Our One-Week Summer Challenge: Five Days of Simple Family Adventures
Steffani Baty
7/16/20263 min read
The thought of summer break can feel a little overwhelming as a parent. The kids are home, the days suddenly feel much longer, and while they may be excited for vacation, we still have work, errands, laundry, meals to cook, and everything else that comes with everyday life. Before long, we start hearing those familiar words...
"I'm bored."
This summer, I wanted to challenge myself to see just how much fun our family could have in one week without spending a fortune. My goal wasn't to create a picture-perfect summer or fill every minute with entertainment. Instead, I wanted to prove that some of the best memories come from simple moments, a little creativity, and a willingness to explore what's already around us. So, welcome to our One-Week Summer Challenge!
At the end of the week, I'll come back and share how it all went. The highlights, the things I'd change, and whether this is something I'd recommend to other families.
Day 1: Visit a Local Petting Zoo
Our first adventure took us to Old McDebbie's Farm and Jim's U-Fish here in Washington. We actually found it by doing a simple Google search for petting zoos near us, which reminded me that there are often wonderful little places hiding right in our own communities.
The kids absolutely loved feeding the animals, walking alongside the goats, and seeing so many different farm animals up close. Watching their excitement for feeding the animals grow throughout the day was one of my favorite parts.
Beyond simply being fun, experiences like this help children develop an appreciation for animals, nature, and the world around them. It's a wonderful opportunity to slow down, ask questions, and experience something hands-on together.
Budget Tip: Search "petting zoo near me" or "family farms near me." Many small family-owned farms offer affordable admission and animal feed.
Day 2: Backyard Painting Party & Cozy Movie Night
This day was all about staying home while still making it feel special. We set up little painting stations outside with canvases, washable paint, cups of water, and a tray of fresh fruit for snacks. We turned on some fun music and let everyone paint whatever they wanted.
One of my favorite ideas was letting each child choose a place in the house to display their finished artwork afterward. It made them feel incredibly proud of what they created. That evening, we transformed our living room into a cozy movie theater with blankets, pillows, dim lighting, and everyone's favorite snacks.
If you really want to make it memorable, set up a little "concession stand" with popcorn, candy, drinks, and movie tickets. The kids will probably remember the setup just as much as the movie itself.
Day 3: Explore a Local Community Event
One of my favorite ways to discover new adventures is simply checking the Facebook Events page for our area. Every summer there seem to be farmers markets, outdoor concerts, festivals, library events, children's activities, and community celebrations happening nearby.
It's such an easy way to get out of the house while supporting local businesses and organizations. We've discovered several places we never would have known about otherwise. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you didn't even know existed.
Day 4: A Day at the Fair
County fairs hold such a special place in my heart.
Growing up in 4-H, I spent much of each year raising my animal and preparing for fair. Some of my favorite childhood memories are walking through the barns with friends, riding the carnival rides as the warm summer breeze rushed past us, and catching the sweet smell of funnel cakes drifting through the fairgrounds.
Now I get to experience those same traditions through my children's eyes. Whether your local fair has animals, rides, exhibits, live music, or delicious food, it's one of those timeless summer traditions that creates memories you'll talk about for years.
Day 5: Backyard Olympic Games
For our final day, we're bringing the fun home with our own Backyard Olympics.
Some of the games we're planning include:
Water balloon toss
Sack race
Egg-on-a-spoon race
Obstacle course
Three-legged race
Relay races
To finish everything off, we'll hand out homemade medals and celebrate everyone's participation. It doesn't have to be competitive. The goal is simply to laugh together, get outside, and make one last great memory before our challenge comes to an end.
Final Thoughts
This week is all about finding creative ways to connect as a family and truly enjoy the time we have together. It's about shifting our mindset from "Ugh... summer break." to "Yay... summer!"
Sometimes all it takes is a little intention to turn an ordinary day into a memory your children will carry with them for years. These little adventures aren't just for the kids, either. They've reminded me how important it is for us as adults to slow down, laugh a little more, and reconnect with our own inner child.
I'm excited to see what this week brings, and even more excited to come back and share how it all went! The fun moments, the challenges, and the memories we made along the way.
Here's to a summer filled with simple adventures, lots of laughter, and making the most of the time we have together.