It’s August, already? Well, summer moves fast. And — because what are parents if not memory makers for their kids? — it’s important to enjoy the bright days before things get hectic again. To spend a lot of time outside. To eat good food. To teach the kids how to catch a Frisbee, skip a stone, or spend a lazy afternoon in the sun (it is an art, after all). Here, you’ll find some inspiration to stop and stick your feet in the sprinkler.
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Get Weird with Your Summer Day Trips!
1. Visit a Heavy Industry Site
There was a time when a trip to a factory might have been part of a school curriculum. But the manufacturing industry is shrinking and, with it, interest in showing children where all the stuff their families buy comes from. This gives parents an opportunity. Manufacturers, understanding their place in the world, should be open to showing a kid around. Often, they’re looking to keep the future alive by showing kids how cool it is in a modern machine shop, on the manufacturing floor, or in the product testing and engineering areas.
2. A Waste Treatment Plant
Kids love poop. And pee. Because of this there is practically nothing better than seeing where all their poop and pee goes. This is one of those municipal spaces that are open to citizens dropping by (you’re paying for it after all) but doesn’t quite have the pull of the firehouse. Still, it’s a cool space, if not necessarily one filled with pretty fragrances.
3. A Brewery
There’s a lot of fascinating stuff that goes down in the process of making beer. There is heat and steam and grain. There are huge stainless-steel vessels. There are microbes working hard to make alcohol. It’s like alchemy, really. And that’s what your kid gets out of a brewery tour: a connection to history, a lesson in science and a better understanding of what you’re putting in your face every night. Is it bad they don’t get to enjoy the tasting part? Nah.
Here are a few more awesome, unconventional, educational day trip ideas.
Interested in starting a new tradition with your families? We recently asked a variety of dads about their favorite summer tradition to share with their kids, and there are some excellent options on the list. DIY family mini golf anyone?
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Itching to get away? The getaways here each offer all-inclusive packages complete with meals, activities, and structured programs for kids of all ages.
Want to Dominate Your Next Water Balloon Fight? Remember These Tactics
For Squads of 7 or More
The best tactical approach depends on the size of your force. If you have seven or more water warriors and an open battlefield, you’ll want to use volley fire — the same approach soldiers used during the Civil War. That means dividing into three units: throwers, re-suppliers, and water fillers. You’ll need at least four throwers, divided into two “ranks”. When you give the command of “Ready, aim, fire!” they lob their weapons. Then, they immediately run to the back of the line to reload while the second rank throws their balloons on command. And repeat. Just be sure to make the kids switch roles from time-to-time. Spending your summer as a supplier sucks.
For Squads of 7 or Less
If you have an army of fewer than seven, you must deploy the lean and mean tactics that make guerilla warfare so lethal. Never face an enemy in open battle. Instead, use speed, camouflage, and the element of surprise to carry out critical hits before vaporizing into hiding again. Hide and let the enemy come to you. And plant resupply crates: Arrive in the warzone early and plant secret stashes of ammo. After each sniper attack or ambush, stealthily re-arm yourself at the cache.
Here is some more expert water balloon advice to follow.
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Need an all-summer pair of swim trunks? Try the Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks from Bonobos. They come in 19 colors and patterns with three different lengths, from 5 to 9 inches, so you’re guaranteed to find one that fits your style. They have all the usual bells and whistles —drawstring on the waistband, mesh lining — but also a key catch and pockets.
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And it made me a more engaged dad.
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I refuse to play games that I don’t like. I know that sounds odd at first, so give me a second to explain.
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Have a question? Comment? Want to tell us a no-good terrible story? Or a helpful parenting tip? We want to hear from you (and yes, we may publish your response in an article or forthcoming newsletter).
Send your thoughts to [email protected].
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