Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to start gearing up for endless days of sun, fun, and relaxation. Whether you’re planning backyard barbecues, beach days, or outdoor movie nights, having the right essentials on hand can make all the difference. Here’s your ultimate Summer Prep Kit, filled with some of my favorite things to make the most of the season.
This blog post is about my summer prep kit.
Foods to Enjoy
Summer calls for light and refreshing dishes. Plus a ton of delicious bbq to go with it.
- Cold Pasta Salad: A refreshing and filling dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a light summer meal.
- BBQ Essentials: Fire up the grill and indulge in all your favorite BBQ classics, from juicy burgers to tender ribs.
- Ice Cream and Popsicles: Cool off on hot summer days with scoops of creamy ice cream or fruity popsicles. Don’t forget the fun of making your own options at home! You can also explore your city for new and different frozen treat restaurants.
- S’mores: Gather around the campfire and enjoy the classic combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and gooey marshmallows. Add fun extras like peanut butter cups, chocolate mints, or cookies.
- Refreshing Drinks: Beat the heat with icy beverages like your favorite iced coffee or iced tea, perfect for sipping on lazy summer afternoons. I love having fun cups and glasses to enjoy my favorite drinks.
Activities
I’m not a fan of summer crowds so we tend to stay away from the big attractions.
- Outdoor Movie Night: Set up a projector and screen in your backyard for a cozy outdoor movie experience under the stars. Don’t forget the movie snacks!
- Hiking or Outdoor Scavenger Hunts: Explore nature trails or local parks with a hiking adventure or a fun scavenger hunt for the whole family.
- Major League Baseball Games: Cheer on your favorite team and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime live at the ballpark.
- Tour Your Hometown: Rediscover the charm of your hometown. Explore new parks, restaurants, and local attractions.
- Summer Camp at Home: Recreate the nostalgia of summer camp with weekly themed activities and games.
- Block Parties: Bring your neighbors together for a festive block party filled with food, music, games. When I was a kid our street had these a few times a year and we always had the best time. I’m working on starting one on our current street!
- Summer Reading Challenge: Create a list of summer-themed books and challenge yourself to read a certain number of books before the end of summer. Grab our Jumbo Bookmarks for fun reading challenges for the whole family.
This blog post is about my summer prep kit.
Board Games
These games are perfect for outdoor play with family and friends.
- Giant Connect Four: Oversized fun for everyone! Challenge friends and family to a game of giant Connect Four in the backyard or at the park.
- Throw Throw Burrito: Dodgeball meets card games in this hilarious and action-packed game that’s sure to keep everyone entertained for hours.
- Reverse Charades: Reverse Charades is a twist on the classic game where teams act out words for one guesser. It’s fast-paced, collaborative, and guaranteed to keep everyone laughing.
- Telestrations: Telestrations is a fun party game combining Telephone and Pictionary. Players draw a word, pass the sketchbook, and guess the drawing until it returns to the original player. Fun for all ages.
Summer Reads
Here’s a few of my favorites that give me that play outside all-day summer feeling.
The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt: This book captures the essence of a carefree summer, with its adventurous spirit and the excitement of solving mysteries. The setting feels warm and inviting, drawing readers into a world of endless possibilities and unexpected discoveries.
Masterminds by Gordon Korman: Set in a seemingly perfect town, Masterminds has a summer vibe of freedom and exploration. The characters’ quest for truth and discovery mirrors the sense of adventure that comes with the summer months, making it a perfect read for the season.
The Wish by Nicholas Sparks: With its themes of hope, healing, and family, The Wish evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia that is reminiscent of lazy summer days spent with loved ones. The book’s setting and tone create a feeling of comfort and contentment, making it an ideal summer read.
The Wild and Free Family by Ainsley Arment: This book embodies the spirit of summer, with its focus on adventure, creativity, and outdoor exploration. It encourages families to embrace the freedom of the season and make the most of their time together, making it a perfect companion for the summer months.
The 39 Clues by Gordon Korman: The series exudes a thrilling summer vibe with its whirlwind global adventure, as Amy and Dan Cahill travel to exotic locations, unraveling historical mysteries and solving puzzles. The excitement of exploration and discovery, coupled with the high-stakes treasure hunt, makes it a perfect summer read. Each book in the series feels like a new adventure, much like the spontaneous experiences that define a memorable summer.
Summer Movies
When it comes to movies I like the classics. These films capture the essence of summer for me.
(Some movies may not be suitable for all ages. Please use your own discretion.)
- The Sandlot: Relive the nostalgia of childhood summers with this beloved coming-of-age classic about friendship, baseball, and adventure.
- Jaws: Dive into the suspense and thrills of summer with Steven Spielberg’s iconic thriller about a great white shark terrorizing a beach town.
- The Parent Trap: Double the fun with this heartwarming tale of twin sisters who reunite at summer camp and scheme to bring their divorced parents back together.
- Weekend at Bernie’s: Get ready for laughs with this quirky comedy about two friends who find themselves in hilarious and absurd situations during a summer weekend getaway.
- Caddyshack 2: Tee off for laughs with this cult classic comedy set at a summer country club, featuring unforgettable characters and outrageous antics.
Simple Decoration Ideas
- Seasonal Themed Tablecloths or Napkins: I love using bright and colorful themed paper products. Set the scene for summer gatherings or everyday meals with beach-themed tableware featuring seashells, starfish, and vibrant ocean hues.
- Outdoor String Lights: Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with twinkling string lights draped across your backyard or patio.
- Tiki Torches: Add a touch of tropical flair with tiki torches lining your outdoor space. These are perfect for our evening gatherings.
- Vibrant Fresh Flowers: Bring the beauty of summer indoors with colorful bouquets of fresh flowers to brighten up every room in your home.
This blog post is about my summer prep kit.
