School’s finally about to be out for children in Travelers Rest, which means tons more time to spend with the family. Whether you want to bring the kids out of town for a quick vacation or stay in town and spend quality time together at home, summer opens plenty of opportunities for learning, playing, and discovering new things together. If you don’t know how to make the most out of summertime with your little ones, here are five classic summer activities you should try as a family to make unforgettable memories.

- Go on a beach vacation
You can’t talk about summer without picturing the beach. It’s the perfect place to bring the kids for a few days to cool down and experience something they don’t usually see at home in Travelers Rest. Teach them how to swim and build sandcastles, and if you have downtime, relax and lounge by the shores to unwind, too.
Plan a trip to a beach town that is gorgeous but isn’t so crowded either, like Destin, FL. To make your vacay extra cozy and private, book a stunning vacation home from SkyRun Vacation Rentals Destin instead of splurging on a hotel.
2. Complete a summer reading list
School might be out, but learning doesn’t have to stop. A great way to keep your children’s minds sharp is by giving them a summer reading list for those slow days at home. As a fun bonding activity, head to a bookstore, like As the Page Turns, at the start of their vacation and let them pick out a few books to read in the coming weeks. You can reward them with a treat for every book they finish. It’s a terrific way to introduce them to a love of reading.
3. Teach the kids how to fish
If you want your kids to develop new life skills this summer, consider taking them to a fishing trip and teaching them how to bait a hook and reel in a catch. Not only is this a great family bonding activity, but it also teaches children patience and perseverance. Just remember to pack some sunscreen and bug spray before you head to your favorite lakes or rivers.
4. Camp in your backyard
If your kids want a bit of outdoor adventure but you want to keep them safe and warm at home, consider setting up a makeshift campsite for an overnight stay in your backyard. Give them the whole backyard camping shebang with tents, telescopes, sleeping bags, and a small fire where you can roast marshmallows and make delicious s’mores.
5. Cool down with refreshing homemade treats
When it’s extra hot out, the kids will probably want something cool and refreshing to beat the heat with. Make it more fun than just handing them a glass of water. Instead, gather the kids in the kitchen and teach them how to make easy summer treats, like fruit popsicles in the ice tray or homemade ice cream.
More time with the kids this summer means more chances to take them to new places or make home life extra fun. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows for s’mores in the backyard, reading your favorite book together, or taking them on a beach adventure of a lifetime, these classic summer bucket list items will make this school break one for the books and your family’s best one yet.