Family Fun During Dog Days of Summer
Not An Expert, Just A Dad
by Jon Buzby

Here are some ideas to help pass the hot summer days.

The most popular summertime activity is camp. No matter the length or type, camp can be a great experience for your child.

There are two things all kids should get out of camp — learning and fun.

First, whether it is an arts and crafts camp, music, sports or some other activity-based camp, at the end of the week, your child should have learned something — preferably a skill or some form of knowledge they’ll use again.

Secondly, it should be fun. There’s nothing worse than a parent having to force a child out of the car every morning and then hear complaints every afternoon about not wanting to go back. Or getting that tearful middle-of-the-night phone call from your child who is three hours away begging to come home, and not willing to wait until morning to do so.

In addition to camps, there are many great day trips you can take. Amusement parks, festivals, museums and zoos are fun and popular summer activities for any age group. All of these places provide all the entertainment your child will need for the day.

Head to the closest beach. Whether it’s the water, sand, seashells or just working on a tan that attracts you to the beach, people of all ages can find something to do. Be sure to never take your eyes off your little ones and teach your older swimmers to find a landmark so when the undertow causes them to drift they can still find you on your blanket.

Another great trip is to the local or state park. However, my only suggestion here is to have a plan when you arrive. Don’t assume your kids will be satisfied playing on the jungle gym for three hours in the heat of summer. Research other things to do at the park like renting a row boat or taking a hike.

The library is a place where your children can explore any interest. Where else can you get a taste of romance, intrigue, discovery and history? You can go back in time or springboard to the future. You can fact-find or indulge in mysterious fiction, all in a safe, quiet, air-conditioned environment. And you don’t have to fight with your kids about wearing sunscreen.

One of my son’s favorite activities as a child was to head to the local airport on a beautiful day and watch the planes takeoff and land. Ours had a balcony for easy viewing, but even if yours doesn’t, find a nice place to sit and watch those amazing machines soar through the air.

Talk to your kids about planes. When and where was the first flight? What makes them go up in the air (the simple reason)? Who tells the pilot when and where to land? Why are some bigger than others?

Summertime is a great time for kids to relax and just be kids. But they’ll get bored doing that, so it’s important for parents to mix in fun and educational activities whenever possible.

‹ Jon Buzby is a nationally syndicated columnist and father of two sons who lives in Wilmington, Del. He can be reached through his Web site, www.jonbuzby.com