5 Summer Getaways Every Kid Should Experience

Summers are two and a half months of freedom, road trips and exploring the world. As a parent I feel a responsibility to my children to make sure that each summer is just as much fun as they expect it to be. I also want to incorporate a bit of learning into each experience. We like to plan several short road trip adventures throughout the summer and at least one major trip. Social Moms has challenged bloggers to write about 5 summer adventures they believe every child should have. I'd love to write about exotic vacations to Greece, Africa or Egypt, but the economy is in a crunch and many of us are feeling the pinch. I feel that the adventure doesn't have to be expensive to be fantabulous for the kids. Here's my top five.

1. The Zoo.
I like take the kids to our local zoo several times during the summer. I plan a scavenger hunt with facts for clues. The kids work together and get a huge ice cream cone for a treat afterward. They think of it as a game and don't even realize that they're learning! I like that's it affordable (we buy an annual pass) and easy to do in one day. We all enjoy spending the day together and seeing our favorite animals. The Columbus Zoo is our pick for Ohio zoos. Jack Hanna has a featured program there that you really shouldn't miss out on!

2. Museums
Local museums are my second pick for a great adventure. Every summer has it's rainy days and a museum is a great way to spend them. We favor the COSI in Columbus or Imagination Station in Toledo. They have great hands-on fun science experiments that kids really love. There are dinosaur digs, magnetic exhibits, water-play and so much more that they can enjoy. Every few weeks the museums will feature a different exhibit. They really go all out to make science fun.

3. Theme Parks or a Local Fair
Riding amusement park rides is a thrill that kids should definitely not miss out on during the summer. Cotton candy and fairway games are a complete waste of money and you've just got to do it occasionally. This is just pure fun for the kids. My daughter rode her first coaster last year and I was so nervous for her. I remember my first ride, well almost ride. I chickened out just as we were getting in the cart. I didn't have to worry about my girl though. She loved every minute of it! Cedar Point is our favorite, but we really like Geauga Lake and their water rides too.

4. Camping
The great campout! You can camp in your yard or in campgrounds across the country. If you have a tent, campfire and the makings for s'mores, then your kids are going to love it. The kids love being able to do everything outside. Disconnecting from all the media that we have at home and becoming "survivalists" for a few nights reminds us all that we don't NEED to be hooked in 24/7. Hiking is so much fun. The kids catch lightning bugs and collect leaves. I have one that is a patient fisher and another that just loves to eat s'mores. Summer just wouldn't be complete without camping out at least once.

5. The Ocean
We live in Ohio and going to the beach is usually our biggest adventure of the year. I'm fortunate that my brothers live in South Carolina and we don't have to pay for a hotel. We hop in the car and take a real road trip! Myrtle Beach has some really great attractions. Mini-golf is a big winner for our family. Some of their courses are hardly mini. Ripley's Aquarium is a must see while you're there and Ripley's Museum is a hoot! Of course we spend most of our time on the beach, soaking up the sun and running from the waves. We love to walk the beach looking for shells and extraordinary sand sculptures. You've got to spend some time on the pier watching the fishermen pull in weird sea creatures, just watch out for those jellyfish!

My top 5 will create lasting family memories and traditions for years to come. Family is truly the most important adventure of all. Have a safe and sunny summer!



Disclaimer Note:
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

First Post

Well, here I go... I'm a stay at home mom with two kids and a fantastic guy. My daughter is proud to be a weird, slightly geeky creative tween writer. I love seeing her grow into this world and watching her journey into womanhood begin. My son is an avid video game player, reader and adventurer with a huge imagination. He thinks that I am the most beautiful perfect woman in the world. My husband is a wonderful artist making his mark on the world. They are the truest loves of my life and continually teach me about life, love, harmony and remind me about things that I'd forgotten.

Writing is something that I've wanted to do but have always been a little afraid to follow through on my dream. My daughter's recent aspiration to become a novelist and her bravery to put herself out there has given me the courage to start this blog. It's a small start and I'm glad to have a few communities that I can look to for daily inspirations and opportunities. Social Moms and Mom Central have also given me courage that I can bring some level of writing into my life.

I hope to find my writing voice, gain a few readers, and learn even more about myself in the months to come.

Thank you for allowing me into your life for a moment today.

Heidi Helene :-)