What’s a mom or dad to do to keep their child active and engaged over the summer when camp is not an option? That has been my challenge the past few years, but here is a list of my favorite activities close to the Nonahood that I’ve discovered over time that hopefully will keep you sane and your kids happy this summer.
Outside days:
- Pack a picnic for lunch in different locations (pool, beach, parks)
- Sidewalk chalk art
- Visit the local parks (Moss Park, Northlake Park, East Lake Park, Econ Park)
- Invite and get invited to different pools in the area
- Have some water fun in your backyard
- Splash pads (St. Cloud and Kissimmee lakefronts have great ones)
- Go in front of a lake and sketch the view
- Catch the Sunrail at Sand Lake station and ride to Winter Park, have a burger, do some shopping or take a boat ride and come back
- Visit Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge (10-minute drive to 10525 Clapp Simms Duda Rd.)
- Hike the trails of Split Oak State Forest (next to the Wildlife Refuge)
- For the little ones (0-5), contact Tiny Tumbles to join their playdates at Laureate Park: www.tinytumblesus.com/contact
- Party with friends at the pool (order pizza and a cake)
- Backyard games
Inside days:
- Roller Skating (Astro Skate – 866 S Goldenrod Rd. – $6-$8 depending the time you get in; skate rental $3-$5)
- Drive Shack (free game room) and ice cream on the rooftop
- Bowling (Three Point Bowling, 7470 Hoffner Ave.)
- Board games
- Create a family flag each year
- Waterford Lakes’ Chuck E. Cheese’s
- Find a class in the Orange County Public Library
- Summer Movie Express $1 Waterford Lakes or the Loop Regal every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. all summer
- Rock painting
- Visit Nemours fish tank (1,500-gallon fish tank located on the ground floor); have a snack in the cafeteria and walk the gardens outside
- Meet with friends at Yogurt Breeze (10727 Narcoossee Rd. #4); they have games for kids to play
- Take a tour at Wycliffe Discovery Center (11221 John Wycliffe Blvd.)
- Go to Canvas Market, play Jenga, Connect Four or Tic-Tac-Toe and have a yummy treat
One thing not allowed in our home is to say: “Mom, I’m bored!” And if they say it, ask them: “What do you think you can do about it?” And remember to have fun and enjoy it; we only have 18 summers with them.
