Making memories: 4 fun, simple summer outings for your whole family
(BPT) - Summer is a time for making family memories, and that doesn't need to be different this season even if some of the destinations on your agenda are now inaccessible due to social distancing guidelines.
Fortunately, there’s plenty of fun, joy and activity to be had this summer while still following health and safety regulations and recommendations. The shining sun, the warm weather, your favorite summertime foods and many of your most treasured summertime activities are still available for your enjoyment. And nearly any activity that involves laughter, a lighthearted mood and a sense of togetherness can create happy memories.
Let’s ride
These days bike riding can be enjoyed at most every age and stage of life, whether your group includes infants in bike trailers, toddlers on training wheels, teens on touring bikes or seniors cruising comfortably on recumbents. Most cities also offer a network of bike trails you can traverse at your leisure, usually marked by areas of natural beauty and/or fun destinations like ice cream stands. Check out a few maps of what your city has to offer and plan routes based on your available time, family members’ energy levels and weather forecasts.
Give yourself a break and leave the cooking to someone else
Noodles & Company is your ideal destination for tasty, nutritious, affordable and convenient meals this summer, and as the undeniable mac expert, it’s where you can find fan-favorite mac & cheese. Whether taking advantage of delivery, quick-pickup or curbside pick-up available at 382 locations, Noodles has the entire family’s fix covered. From lighter options like Zoodles, Caulifloodles, and gluten-sensitive pipette shells, to adding extra veggies or protein to any dish, there’s an endless supply of customizations and substitutions available. In celebration of National Mac & Cheese Day on July 14, Noodles is welcoming the latest mac variety to the menu: the deliciously savory Ham & Gruyere, which features Black Forest Ham paired with creamy Gruyere cheese, topped with fresh green onions and toasted-to-perfection breadcrumbs (simply remove the breadcrumbs and swap in Zoodles or the pipette shells for a gluten-friendly option!).
The whole family can get excited about this one. Noodles is inviting Rewards members to enjoy free mac & cheese dishes from July 14 to July 17. On Tuesday, July 14, Rewards members will receive a free small bowl of Noodles’ world-famous Wisconsin Mac & Cheese with the purchase of a regular entree. From Wednesday, July 15, to Friday, July 17, Rewards members will receive an offer for a free small bowl of a gourmet mac and cheese on their next visit with the purchase of any regular entree, starting with tender BBQ Pork Mac on Wednesday, spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac on Thursday and the new Ham & Gruyere on Friday. Plus, all guests can score free delivery on any order through Friday, July 17, making safe and convenient home dining easier than ever.
Water, water, everywhere
Nothing says summer like loading up your van for a trip to the local beach, water park, splash pad or public swimming pool. But if your favorite venues are closed for the season, there’s no reason you can’t play in the water in your own backyard, community space or even driveway. Encourage outdoor fun and mischief on your hottest summer days by filling up the kiddie pool, lining up the Slip 'N Slide, setting up the sprinkler, investing in top-notch squirt guns and/or preparing a slew of water balloons for a good old-fashioned toss competition-turned-battle.
Get crafty
There’s a reason crafts are one of the most popular activities at summer camp, and that’s because they're a low-pressure way of bringing out everyone's creative side. Whip up your own craft studio from the comfort of home and lead fun activities like painting rocks, creating dioramas, making ice pop stick trinket boxes or braiding lanyards. You’re only limited by your imagination and the plethora of craft ideas you can find online!
The scope of places you can visit this summer may be limited, but that shouldn’t stop you from creating fun and safe times with your family. Take time now to plan a memorable family outing before the dog days of summer slip away.