6 Places to Visit With Your Kids This Summer

Summer is fun. Summer liberates my schedule from all the errands, homework, and worries that the school year brings.

Oh, wait. I’m a mom … not a teenager counting down the days until I can sleep in until noon. I’m not my 5-year-old making plans for all the places we will visit during summer vacation.

Cancel the liberation.

Summer vacation as a mother with a school-aged child takes on a new meaning. Now that I’ve experienced a year with my son in school, I’ve indulged in more availability during my day to do things that normally would take more time with my children in tow. Again, cancel the liberation.

The following are a few of my favorite places to visit with my kids to avoid cabin fever. Whether you’re a full-time working boss mama or a stay-at-home bad-ass mama, here are a few ideas to expand your adventures with your children this summer.

1. Public Libraries

Libraries are a great place to spend time during the summer — free air conditioning, story time, and a plethora of books to choose from for you and your children. And if your children borrow books, now you have a date to return the books and visit the library again. Could be exciting for your kids!

2. Museums

I love museums … when they are free. Most museums have a day every month where admission is free. These days are a great opportunity for exploration — but these free days mean there will  be a crowd, so do your homework and plan to arrive earlier than opening time.

3. Recreational Centers and Parks

We love parks. If you have a free day to explore, venture out to try new parks. All parks are set up with different play structures, so this may help keep your children’s mind intrigued and excited while out of school.

4. Public Transportation

Try a bus ride to a doughnut shop, a subway to the museum’s free day, or whatever other public transportation methods surround your area. If you typically drive everywhere, public transportation is a great way to see things from a different perspective.

5. Fire Stations

Call your local fire station to inquire about tours. I’ve had great success with our fire station. My son has had the opportunity to ride in all of the vehicles at our local station.

6. Nurseries

My children and I love plants, so we visit many nurseries around our area because they are free. We will occasionally visit a garden, but these can be pricey, so we stick to nurseries. A word of caution: There isn’t much shade in either nurseries or gardens, so ensure you have adequate sun protection and hydration.

With the help of my children’s energy and imagination, I will sometimes combine a couple of these places and do them in one day. However, from one mother to another, make sure you’ve got enough energy, patience, and resources if you decide to go with a multi-stop summer adventure.

How do you survive the summer with your children out of school? —Jasmin

* Please ensure that you are doing research on hours of operation, FAQs, and any other information that may be important in keeping you and your children safe and happy during your adventures.