Psalm 90:12,
“Teach us the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”

Last month during our parenting workshop, our speaker and KGM Event Coordinator, Angie Hathaway, talked about the importance of investing quality time with our children/teenagers.  They stay young for only a short period of time.

But on these long, hot days of summer, it’s easy to run out of ideas of things to do and settle for our kids spending lots of time with a screen in their hand or on a video game.

Below are 10 fun and inexpensive ideas to do with your children / grandchildren that Angie shared with workshop attendees.  Each activity can bring connection and produce memorable, sweet memories as evidenced by her family.

1. Visit local towns.  Walk through their downtowns.  Enjoy lunch or a snack or milkshake at a drugstore soda fountain.
2. Visit local lakes.  Many lakes have beaches or water rentals.  Kayaking on a lake is a ton of fun!
3. Plan a family night.   Enlist your kids help planning a special meal and evening.  Shop for the food and cook it together.  Arrange a special activity or play a game after dinner.
4. Organize a family theme night.  Ideas could include a 60’s night or a western night.  Theme nights can lead to such fun memories and many of the supplies can be purchased at the dollar store.
5. Picnic at the park.  Grab another family and head to the park with your blankets, food baskets and frisbees for fun and fellowship!
6. Buy a snow-c0ne maker.  Snow cone makers are relatively inexpensive.  Make snow cones and invite friends or neighbors over to enjoy them with you!
7. Play in the rain. Instead of  dreading a rainy day,  walk, dance, and play in the rain.  Jump in the puddles!  Your kids will love it!
8. Plant flowers together.  So many Biblical lessons are illustrated through the gardening process.  Your kids will take interest in what they’ve planted and will love watching the flowers grow!
9. Play with sidewalk chalk.  Decorate the driveway or the sidewalk with different designs.  Play hopscotch!  Say something sweet in the chalk to the mail-person or a neighbor.
10. Visit a farmer’s market.  Challenge the kids to pick out one vegetable and/or fruit they’ve never tasted.

Recently, I  had lunch with a dear friend who has grandchildren.  Although her grandchildren are local, she hosted “Grandma Camp” for a week.  During that week, she taught her granddaughters to cook and called it cooking school!

Our time with our children and grandchildren are so brief.  Even on these long, hot summer days, may we realize the brevity and make the most of our time.

Connect with your daughter and create beautiful memories!
October 19-20th | Marriott RTP | Grades 4th – 7th

Is God calling you to serve, but you’re not sure where to start?