12 Awesome Things To Do with Your Boys This Summer

We are inching closer and closer to summer. The days are getting warmer, longer, and sunnier. So, today, I’m sharing with you 12 Awesome Things To Do with Your Boys This Summer – which is also a list of what I intend to experience with my boys (again) this summer. I can’t wait!

Why?

Because having something to look forward to helps create happiness and excitement in one’s life.

My dad would always tell us when we were younger, that in order to live a happy life, one must have “someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to”.

With that in mind, I hope this list inspires you to create a wonderful list of summer things to look forward to with your children, as well.

#1 Camping

We started tent camping and cabin camping in 2016. I have to admit, we did not automatically love it with our first experience because it was new to us. But, as we continued with our camping experiences we grew to love the time away from the busyness of the world, along with the special moments we created amongst us a family lifestyle.

Shop for instant tents right here on Amazon.

Tent camping and cabin camping have now become a part of our lifestyle; so this year, we are looking forward to even more camping adventures, but in different locations around the US, such as our visit to Cherokee Landing in Saulsbury, Tennesse.

If you are still not sold on the idea of camping, you may want to read 5 Reasons to Take Your Kids Camping. It’s a great post that will really get your wheels turning. 

#2 Lantern Festival

Aside from our typical camping experiences, I want us to experience a Lantern Festival. Have you ever been? Going to a Lantern Festival has been on my bucket list for quite a while, but it is something I want my boys to experience, as well.

I personally believe, Lantern Festivals are the perfect opportunity to talk more about our hopes and dreams, goals and future selves, as well as create memories and spend quality time together.

I also believe that this experience will capitalize on our talks about gratitude and intentionally becoming the person you want to become.

If you are considering attending a Lantern Festival, don’t forget to browse Groupon. Tickets are usually heavily discounted.

Feel free to create a free account on Groupon today using my referral link.

#3 Relaxing in the Backyard

Is this something that you need to plan or just do? I’m not sure, but I am listing it.

I am looking forward to easy going weekends in the backyard watching them play basketball, slide on their slip and slide, and run around the yard.

Days like these are the absolute best – relaxing with no pressure. Wouldn’t  you agree? #FamilyLifestyleGoals

#4 Breakfast on the Patio

One thing that I listed on 44 Things to Do During a Family No Spending Month was to have breakfast in the backyard or on the patio. And, that is exactly what we do and continue to do.

It’s so refreshing and satisfying to have breakfast ready when they wake up and move ourselves right on into the backyard and enjoy breakfast on the patio in pajamas.

I promise, these are the type of moments I live for.

#5 Family Lifestyle Photos

We normally do professional photos every few years and it usually happens during the summer months. While the process is not easy and fun with two boys that don’t want to do it, the outcome is always worth it.

So, decide what is a good fit for your family and go for it!

Perhaps, they could be professional studio photos or just random photos at home with your own camera capturing your family and lifestyle. Either way, just capture your family photo.

#6 Summer Soccer Camp

For years, I wanted my boys to participate in the British Sports summer camp, but to me at the time, it was always so expensive.

But, things changed and a few years ago,  my youngest son was able to participate in a one day camp that they held – and, we enjoyed it very much. So, the following year, I made it a priority for both boys to participate. It was another nice experience – with the exception of the heat, of course.

Shop for soccer balls on Amazon. 

You can read more about our British Sports – Challenger Sports Soccer Camp 2017 experience here or, Why We Loved the British Soccer Camp for My 7 Year Old.

#7 A Road Trip

As a travel addict, we HAVE to have at least one road trip each summer. It doesn’t have to be expensive at all, but it needs to happen.

We have had such a great time on our road trips, so I feel like we need to do this. Simply, pack up the car, cooler and summer gear, and go and have a great time – somewhere to create more family travel experiences.

I have a few places in mind, like Canada or Mammoth Cave National Park in Cave City, Kentucky, but we’ll see as time gets near and summer is officially here.

Psst.. Quick Update: We actually made it to Mammoth Cave National Park in October 2018 on a mini road trip. Speaking of road trips, don’t forget to check out, A Mini Guide to Road Tripping Off the Beaten Path.

#8 Get in the Water

What in the world is the summer without being in the water? Whether you choose to go to a swimming pool, hook up a water slide in the backyard, or go to the beach; just be sure those boys are in the water cooling their bodies, and having an awesome time!

#9 Have a Picnic

Okay, now this may not sound very macho, but you can make it that way. A few ways we have made our picnics more “boyish” was to include things they enjoy such as golf, bike riding, and bringing along a pizza or grilling up burgers. Simply tailor the experience to your liking – and, presto!

#10 Explore a State or National Park

Whether you choose a park nearby or travel to get there, just be sure to explore it and participate in the various activities offered to expand your comfort zone.

Consider fishing, hiking, cave tours, animal watch tours, feeding the animals, picnics, photography, “how to” sessions, etc.

#11 Go to a Museum

Museums are ranked high in the nation as summer activities that families actually do. Often times, many museums are free or very low cost. So, be sure to include a variety of museums, especially local museums that you may have not explored in your own home town.

#12 Amusement and Theme Parks

Lastly, how could I not list outdoor amusement parks, theme parks, and water parks?

A few of our personal favorites are Dinosaur World, Legoland, and Disney World. But, there are so many others to choose from such as Cedar Rapids, Holiday World, Six Flags, Kings Island, etc. Choose one that fits the needs of your family and go for it!

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! 12 Awesome Things To Do with Your Boys This Summer and some of what I am always looking forward to doing with my boys each summer. 

What about you? What are you planning to do with your children this summer? I’d love to hear about it!

Shoot me an email or leave a comment! I’m always looking for inspiration!

This post contains affiliate links and first appeared 5/25/18.