday, April 13, 2024
    Moana
    Rated PG; 113 minutes
    Location: South Park VIP Lot
  • Saturday, April 20, 2024
    The Super Mario Bros. Movie
    Rated PG; 92 minutes
    Location: South Park VIP Lot
  • Saturday, April 27, 2024
    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
    Rated PG; 99 minutes
    Location: Hartwood Acres Amphitheater
  • Saturday, May 4, 2024
    Moana
    Rated PG; 113 minutes
    Location: Hartwood Acres Amphitheater
  • Saturday, May 11, 2024
    The Super Mario Bros. Movie
    Rated PG; 92 minutes
    Location: Hartwood Acres Amphitheater
• Catch lightning bugs! Grab a few mason jars and run around barefoot in your backyard. There is really nothing more nostalgic.
• Go strawberry picking. Simmons Farms always offers berry and flower picking during peak seasons, and it’s so much fun.  
• Go camping, if you dare. No, not glamping. Actual camping. There are so many beautiful camp resorts in the PA area. 
• Go fishing. This is something I promised my son I’d do with him this summer (wish me luck!) 
• Have a picnic.
• Light sparklers. 
• Tie Dye Shirts! This has become a little tradition for us. Tie Dye kits have grown in popularity in the last few years, and it’s such an easy outdoor activity to entertain in a pinch. 
• Make s’mores! It’s not summer until you’ve roasted marshmallows. 

I hope this inspires you to put down the screens this summer and enjoy some moments together as a family. Magical memories are what makes childhood special, and you might even remember how joyful it is to embrace the little things. 

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot
earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.

If I had it to do again, I would travel lighter next time.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.

By Nadine Stair