The expression the lazy, hazy days of summer does not seem to exist at my house! While there are times I long to swing in a hammock with a freshly squeeze lemonade my summers like so many are spent getting outside and getting active with my children. We love to get our hands dirty, work up a sweat, learn, explore and play. From organized activities to free play we are loving the chance to be outdoors enjoying all that summer has to offer. We’ve gathered our favourite activities of ways your family can play this summer.
Organized Sports
Whether it be a sports camp or a local team/league getting my boys involved in team sports is an important part of growing up. I love the lessons they learn from their teammates and coaches and appreciate scheduled active time. Â Watching their skills develop throughout the season is so exciting. Plus, with lots of programs available to help subsidize the costs there are opportunities for everyone in our community to get involved.
Backyard Play
Many hours in each day are spent in our backyard digging, exploring, building and constructing. With two active boys our gravel driveway also doubles as a gravel pit/construction site where tremendous imaginative exploration happens.
Rainy Day Creations
Unfortunately not all summer days can be sunny and that’s when the rainy day back up plans come into fruition. Whether we are baking, creating race tracks or doing crafts we are always busy playing. Â We recently painted these bird houses which was a fun activity and beautiful additions to our outdoor living space.
Getting Active With Your Pets
Summer is a perfect time to get your furry family members involved in play. Whether it is throwing a ball of fetch, a long walk on a new trail, or frisbee in the backyard your pets love to play as much as your kids do. Our Jackson is happiest when we are all outside being active.
Beach Time
What would summer be without the beach? My boys love beach time and we are lucky to have so many free beaches available to us. If you do not have one close check out Provincial Parks, or enjoy swimming at your local pool (or a neighbors). Learning to swim is an essential skill for life and there is nothing more fun that water play on a hot summer’s day.
Show how you play with the Canadian Tire #WannaPlay Challenge
Canadian Tire invites you to share a photo or video inspiring Canadians to get active. Follow Canadian Tire on Twitter  engage with the daily challenges and upload your photo or video to Twitter or Instagram tagging @CanadianTire and #WannaPlay
To read the rules and regulations of the 30 Day #WannaPlay Challenge read them here.
What ways do you play as a family?
Our main outdoor family activity is playing fetch in the back yard. We have three kids, and they all have paws!
Jennifer recently posted..Eli+Elvis – A Modern Kids Clothing Line Giveaway
We spend most of the summer at the beach. We are total beach bums!
We’ve been having an awesome time exploring Florida all summer. We moved down in the early spring, and it’s been amazing.
Dawn recently posted..The Secret to the Juiciest Cheeseburgers {Safeway & Best Foods Sweeps}
This summer my son joined his first soccer league. Other than that we spend time at the pool to cool off and also at the local park so he can burn off his energy. This mama needs a break from time-to-time from all of his energy, haha.
I love spending time together with my family. We go to the beach a lot and walk in the woods too. It is the best way to unplug!
Jeanette recently posted..Tips for Choosing the Perfect Back to School Shoes
My kids really love the beach so much! They could spend hours there playing in the sand!
Amy recently posted..Better For You Zucchini Banana Muffins: The Perfect Picnic Addition
rainy day creations are bestest
I love the idea of painting the birdhouses. That is a great idea!
We’ve done all these except the rainy day activities. We just use those days for wet outdoor play!
Sarah @ Must Have Mom recently posted..14 Day Detox FitTea Review #FitTea
I like the rainy day creations ideas! Painting things sounds like fun.
We have been doing a lot of outdoor play with the kids this summer. They are finally getting big enough to go for longer hikes and bike rides.
Nicole B recently posted..How to Make a Snack Station For Kids
We love doing out door activities as much as we can. The water park is always a fun way to keep cool and have fun. Rainy days are always an arts and crafts day.
Tammy Roy recently posted..So I Don’t Forget
I love being outside in the summer. Looks like your boys are having a blast this summer, and are very active.
Tammilee TIps recently posted..10 Kitchen Cleaning Tips you can really use
Yes! So active. We have quiet time too but mostly just busy outside!
Love the non screen options! Great list!
Sabrina recently posted..Richest, Cheesiest, Crispy Mashed Potatoes
i love how involved they look when working together. thanks for sharing.
dawn recently posted..THE 2016 LINCOLN MKX ELEVATES THE PERSONALIZED LISTENING EXPERIENCE! #REVEL
Yes they are absolutely in tune with each other all the time!
My daughter and I painted birdhouses the other day. So much fun
Krista recently posted..New Coupons!!
I grew up near the beach, but my kids haven’t been yet. I am really hoping to get them there this summer before school starts!