At the risk of sounding older than I am, “back in my day” we used to spend hours outdoors. Playing with things we would find, and using our imaginations for endless hours of play! I will be the first to admit, that my child has grown up in the technology age. If I need a minute I don’t send them out into the backyard, I hand mine the iPad or turn on a movie. I know, guilty as charged. However this past week, we had a super windy day, I grabbed kites from the dollar store, threw them together and the girls and I went outside and spent several hours chasing kites and untangling strings! This got me thinking, what are some things from my childhood that I want to pass onto my kids? What summer memories are they going to look back on and cherish?
Here are our top 5 Summer Time Traditions to Carry on with Your Child
- Four Square. A simple game that can be played with 2, 3 or 4 people. The object is simple. Don’t miss the ball, keep it inside the square, and don’t let it bounce in your square more than once. This game provided hours of fun, the best part, you can pretty much set up shop anywhere! Grab some chalk and a bouncy rubber ball. Draw your own 4-Square and start a tournament! Even my 3 year old loves to get in the spirit of competition.
- Flying a Kite. I know I mentioned this in the beginning, but there is just something about constructing an object that will actually fly! We used to use trash bags and dowel rods. Even if you don’t make them yourselves, teaching the kids how to run and when to let out string and how to steer a kite is so satisfying. Definitely makes the top 5 list!
- Digging for Worms and Fishing. I know Nemo says “Fish are friends not food” but teaching little girls and boys that it’s ok to get dirty and learn about the world around us. Plus, I’m an advocate for learning some survival skills just in case! Catching that first fish, no matter how small, is one of the most proud moments I have had as a kid. Fishing taught me patience, taught me to be precise, and taught me that time to myself is valuable. Even if you didn’t fish as a child, it’s never to late to learn a new skill.
- Flashlight Tag. As a kid I remember my parents having bonfires and the kids would all get flashlights, and play flashlight tag once it got dark enough! Flashlight tag is essentially hide and go seek in the dark. If anyone is like me, it never fails I have to use the restroom EVERYTIME I just get into the perfect hiding spot. To make it easier for our little girls, we give the older kids glow sticks so the girls can find them a bit easier!
- I saved the best for last! Water balloon and Squirt Gun Fight! I won’t lie, my inner kid comes out when the water games come out! So I love to make a surprise out the water fights. I will fill balloons up before the kids wake up and put them in a cooler or bag outside. I fill up the kiddie pool full of water and dump all the squirt guns in, when they come outside for the day I cheat and get in a couple of balloons before they realize what hit them! It turns into the most hysterical fun afternoons, once we are out of “ammo” we grab popsicles and dry off in the sunlight! The perfect summer afternoon! {Stop by this post here for 7 more water play ideas!}
While I love all of these activities I still have to fit in lunch. Our go to fuel is Horizon’s Organic Mac-n-Cheese. While just the Mac-n-Cheese is a great gluten free lunch, I like to take it one step further and pre-make “Mac-n-Cheese Wantons”. These are a perfect grab and go lunch that the kids can eat with their fingers and stay playing if they desire!
You will need:
– Horizon Organic Mac-n-Cheese
– Butter
– Tomato
-Won-Ton Wrappers
– Coconut or Olive Oil for frying (these can also be baked)
This recipe is super simple. Follow the directions on side of the box of Horizon Mac-n-Cheese (We love the White Cheddar Cheese Blend). Once your Mac-n-Cheese is prepared, preheat your oil to about 375 degrees. Dice your tomato.
Now you ready to assemble your wantons. Take a wanton wrapper, and place about a tablespoon of Horizon Mac-n-Cheese onto the wrapper, along with a few diced tomatoes.
Wet all 4 sides of the won ton wrapper with water. Roll up the wanton, and the water will help seal the shell together. Once you have assembled all of your “Mac-n-Cheese Wantons” you can fry a few at a time until they are golden brown.
Once they are all done, let them cool, and Serve! We serve them with a couple of our favorite fruits!
If you loved these you should follow Horizon on Facebook and Twitter! They are always coming up with great new recipes and products! Another thing to think about while being outside all summer is hydration! Take a look at how to make this Fruit Infused Water with Horizon Gummy Snacks! Getting kids to drink water will be a breeze!
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This conversation is sponsored by Horizon. The opinions and text are all mine.
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