The start of summer is finally here and I couldn’t be more ready for this season to begin. This winter felt especially long, and even though I work fulltime, there’s just something about summer that feels lazy and carefree. There is so much fun stuff to do in the summer in Cleveland, so this year I’m putting together our first family summer bucket list. This is what’s in store for us this season:
Swim in a pool: We don’t have a pool, but we plan on getting pool passes to our local pool and I can’t wait to jump in. My son was born in late July last year, so he hasn’t been in a pool yet and I look forward to getting in the water with him.
Take a road trip: Summer weekends are made for trips. This summer, we have a visit to Chicago booked, and hopefully another long weekend out of town.
Watch an outdoor movie: We invested in a projector and screens during the first pandemic summer, and it was the best decision. Now that summer’s here, I can’t wait to sit outside with some snacks (maybe even s’mores!) and watch a summer movie. I’m thinking Free Willy and Sandlot are musts — what else should we add?
Go to the beach – and get in the water: How often do you get to the beach and just sit on a towel in the sand? That’s often me. But with kids who love the water, this summer I’m definitely going to play in the sand with them, and then wash off in the water.
Visit at least five different ice cream shops: Ice cream in the summer is a must. And I’m all about trying all of the ice cream shops nearby, or at least five. Some of our favorites include East Coast Custard, Mason’s, Dairy King, Honey Hut and Mitchell’s.
Try a new playground: Our family has gotten in somewhat of a playground rut lately, visiting the same ones all the time. I want to try some new ones, even if they’re not close to our home. Got any recommendations? Let me know. Bonus points if they have baby swings and are good for a preschooler and kindergartener.
Sign up for a summer reading program: I have fond memories of doing our local summer reading program growing up in New York. I loved the prizes and the end of summer ice cream party they always had. This year, I’m not only going to sign up both my kids to the local library program, but also me.
Enjoy live music, outside: Living in Northeast Ohio, we are so lucky to have Blossom Music Center so close. But living in the Heights, I’m excited to have Cain Park — I’ve never been and plan on attending a family-friendly outdoor concert this summer.
Eat (and drink) outdoors with the family: Going out to eat with three kids, including a baby, is a little more difficult these days, but there’s something about eating outside that makes it a little easier. So, all I want to do is go to a patio, drink a beer (or glass of wine) and hang out with my family.
Plan a play date: With my husband’s family living nearby and tons of cousins, and with three kids of our own, we admittedly don’t schedule many play dates. There’s no need — our kids entertain one another and if not, they have cousins nearby. But this summer, I’d love to plan a playdate for my kids, especially my son, so he can see some of his school friends and keep up the friendships even while classes aren’t in session.
Go to a Guardians game: I love baseball, especially in the summer. This summer, we plan on donning our new Guardians gear and packing up the three kids, plus baseball mitts, and watching a baseball game. My kids love the mascots, so I know we’ll have a great time.
What’s on your summer bucket list? Do you have any tips or suggestions to help me make sure we cross off everything on my list?