In Part 1 of this post, we talked about the importance of family activities and how to ensure their success with ground rules. We also shared five activity ideas. As promised, here are 10 more ideas to get your family out and having fun this summer.

10 Summertime Activities for Families

1. Get sporty. Play basketball, tag, catch, Frisbee, croquet or try something new like pickleball, boccie balls, etc.
2. Treasure hunt. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there are literally millions of geocaches hidden around the world. Use the GPS on your cell phone or GPS unit to find geocaches near your house or wherever you may be traveling this summer. See https://www.geocaching.com/play for more information.
3. Go global. Attend a travel show or request travel brochures from places you want to visit and then create a poster of fun places to visit someday. Pick one of the places you want to go and do something you might do if you were there (eat gelato, talk with an accent for the afternoon, have a family tea party, etc.)
4. Join the community. Check out community calendars for free concerts or movies in the park or library.
5. Get artistic. Get out the colored pencils and paint or get crafty with glue and glitter, beads or any other craft supplies you have. Share your talents in a family art show. For younger kids, finger paint with pudding or play with edible Play Doh.
6. Eat the fun. Have a fondue party, invent your own new smoothie or pizza flavors, make ice cream sundaes or create other food items where everyone can participate.
7. Find the “best of” your community. Try out different playgrounds, ice cream shops, swimming pools, etc. (whatever your family enjoys), then rate each one to find the “best” of each category.
8. Get wet. Spend the day at a local pool, splash pad or water park. Or, play with water in your own backyard. Don’t forget the squirt guns, water balloons and painting the sidewalk with water.
9. Become a tourist in your own city. Although you probably avoid tourist places in your own community, take a day to pretend you are tourists and go to the places they would go. Dress and act like tourists. Be sure to take pictures.
10. Learn something new. Providing educational experiences in the summer will help to keep your kids sharp. Have a read-a-thon, go to educational summer programs at the library or start at 4-H club (FREE and easy to use curriculum available at http://utah4h.org/discover/).

The Challenge

Take action! Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to brainstorm three ideas that would be fun to do with your family this summer (yes, right now!). Now text, email or write it down and share it with your family in the next 24 hours. Then have them share ideas of their own.

Read Summertime Family Fun- Part 1.

This article was written by Naomi Brower, USU Extension associate professor, Weber County

Spending time with family is important, but it can also be fun! We’ve got some great ideas to make your family time fun and memorable in this two-part Summertime Family Fun article. Check out Part 2 for 10 more ideas for family activities.  

Family Time

What are your favorite memories from your childhood? Most likely they revolved around spending time with those you love.

Because it is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, it is important to be intentional about creating time and experiences together (or it may not happen). According to family expert, William Doherty, families that are intentional about connecting with each other through traditions, special occasions and everyday rituals (such as having family dinnertime) are more likely to create and build strong bonds with each other that will last a lifetime. What fun things can you do with family members this summer to connect and create memories?

Ground Rules

Start by creating ground rules as a family such as:

Make a plan. Pick an activity and set a date and time to do it. If you like to be a bit more spontaneous, just plan the date and time and then randomly select ideas from a jar of fun activity ideas that you have chosen together. Be sure to take turns selecting the activity so everyone can participate.

Focus on each other. This is about connecting with each other; friends, work and other distractions can wait. Having a no electronics rule may help to reinforce this.

Keep it simple. Spending time together doesn’t have to be elaborate or require a lot of time or energy. For those with small children, going to a park together or writing on the sidewalk with chalk can be just as much fun as doing something that requires far more effort.

 Get ready…get set…play!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Pick a theme and do activities related to the theme. For example, go to a museum to see unique rocks, then go on a hike and collect some of your own. Or go to a car show, then set up a race track at home for matchbox cars.
2. Get outdoors. Have a picture nature scavenger hunt, track the phases of the moon, go on a hike, have a picnic in the backyard, fly a kite, blow bubbles together or anything else to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
3. Share your talents. Write new lyrics to familiar tunes, create your own dances to favorite songs or host your own Olympics with unique events such as an obstacle course, miniature golf or javelin (foam noodle) toss. Award prizes.
4. Get board. Have a board game party or put a puzzle together.
5. Camp in your backyard. Find constellations, tell stories or make shadow puppets on the side of the tent or house. If you have a fire pit, light a fire and roast marshmallows and make s’mores. If not, improvise using a gas stove, barbeque or microwave.

Check out Summertime Family Fun – Part 2, and see 10 more great ideas for summertime family fun!

This article was written by Naomi Brower, USU Extension associate professor, Weber County

Reference: Doherty, William (1997). The intentional family: Simple rituals to strengthen family ties. HarperCollins: New York, NY.

Summer is a great family time and also a great time to teach kids cleaning skills. These tips will help jobs move along smoothly. After cleaning, plan a fun activity as a reward for participation. Your family will love it!

• Always clean top to bottom. When you dust, start at the top and work your way down.
• Take all your cleaning tools with you into each room to avoid unnecessary trips back and forth.
• Turn off the phones and TV.
• Eliminate clutter. An uncluttered home looks better than one that is dust-free, but strewn with odds and ends.
• Clean as you go! It takes a lot less time to remove new dirt than old and to put things away as you use them than it does to clean and store the piles that accumulate.
• A house that smells fresh will give the impression of cleanliness. Leave baking soda on carpeting for the night to absorb musty odors and vacuum in the morning.
• Keep a doormat or big astro-turf mat on the porch to cut down on tracked in dirt.
• Keep a basket in the kitchen for mail, newspapers, car keys, etc. to help reduce clutter.
• Keep a laundry hamper in every bathroom.
• Put family members in charge of making their own beds and picking up after themselves.
• Always pick up the TV room before bedtime, and start the dishwasher.
• Prioritize and decide what is most important.
• Delegate by getting the entire family involved.
• Make a checklist, and when a job is completed, check it off so you can see how much you’ve accomplished.

This article was written by Carolyn Washburn, Utah State University Extension associate professor,carolyn.washburn@usu.edu.

Whether you’re throwing together a quick picnic or planning an outing in advance, we’ve got some great tips to make your summer picnics a success.

Picnic Season is Here

The summer season brings plenty of opportunity for fun, and picnics are a perfect way to get out and enjoy the outdoors without going too far or spending a lot of money. Picnicking can fit almost any budget and be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be.  Some of the best picnics happen on the spur of the moment and don’t need a lot of planning. No picnic basket? No problem. Anything that will hold your supplies will do.

Pack Your Picnic with Food Safety in Mind

If you will be gone longer than 2 hours from departure to eating, plan to pack a cooler. After 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour if temperatures are around 90 F), harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning rapidly multiply. USDA guidelines say cold foods should be kept as close to 40 F as possible and hot food should be kept above 140 F.

Cooler Tips

If you are planning to make picnics a mainstay of your summer activity, consider investing in a cooler-on-wheels for portability. To help keep foods cold, chill them in the refrigerator before packing and keep them in the cooler until serving time.

Get double duty from your cooler space. Fill empty drink bottles half full of water or juice and freeze. The frozen drinks will act as ice packs to keep the picnic cool in transit. At your destination, top off the bottles with water or a drink to sip through your meal.

Location, Location, Location

When planning your picnic food items, consider where you are going. Even if it’s just to the park, it will help you prepare by considering the setting. Avoid anything that gets drippy, limp or wimpy in warm weather. Gelatin salad is a perfect example of what not to take, and even tossed salads will wilt if left in the sun or warm weather very long.

Menu Tips

For a no-fuss menu, have a fix-your-own sandwich bar. Fill plastic containers with pre-sliced sandwich fixings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheeses, meats, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, onions and spinach. Set out hearty breads, crusty rolls or tortilla wraps and condiments. To add a gourmet touch, splurge on a couple of interesting spreads, such as pesto, tapenade or flavored soft cheese. Everyone can build a custom sandwich for a fraction of what you’d pay at the deli.

Sometimes the fun of a summer picnic is the spontaneity, and having fruits and vegetables on hand makes packing a breeze. Simple finger food, like carrots, celery, sliced jicama and sliced bell peppers are a great cool, crispy addition to any picnic plate and a great way to bring in vegetables.  Add a vegetable dip and you have a quick and easy side dish.

If you plan to picnic frequently this summer, make a standard packing list for spur-of-the- moment jaunts, and keep your pantry stocked with food that is suitable for a picnic.

Basic Picnic Supply List

• Napkins, plates, cups, dinnerware
• Garbage bags
• Plastic bags (like Ziploc)
• Serving utensils and cutting knives
• Can opener
• Cutting mat or cutting board
• Salt and pepper, packets of condiments
• Blanket to sit on
• Hand sanitizer, wet wipes or a wet washcloth in a plastic bag
• Paper towels
• Insect repellent
• Extra water
• Balls, games, Frisbees, etc.

This article was written by Teresa Hunsaker, Utah State University Extension educator, teresa.hunsaker@usu.edu, 801-399-8200

Stay safe this summer! Check out these four ways to keep yourself and your family safe. 

Now that school is out, many families are heading outdoors for recreation and activities. Whether in the water or hills, the ballfield or backyard, precautionary measures should be taken so kids and all family members are safe from sun, insects and injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a portion of their website dedicated to family health. A summary of their tips for family summer safety are included below. For additional information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/family/kids/summer/.

Tip 1. Master water safety.

Swimming in the pool and playing in the sprinklers are favorite summer activities. However, drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. Water safety tips from CDC include:

• Always supervise children in or around water. A responsible adult should constantly watch young children.
• Teach kids to swim. Formal swimming lessons can protect young children from drowning.
• Learn CPR. Knowing this skill can be critical in a time of need.
• Install a four-sided fence around home pools.
• When boating, always wear a properly fitted life jacket.

Tip 2: Beat the heat and sun.

Overheating and sunstroke can occur in healthy children, youth and adults if they participate in strenuous activities during hot weather. If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, move him or her to a cool location and seek medical help. A list of specific signs is included on the CDC website. To avoid over-heating:

• Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
• Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Schedule outdoor activities in the morning and evening hours.
• Keep cool with cool showers or baths.

Also, just a few serious sunburns can lead to skin cancer in the years ahead. Tanning is the skin’s way of trying to protect itself from harmful UV rays from the sun. To prevent sunburn:

• Cover up. Clothing that covers the skin helps protect against UV rays.
• Use sunscreen with at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15 and UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) protection every time you and your child go outside.

Tip 3: Keep ticks and mosquitos from causing harm.

Protect yourself and your family from bites and diseases. Zika, West Nile Virus and Lyme disease can all be transmitted by insects. To help with protection:

• Use an effective insect repellent. Products containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 as well as some natural oils provide long-lasting protection.
• Some pesticides (acaricides) can reduce the number of ticks, but these should not be relied on for providing full protection.
• Check yourself and your children for ticks after being outdoors, especially if you have been camping or hiking. Instructions for effectively removing ticks are available on the CDC website.

Tip 4: Prevent injuries.

Nearly everyone is more active and spends more time outdoors this time of year. Falls at home and on the playground are common sources of injuries and visits to the emergency room. To avoid injury:

• Make certain playgrounds are well maintained and have soft landing spots underneath.
• When participating in summer sports, be sure appropriate protective gear is used.
• Parents and teens should be able to perform basic first aid.

Enjoy fun in the sun, but remember to make safety a top priority so that summer is incident and accident free.

 By: Kathleen Riggs, Utah State University Extension family and consumer sciences professor, kathleen.riggs@usu.edu or 435-586-8132

We’ve talked about smoothies here before, but now let’s talk about something new – the smoothie bowl.

What is a smoothie bowl?

A smoothie bowl is a thick smoothie served in a bowl and topped with fresh or dried fruit, nuts, seeds or granola. It’s a nutrient-dense option for breakfast or lunch, and a great way to get in a few extra servings of vegetables. Here are six tips to turn your favorite smoothie into a satisfying, delicious smoothie bowl.

• Use frozen fruits. Frozen fruits will make your smoothie cold, thick and extra delicious.
• Try vegetables. Throw in a handful of carrots, spinach, kale, chard, red cabbage or an avocado.
• Add protein. By adding a tablespoon of nut butter, a scoop of plain yogurt, or milk or nut milk, you add a boost of protein to your smoothie bowl.
• Blend with a high-power blender. Blending thick smoothies can be rough on your blender. If you make smoothies often, you may want to invest in a high-power blender that can handle frozen fruits and fibrous vegetables.
• Add chia seeds. Stir in a teaspoon of chia seeds after blending your smoothie, and let it sit for a few minutes. Chia seeds absorb water, and will naturally thicken your smoothie.
• Top it off. Sliced banana, fresh berries, unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted almonds, crunchy granola…if you can imagine it, you can put it on your smoothie bowl. Shop your pantry and get creative!

Looking for a smoothie recipe to turn into a smoothie bowl? Check out these Food $ense smoothie recipes, or create your own.

Don’t let the risk of sun exposure keep you indoors this summer. Find out how to adequately protect your skin so you can enjoy all summer has to offer – including the sunshine!

It’s warming up outside and everyone is anxious to be out enjoying the sunshine.  The trails, paths, parks and mountains are very inviting and it is time to be outside!  But if you are planning to be out in the sunshine, you need to take precautions.

We all need some sun exposure; it’s our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones; but it doesn’t take much time in the sun for most people to get the vitamin D they need.  Unprotected exposure to the ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression and skin cancer. Even people in their 20s can develop skin cancer.

Most children get between 50 and 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it’s important that parents teach their children how to safely enjoy fun in the sun. With the right precautions, you can greatly reduce your child’s chance of developing skin cancer.

• Use sunscreen whenever you will be in the sun.
• Apply a generous amount of sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside so that a good layer of protection can form. Don’t forget about lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulders and behind the neck.
• Reapply sunscreen often, approximately every 2 to 3 hours, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Reapply after sweating or swimming.
• Apply a waterproof sunscreen if you will be around water or will go swimming. Water reflects and intensifies the sun’s rays, so we need protection that lasts. Waterproof sunscreens may last up to 80 minutes in the water, and some are also sweat-and rub-proof. But, regardless of the waterproof label, be sure to reapply sunscreen when coming out of the water.
• Keep in mind that everyone needs extra sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all people – regardless of their skin tone – wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. A sunscreen with SPF 15 is usually good for 2 hours; SPF 30 is good for 4 hours.  The SPF is an indicator of the length of time it will provide protection in the sun.

Next, encourage children and adults to stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day, wear protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and even carry a sunbrella when walking during the sunlight hours.  Don’t forget that you can still get a sunburn through light and sheerer materials, and if you get one, know that pure Aloe Vera gel is the best soother.

The sun doesn’t need to be an enemy.  You can enjoy the sunshine and participate in the great outdoor activities, but be sure that you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

This article was written by Carolyn Washburn, Utah State University Extension associate professor, carolyn.washburn@usu.edu.

Looking for fresh, local food? Find a Farmers Market near you and support the people in your community producing food. Quick tip:  bring cash and a few reusable grocery bags so you can shop to your heart’s content. 

9th West Farmers Market*
Sundays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June through October, International Peace Gardens, 1060 S. 900 W., Salt Lake City
http://9thwestfarmersmarket.org

25th Street Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June through October, 475 E. 2500 N., North Logan
http://www.northloganmarket.com

Ashley Valley Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
July through September, 225 E. Main St., Vernal
http://avfarmersmarket.wix.com/avfarmersmarket

Benson Grist Mill Historic Site
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
July through October, 325 State Rd. 138, Stansbury Park
www.bensonmill.org

Bountiful Farmers Market
Thursdays, 3 p.m. – dusk (or 8 p.m.)
Runs through October 29, 100 S. 100 E., Bountiful
http://www.bountifulmainstreet.com

BYU- LaVell Edwards Stadium Farmers Market
Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
August through October, 213 E. University Parkway, Provo
http://dining.byu.edu/farmers_market.html

Cache Valley Farmers Market*
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Runs through October 17, Logan Historic Courthouse, 199 N. Main, Logan
http://www.gardenersmarket.org

Cedar City’s Downtown Farmers Market*
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
July through October, Hoover & 100 W., Cedar City
https://www.facebook.com/ccdowntownfarmersmarket

Downtown Farmers Market*
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., June through October
Tuesdays, 4 p.m. – dusk, August through October
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., November through April
Pioneer Park, 350 S. 300 W., Salt Lake City
http://www.slcfarmersmarket.org

Downtown Farmers Market at Ancestor Square*
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – noon
May through October, 2 W. St. George Blvd., St. George
http://www.farmersmarketdowntown.com

Farm Fest Market – Sevier County
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – noon
June through October, 370 E. 600 N., Joseph
http://wildlandfarmfest.com/

Farmers Market Ogden*
Saturdays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June through September, Ogden Historic 25th Street, Ogden
http://farmersmarketogden.com/

Gardner Village Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June through October , 1100 W. 7800 S., West Jordan
http://www.wasatchfrontfarmersmarket.org

Harrisville City Summer Farmers Market*
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – dusk
June through October, Harrisville Park, 1350 N. Hwy 89, Harrisville
https://www.facebook.com/events/1558904207742913/

Happy Valley Farmers Market*
Fridays, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
June through October, 100 E. Main Street, Orem
www.happyvalleyfm.com

Heber Valley Farmers Market
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
June through August, Main Street Park, 250 S. Main St., Heber City St.
http://www.ci.heber.ut.us/community/events/farmersmarket

High Desert Growers Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – noon
July 18 through October 31, 100 E. Main Street, Price
http://extension.usu.edu/carbon/home_family_food/farmers_markets

Holladay Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June through October, 2300 E. Murray Holladay Blvd., Holladay
http://www.wasatchfrontfarmersmarket.org/

Long Valley Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – noon
Mid May through Mid October, 475 N. State St., Orderville
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Long-Valley-Farmers-Market/1397811127154513

Mapleton Farmers Market
Saturdays 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
July 25 through September 26, Mapleton City Center, 125 E. 400 N., Mapleton
http://mapletonmarket.org/farmers-market.html

Marriott-Slaterville City Summer Farmers Market*
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June through October, Marriott Park, 1150 S. 1200 W., Marriott
https://www.facebook.com/events/1674473942817226/

Moab Farmers Market*
Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
April through October, Swanny City Park, 400 N. 100 W., Moab
http://www.moabfarmersmarket.com/

Murray Farmers Market*
Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
August through October, Murray City Park, 200 E. 5200 S., Murray
https://www.utahfarmbureau.org/Agriculture/Farmers-Markets

Park City Farmers Market
Wednesdays, noon – 6 p.m.
June through October, 4000 The Canyons Resort Drive, Park City
http://www.parkcityfarmersmarket.com

Park Silly Sunday Market
Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
June 8 through September 21, 900 to 200 Main St., Park City
http://www.parksillysundaymarket.com

Provo Farmers Market*
Saturdays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June through October, Pioneer Park, 500 W. Center St., Provo
http://www.provofarmersmarket.org

Richmond Harvest Market
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June through Mid-October, 563 S. State, Richmond
http://richmond-utah.com/harvest.html

Rockhill Creamery Farmers Market
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June through Mid-October, 563 S. State St., Richmond
http://www.rockhillcheese.com

Roosevelt Farmers Market
Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
June through October, 130 W. 100 N., Roosevelt
facebook.com/groups/101217766689683/

South Jordan Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
August through October, 10695 S. Redwood Road
http://www.southjordanfarmersmarket.com

Spanish Fork Famers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
End of July – November, 40 S. Main St., Spanish Fork
http://www.spanishforkchamber.com

Sugar House Farmers Market*
Fridays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
July through October, Sugarhouse Park, 1500 E. 2100 S., Salt Lake City
http://www.slco.org/urbanfarming/farmersMarkets/locations/Sugarhouse.html

Syracuse City Farmers Market*
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – dusk
July through September, Founders Park, 1904 W. 1700 S., Syracuse
facebook.com/SyracuseCityUtahFarmersMarket

Thanksgiving Point Farmers Market
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
August through September, 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi
http://www.wasatchfrontfarmersmarket.org

Tooele Valley Nursery Farmers Market*
Saturdays, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
August through September, 425 E. Cimmarron Way (SR-36), Erda
facebook.com/tooelevalleynursery/

USU Botanical Center Farmers Market*
Thursdays, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. (dusk)
July through September, USU Botanical Center, 920 S. 50 W., Kaysville
http://www.usubotanicalcenter.org/events/farmers-market/

VA Farmers Market*
Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
August through September, 500 Foothill Dr., Salt Lake City
facebook.com/vasaltlakecity

University of Utah Farmers Market*
Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mid-August through Mid-October, Tanner Plaza, 200 S. Central Drive, Salt Lake City
http://sustainability.utah.edu/resource-center/get-involved/farmers-market.php

Wayne County Farmers Market
Saturdays, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
May through October, Center and Main Street, Torrey
http://www.facebook.com/WayneCountyFarmersMarket

Wheeler Farm Market
Sundays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June through October, 6351 S. 900 E., Murray
http://www.wasatchfrontfarmersmarket.com

Willard Peak Organic Market
Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., 2687 N. 2000 W., Farr West
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – dusk, Harrisville City Park, 1350 Highway 89, Harrisville
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 1150 S 1200 W, Marriot-Slaterville
http://www.willardpeakorganics.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

Year-Round Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – noon
Year-Round, 905 S. Main Street, Cedar City
http://yearroundmarket.weebly.com/

Zion Canyon Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – noon
Late April through Mid-October, 1212 Zion Park Blvd., Zion Canyon
http://www.zionharvest.org/_includes/ZFM.htm

*Markets marked with an asterisk utilize electronic benefit transfer (EBT) machines, allowing Food Stamp participants to use their benefits to buy fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets.

“No more teachers, no more school, summer time will be real cool.” Yes, your kids may be feeling this way as the school year finishes up.  Kids are excited to leave their books behind and look forward to a “lazy” summer of fun.  Waiting for summer to come is much like waiting for Christmas; you just can’t wait until it gets here.

Keep Your Kids Busy

Now that summertime is here with longer days, what are the kids going to do?  Research shows that kids who have learning projects, reading activities and group involvement activities run a much lower risk for education regression or involvement in risky behaviors.  All of us want our children to be successful, productive and happy, but it won’t just happen. Parents need to provide direction for summertime activities.  Making summer plans with your youth will create positive relationships and positive growth during the summer months.

Family Activities

There are many opportunities for youth during the summer months.  Most families do plan for recreational activities, some traveling and day activities.  Summer outings are excellent opportunities for families to enjoy one another.  Picnics, games, sight seeing and road trips make memorable experiences that have lasting effects. Camping is considered one of the best family activities, as it encourages all family members to work together to set up the camp and the experience.

Learning Activities

Learning activities are always encouraged for summer growth.  Summer camps and youth programs offer a wide range of activities and excellent opportunities for youth and adult relationships.  The world’s largest youth group is the 4-H organization.  The 4-H organization is strong world wide, nationally and certainly in Utah through Utah State University Extension.  All Utah counties provide strong 4-H youth program with clubs, camps, youth development and leader involvement.

Play Together

However you choose to spend this summer, take the time to do some quality family activities.  Families that “play” together, stay together.  It’s as simple as that.  Try to plan for 5-6 hours of quality time together a week and you will keep your family relationships strong.  Yes, “school is done, books are put away, and it is time for family fun today.”

This article was written by Carolyn Washburn, Utah State University Family Consumer Science Professor, carolyn.washburn@usu.edu.

Looking to add some color, fragrance and texture to your landscaping? Check out these flowering shrub varieties, favorites of USU gardening expert Jerry Goodspeed.

1. Daphne “Carol Mackie”
2. Mediterranean Pink Heather
3. Deutzia Gracilis
4. Juddii Viburnum (Snowball Bush)
5. Blue Mist Caryopteris
6. Ninebark

For more information on each of these varieties and tips on how to keep your shrubs looking their best, watch Jerry Goodspeed’s segment from KSL Studio 5.