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5 Family Activities to
Create Lasting Memories

Is summertime passing you by without any of those great memory makers?  Don't panic, it's not too late!

You may feel the pressure for the BIG family vacation, but sometimes it's the simple day to day activities that create the most lasting memories.  Here are five ideas to calm your mind with simplicity and fun.

1 - Lunchtime Routine

The summer my children remember fondly comes on our list as #1 for simplicity.  We made a lunchtime tradition that lasted the entire summer.  We were all sad when school started and put an end to our daily routine. 

Everyday we prepared our lunch and sat down together in front of the TV and watched "Wishbone" and "Where in the World is Carmen SanDiego?".  Talk about simple, but it brings back such great memories for ALL of us.  This summer my 16 year old daughter and I watch two episodes of "The Cosby Show" everyday at lunchtime.  If I forget, she is right there to remind that it is "Cosby Show" time.  Aren't DVD's great?

2 - Be Spontaneous

How about YOU being the one to start a water fight.  That would catch your children off guard.  The look on their faces will be absolutely priceless.  Just grab the garden hose and casually water the flowers, lawn or the car.  Your kids will be shocked when you turn the hose on them!

Here is a hint for you mom:  Make sure you follow through even if your daughter's hair is done perfectly or your son is wearing his new shoes.  Most everything dries out well.  This is your mission, if you choose to accept it . . .

3 - Surprise Rock Concert

Pack the kids in the car without telling them where you are going.  Drive to one of our outdoor amphitheaters for a surprise concert.  Who is the star of the show?  Your kids, of course.

This activity will take a little advance planning.  First of all, make sure there are no events going on at your venue of choice.  Secondly, pack a CD player (check your batteries) along with some Karaoke CD's or even your child's favorite CD or MP3.  If you don't have any Karaoke songs, most online MP3 distributors sell Karaoke versions of popular songs for about 99¢.  Last of all, don't forget your camera or camcorder to record the on stage debut of your little rock stars!

4 - Exploration Expedition

Do you find yourself in the rut of visiting the same park?  South Jeffco neighborhoods are full of wonderfully planned parks and playgrounds.  Choose a day of the week for your children to explore and enjoy a new neighborhood park.

5 - Family Photoshoot

Grab your camera and allow your children to be the photographers.  They will have great fun taking each other's photos and being the model in their turn.  Don't forget to let them take your photo!  Children love to have their photo taken with mom and/or dad.

Article Resources:

3 - Surprise Rock Concert - Amphitheater at Clement Park
Red Rocks  
Lakewood's Heritage Center (does not cost to get into park) 

4 - Exploration Expedition - Foothills Park & Recreation list of local Parks & Playgrounds

5 - Family Photoshoot Gallup Garden Park (about 1/2 mile east of downtown Littleton)
Lair o' the Bear
Hiwan Homestead  - Wagons, Bridges, lots of fun photo opportunities
Any Park OR even your own backyard