Family Fun

By Kathy Reilly, founder and CEO of Lifestyle Advisory

As August gets under way, there is a sense of urgency to make the most of the warm weather and take advantage of those final blissful beach (or lake) days. This is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your family and share some experiences that everyone will enjoy.

As inspiration, here are some of the things I will be doing with family and friends to enjoy August.

Say “Om” in the Outdoors
In virtually every town, there are outdoor yoga offerings. On the beach, in local parks, even in vineyards! Many local athleisure shops are setting up their own in-house studios and classes to bring people in store. Often these are free. A great way to feel connected to the outdoors!

Take the Earbuds Out
And listen to some live music! Pull up a blanket or folding lounge chair and take in the numerous free concerts taking place in parks and other municipal areas. Jazz, classical, or pop, there is usually a great lineup for all musical tastes and ages.

Film Al Fresco
More outdoor culture can be found in outdoor screenings held around town. From classic movies to funky indie films or funny family-friendly flicks, there are usually some great offerings to catch up on films you may have missed or rewatch some of your favorites. (Watching Jaws in summer is must-do!)

“Chill” at a Museum
A great way to get cultured and get cool all at the same time. Museums are ideal for overly hot, hazy days when all that will do is a highly air-conditioned museum. Check out the latest exhibit or revisit the permanent collection—there is always something new to discover. Our Reserved partner The Morgan Library has several great summer exhibits on view. Here is one I will be checking out this summer: http://www.themorgan.org/exhibitions/henry-james.

Day-tripping
Summer days when the kids are out of school are great for local road-tripping. Pack a lunch, some sunscreen, bug spray, and lots of water and head out to a local park for a day of exploration and fun.

Find a Food Truck
Food trucks seem to be very prevalent this summer. At beaches, at concerts, and just parked in easy-to-access areas, the food truck scene is omnipresent. Tacos, pizza, artisanal ice cream, gourmet burgers and hot dogs (truffle mac and cheese, anyone?!—everyone gets to pick their own treat and then head to the nearest blanket or picnic table and indulge.

Ready-Set-Race!
Get fit and give back. All sorts of runs and walks for various causes are happening during the summer. Round up your family and set some team giving/fund-raising goals. Be sure to take pictures at the finish line!

Go Back to the Land
As summer produce hits its peak, I virtually live at the farm stand and the various farmer's markets around town for all the just-picked offerings. Zucchini for great bread and fried chips, tomatoes for the omnipresent tomato and mozzarella salads and sweet white corn as often as I can get it. I also love the local offerings at the markets—local cheeses, spreads and olive oils. I let the offerings of the day dictate my summer entertaining! Kids love to go to the farmer’s market and pick out their favorites—it’s also a great opportunity for teaching and showing them about where their food comes from.

Get “Craft”-y
Support your local artisans and spruce up your home with some unique pieces at your local craft and art fairs. Tapestries, ceramics, photography, baskets, jewelry—I have found some beautiful things over the years that have lent a personalized touch to my home. It is also a great place to stock up on unique gifts for holidays and year-round occasions.

Sail Away/Power up
Nothing says summer to me like being on the water. If you are lucky enough to own a boat, you are probably on it every chance you get. Luckily for those who are not owners, you can either charter something at your local marina or check out some of the new “Uber” like on-demand charter services. We are gathering some friends and family this summer and chartering a catamaran for a Sunday sunset sail complete with chilled rosé and a cheese platter. My idea of heaven.

Snap-happy
Summer is ideal for Insta-worthy images. From lush hydrangeas to crashing waves and pinky orange sunsets, this is the time to capture snaps that can be your screen saver on dreary winter days! This is also a great time for family pics. Tousled beach hair and tanned limbs make for great pictures where everyone looks happy and relaxed! We have taken the same family photo every August for 10 years. It is fun to look back each year at the previous pictures to see all the kids growing up.

An Impromptu Trip
Gather the family for a last-minute weekend trip. A drive to the beach, mountains or a lake can be a great way to end the summer. Our partner Hotel Engine can help you find great deals on a place to stay. Check them out here. 

Get Spiffed up
August means back-to-school shopping! Time to transition from shorts and flip flops to more substantial clothing and footwear options. I still remember the thrill of going to the mall with my mother and father each August and picking out my new school shoes. I still love that new shoe leather smell!

Now, most of my shopping tends to be online. I don’t have the same family mall experience, but I do love the thrill of receiving packages! We have great back-to-school partners like Vineyard Vines that can help you put your best foot (and arm and leg) forward on that first day back to school or office and help you save while doing it.

We’d love to hear what you will be up to this August! Let us know what activity you are most looking forward to.

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