Here is idea guru Allison Klint's "Top Ten List for Things To Do This Summer!" Be sure to try some of these and email us how they turn out at springfieldmoms.org@gmail.com.
- #10 Plant a garden. Nothing says organic better.
- #9 Go for a picnic. Grab some fruit, sandwiches, crackers, drinks and you're off! Spread out a nice big blanket, pop open the picnic basket and listen to the sounds of summer!
- #8 Go to a beach. Whether it's a beach by the ocean or by a lake, it does not matter. Just going to a beach makes you want to relax. Build a sandcastle with the kids, bury dad in the sand or just push your toes into the sand. ENJOY!
- #7 Go hiking at Starved Rock State Park . Just about two hours north of Springfield, there's a new water park and lodge just perfect for your family. What a great weekend get-away. Start off at Starved Rock State Park and enjoy hiking and all that nature has to offer. Then, head over to the Grand Bear Water Park and float on the lazy river. You'll have to check out the website for yourself, but it looks amazing and so very close. An added perk for any busy mom – there's even a Grizzly Bean Café and Coffee Shop on site! Also, look at the featured entertainment.
- #6 Help out an elderly person with yard work. Ask them what their favorite summer activities are.
- #5 Camp out in your backyard. Make s'mores, tell ghost stories, make flashlight shadow figures. If it starts to rain or the mosquitoes get too bad, don't worry — you're just steps away from the inside.
- #4 Go to a Baseball Game. Cardinals or Cubs or even try supporting our local baseball team, the Springfield Sliders. Nothing says summer like sitting on the bleachers, eating a hot dog and cheering on your favorite team.
- #3 Have a progressive BBQ with friends or family. Start with grilled appetizers at one backyard, progress to another house for some BBQ fixins and then end at the last backyard with something grilled for dessert.
- #2 Plan a scavenger hunt throughout town. Get everyone involved – kids, moms, dads, neighbors, even Grandmas and Grandpas. You'll have to be pretty organized for this event. Put clues together and drop of the treasures with people who are willing to be the treasure keepers. Then, assemble your groups and let the FUN begin. Make sure to include a disposable camera for each group so each group can record their treasure hunting experiences. These pictures are bound to be PRICELESS!
- #1 Visit Springfield Moms booth at Taste of Springfield in July. We have lots of crafts for the kids and other goodies to offer. Better yet … volunteer to help a shift. Can't wait to see you there!!!
Submitted by Springfield Moms Advisory Board member Allison Klint.
another thing to do is take a hike at Lincoln Memorial Gardens… do an outdoor scavenger hunt for natural items.