This story originally appeared on the Local Moms Network.
One thing about Gen Alpha is that they are busy—even in summer (maybe especially in summer). Sometimes that’s a *great* thing, especially as more moms are working full-time then they were in the 80s or 90s. So things like sleepaway and day camps are valuable childcare solutions—a win-win for parents and kids. .
But that doesn’t mean we’re not nostalgic for the summers of our childhoods—a little less scheduled, a little less screentime, and a lot more connection with our parents, siblings and family friends. Want to give that to your child? Here are 10 ways to have a retro-inspired summer:
Have Ice Cream – Often
Whether it’s a trip to the local ice cream truck, a visit to the local shop or making a sundae at home, ice cream is the flavor of summer. For a fun activity, make your own popsicles—we love Yummy Toddler Food’s How to Make Popsicles (Ultimate Guide). Pro tip: Order a cone or cup for yourself when you feel like it. Not only is it your summer, too, but it models a healthy relationship with food.
Make a Tie Dye Shirt
Tie-dying clothes is a classic summer activity, and their shirt (or hat, or shorts) will serve as a reminder of that day whenever they wear it. This Tie-Dye Party for 5 has non-toxic concentrated dyes for up to 30 projects and comes with projects ideas.
Camp in the Backyard
Spending a night toasting marshmallows, telling ghost stories with flashlights and sleeping in a tent.
Give them a (Little) More Freedom
It can feel hard to give kids the same kind of freedom you had. But small doses of freedom can give kids confidence. Whatever the small step is for your family will depend on your kids, their ages and where you live. Examples: include letting your child walk home from a friend’s or go into a store and buy something while you wait in the car.
Play Board Games
Eighties and 90s babies will remember the thrill of old school games like Operation, as well as the more cerebral Trivial Pursuit and competitive Monopoly.
Skip the Bath
In the 80s and 90s, baths seemed fewer and far between – and unless you live in an area with lots of ticks, you might let kids use the hose or the pool to rinse off a few times a week.
Get Offline
The key here isn’t to avoid screens entirely – but focus on in-person fun with friends and family. Some videos games? Movie night? Totally fine. But ditch the social media and get back to pre-Internet fun. Little kids will love Little Mermaid and An American Tail just as much as you did, and older ones will appreciate ET, Princess Bride and Back to the Future. Even tweens and teens will want to invite their friends to an Indiana Jones, Ferris Bueller and Gremlins marathon movie night.
Catch Fireflies
Trapping fireflies is a built-in core memory – staying up late, running around outside and getting up close and personal with nature. This Bug Habitat has everything you need to safely store and then release your catches. Order extra nets for friends.
Make a Bird Feeder
You don’t need elaborate materials for a classic 80s/90s summer craft! Simply take used popsicle sticks, roll them in peanut butter and birdseed, and you have an instant birdfeeder.
Have Lunch or Dinner Picnics
Eating outdoors in summer is a no-brainer – less cleanup and the kids will love it. Make it easy on yourself and keep it super simple with a blanket, sandwiches, and some fruit.
Spearhead a Block Party
The neighborhood block party was popular way before elaborate grad and birthday parties took over. You can get together with a few neighbors to plan, but key components include a mailbox invite, potluck style and a few games for the kids to play while parents enjoy refreshments and community.