This year, we’ve largely been enjoying our summer at home. Aside from a recent road trip to Montauk, we do not have any big, extravagant trips planned for us over here. Instead, we’ve been hanging around town, spending time outside, and enjoying a few local amusements. It’s been nice to have a low-stress summer with no big agenda.
Summer activities for kids at home
It seems that as long as water is involved my kids are happy. We’ve spent a lot of time by the pool.
My oldest is doing weekly swim lessons to learn pool safety and proper swim techniques. Due to our schedules, a private teacher is coming to the house. We found this person through our network. I’ve had luck finding instructors through local Facebook groups and asking around town.
The hose continues to be hours of amusement for a second year in a row. My oldest loves to water plants, fill the pool, and spray his toys with water.
The sandbox is a close second for entertainment. His is filled with trucks and a few sand toys.
He also continues to enjoy lawn care. This leaf blower has kept him busy since he received it last Christmas.
My almost 1-year-old enjoys the baby pool. He seems to enjoy it even when the water is cold. He’s most interested in playing with the sunscreen bottle.
We also take long walks in the double stroller to look for “lawnmowers.” Winston, our dog gets to come too.
When it rains, we’ve been building with Magnatiles and Legos or watching movies.
Local summer activities
When we need to change up the scenery, we explore local site and activities.
Luckily, we have a park and a spray-ground (mini water park) nearby. We go multiple times a week and spend hours there. They also have walking trails. On the weekends, we bring Winston too.
We took my oldest to the Point Pleasant Boardwalk with his cousin to go on rides and eat ice cream. He said he liked the rides and “going high.”
We also enjoy going to local farms. Oak Hill Farms is a favorite. They have a store filled with delicious treats and local goods. You can take your treats and hang out on their fenced-in farm filled with chickens, goats, peacocks, alpacas, and donkeys.
Next up, we will be peach picking.
Summer playlists for vacation vibes
I enjoy creating vacation vibes at home with music. When I returned from our Montauk trip, I went on Spotify to see if they had the hotel’s playlist on there. Sure enough, they did.
Here are two beach hotel playlists that I’ve been enjoying:
1 Hotel South Beach I Poolside
Summer eats at home
We’ve been keeping it simple with lots of grilling.
Of course, with hamburgers, you need pickles! I’m a big fan of Bubby’s pickles because they are made with real brine and not vinegar. They are sour so consider yourself warned! You can find them in a refrigerated section at Whole Foods.
We’ve been loading up on lots of fruit to beat the heat. Watermelons and cantaloupes have been on repeat.
On Friday we do takeout. On Sunday, we make pasta at home.
Takeaways from Our Summer at Home
We’ve found you don’t need to jet off somewhere exotic to enjoy your summer. With two small kids and crazy nap schedules, it has been nice to stay local. Our summer has been filled with lots of time playing outdoors, grilling up delicious food, and exploring local sites. We’ve had nice chats with our neighbors on our walks.
It has been low-key but has all of the summer feels. I love how the simplest things can somehow make summer magical. Things like playing with the hose, eating ice cream with sprinkles, or biting into a piece of watermelon while taking in the sun. Certainly, can’t forget the sound of the lawnmowers.
What are you up to this summer?
