Archive for May, 2011

Things to do in Summer for Teenagers

Parents of teens can get ahead of the curve and avoid the dreaded summertime anthem of “I’m bored” by planning for things to do in summer for teenagers. With a little research, you can find ways to keep your teen active and safe with age-appropriate summer activities.

Things To Do In Summer For Teenagers

If your teen is of working age, one thing is to get a summer job. A job may not be at the top of your teen’s list of fun summertime activities, but it is one of the most positive ways to learn responsibility and other life skills. Teens will quickly discover that money earned is far more precious than money given to them – a very valuable lesson.

If you can afford it, send your teen to a summer camp that specializes in his or her interest. There are computer camps, band camps, theater camps, and so many other specialized summer and day camps for teens. Camps created for teens with special needs, such as diabetes or autism, can give your child a life-changing experience.

Volunteerism is something else your teen can do. Your teen may have a particular compassion for animals, the elderly or disadvantaged children. Working for a worthy cause will enrich your teen’s life and show him that he can help make a difference. Volunteering looks great on resumes and college applications, so it really is one of the best summertime activities for teens.

Get on the internet and look for local summer events like free tours, festivals, and concerts that your teen can enjoy with his or her friends. Many school boards and community colleges offer summer programs for teens, providing an opportunity for your teen to learn something that’s actually fun – and without worrying about grades. Many YMCA and YWCAs also offer things for teenagers in summer.

By all means, set aside some time to spend with your teenager. Try to find something you can do together, preferably without embarrassing him or her. Arrange and supervise day trips for your teenager and his or her friends. It’s a good opportunity to get to know the friends and their parents. Options include picnics, a beach or lake outing, a sports event, a theater trip, local attractions, amusement parks, movie nights, paintball, or go-kart racing.

Arrange at-home summer activities for teens like pizza parties, slumber parties, backyard camping, and barbeques with outdoor games.

If you have home improvement or gardening projects that need to be done, enlist your teen’s help and compensate him or her with pay or a special treat. Your teen may even enjoy doing a bit of carpentry, painting, landscaping, and other home projects with you, once they find out it’s not so bad. Above all, try to engage your teen as much as possible while the summer affords the time.
Summer can be a great time for teens and parents. The key is to be proactive, and prepare ahead of time for things to do in summer for teenagers.

Things to do in Summer for Adults

Parents plan for things their kids can do during the summer break, but what about things to do in summer for adults?

Things to do in Summer for Adults

When it comes to summer fun, it’s not always all about the kids. There are plenty of fun summer activities for adults to discover. Many are inexpensive or even free.

The economy and soaring gas prices have prompted many people to plan “staycations” instead of vacations. But that doesn’t mean that summer can’t be a time of adventure and learning, even for adults!

Things to do in Summer for Adults

For things to do locally, visit your town’s or county’s web site and look for free tours, festivals, concerts, and other local summer events. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to cook, draw, sew, practice Feng Shui, or practically anything else, check out adult education summer curricula offered by your local school board or community college. Many offer a wide range of courses, covering subjects from technology to fine arts to lifestyle enhancement. Uncrowded classrooms and less traffic make summertime ideal for taking classes. It’s also a great way to meet people and network.

Summer is also the perfect time to purge your closets, basement and attic — and make some extra money while you’re at it — by holding a garage or yard sale.

Spruce up your home exterior and property. Whether it’s a large re-model, a fresh coat of paint, or a little landscaping, the summer is the ideal time to get those jobs out of the way. You might even enjoy it!

Outdoor parties and barbeques are a grand summer tradition. Throw a potluck party and ask each guest to bring a dish. Dream up a theme for your party to make it more fun and memorable. Get silly and have a water fight.

One of the best adult summertime activities is gardening. A home garden is uniquely yours and can comprise flowers, vegetables, or a combination. There’s nothing like eating fresh vegetables right from the garden. One taste and you’ll be hooked. You don’t even need land in order to garden. Container gardens can yield satisfying crops of tomatoes, peppers, peas, potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and many more vegetables.

Other summer fun ideas for adults:
• Tour a local winery or brewery.
• Take a walk through a botanical garden or go on a nature hike. There are beautiful venues for getting sun, exercise, and fresh air.
• An old-fashioned picnic with family or friends will make memories.
• Get together with your neighbors and throw a block party.
• Rent a bicycle and do some local exploring.
• Learn to swim, scuba, or surf. Summer is the time for water sports, so take full advantage of the season.
• If you have a yard, learn how to make it bird and butterfly friendly and then enjoy nature’s show.

If you can manage a get-away, do it! Even if it’s just a long weekend. Studies indicate that vacations or even short breaks are healthy. You will benefit both physically and psychologically.

If you can’t get away, you don’t have to deprive yourself of the joys of summer. There are many things to do in summer for adults, and many of them are right outside your door!