Mary Angel

(6/2024) Summer break is almost here, and the kids are chomping at the bit to be done with school for the year. Now what? Will this be the same old summer that they spend in the house watching television or will it be a summer to remember. Buckle up because this month we are going to talk about a fun, fun summer!

Speaking as a mom who has firsthand knowledge, our kids grow up way too fast. One day they are in diapers, then you are removing the training wheels from their bike, next it is time to shop for prom dresses. So, let’s think outside the box and make this a summer to remember. This can cost as little or as much money as you have or want to spend. I am a little creative, a little quirky, and a lot crazy so, thinking outside the box is my norm. Besides when you are married to a spur of the moment extrovert you have to be ready for anything.

For those of you who have kids that love the outdoors, we live in an area with a plethora of National Parks, not to mention local parks. You and your family could walk the Gettysburg Battlefields for days and still keep going. There is also Cunningham Falls/Catoctin Mountain, Strawberry Hill, and Woodsboro Park. Want to go on an adventure, jump in the car and search for covered bridges. Roddy Road Covered Bridge is a family favorite, as Loys Station. No matter where you are you can go into maps and search "covered bridges", and you will be surprised how many there are. Want something a little more competitive there is always go-carts or mini golf.

Is your family one that loves competitions, but maybe you don’t want to have to worry about the weather ruining your plans…how about taking a page from our family staycation and have your own family Olympics. Our Olympics consist of a combination of indoor and outdoor events and are the following, go-carts, mini golf, laser tag, axe throwing (note the age requirements), corn hole, darts, bowling, cup-pong, cookie decorating (with impartial judges), thrift store fashion show, horseshoes, Jackbox, and anything else we can come up with. You could add badminton, tennis, races, billiards, table tennis, or anything else your family enjoys. Make it fun, age appropriate and make sure everyone has a chance to take home the gold!

Maybe, you want something that will knock their socks off. Penn’s Cave has a cavern tour by boat ride. The ride is amazing and super informative, and in the middle of the ride you end up on a lake that is full of wildlife in a peaceful nature setting. The Museum of the Shenandoah has a museum, gardens, and hiking trails. The times we have been there they have had something for everyone, from a Norman Rockwell exhibit that was extensive to a endangered species fundraiser complete with life-sized animals made entirely of Legos.

If you have never been to Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, then you are missing out on an amazing theater experience that brings the Bible stories your kids grew up with to life. Lake Tobias is an animal park that you hop on an open-air bus to drive through. Be sure and buy some food before you get on the bus, as the animals love it. They also have a petting zoo section that I had to drag my little ones out of. Want something relaxing, yet exceptional, then try a ride. I am not talking about an amusement park ride, or a ride in the car, but rather a train ride on the Strasburg Railroad (and then cross the street to the train museum – unbelievable)! Already done the train ride? How about a trip upriver on the Pride of the Susquehanna. You can head to the top deck to feel the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair or go below and grab a soda at the counter. No matter how you choose to ride, it will be an amazing experience for the whole family.

This summer I am trying to plan something new and exciting for my family as I know they are all growing up way too fast and will sooner than I like be moving out as adults. I am frantically trying to make those memories that last a lifetime. I know there are so many things around us that can help me make those memories, it is simply finding them in time to schedule something before summer comes to an end. Maybe we will go to the Wolf Sanctuary of PA and stop by Stoudtburg Village (a village of German architecture) the same day. Might as well drive a little farther to Reading and head up the tallest hill in the city to see the view and the Pagoda.

If we are up for a long drive, we might go see Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water house and, on the way, home take a tour of the Johnstown Flood Museum (The Johnstown Inclined Plane will not reopen in 2024, so that is off the agenda…for now) and have lunch at Asiago’s and take in the breathtaking view of the city. Another long day trip might be to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, with a side trip to Benezette to see some elk. The sky is the limit for amazing sights to see.

Some of you may be wondering why I am focused on places outside of Maryland. I feel like activities in Maryland are the obvious choice for many of us, but I am looking for the out of the box ideas. Making memories that last a lifetime can be as simple as finding a new adventure. From simple to extravagant, free to expensive, or anything in between, making memories is a simple recipe. You, your family, and time is all that it takes. So, pack lunch and make it your mission to visit a new and different park every other weekend. Come up with a bunch of silly Olympic sports that your family would love. It doesn’t matter if they are all at home, or a combination of at home and away from home activities. Just make sure there is something for everyone. These can be all day excursions, or a couple of hours spent at an escape room.

Have everyone sit down with their calendars (or phones) and schedule some family time. Once it is on the calendar you will find it is more likely to happen. As long as you are all together and having fun, nothing else will matter. I hope you all have a great summer full of wonderful memories and lots of family time!

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