As a kid I never really understood how much planning my mom did each summer for our family. I never saw all the hard, behind-the-scene work she did to make to make each summer season a blast. It wasn’t until I became a mom that I learned. While summer is a never-ending-fun-fest for kids, it can be a stressful season for us moms as we scramble to find things for the kiddos to do while still being mindful of the bank account. That’s why a local vacation is perfect! Entertain the kids and yourself, keep your sanity, and build family memories all at a great price! Here are a few ideas to try this year from your friends at GameTruck.

Do some Nature classes!

National parks are a great summer idea especially if there’s one in your area. Many times they will offer free or very affordable classes and experiences. Kids can learn about various nature topics up close and personal from petting snakes to learning about foliage to the importance of conservation.

Try something unique to your town for a local vacation!

Is your community, village, town, or county known for something? If you if you’ve never tried it, then do it together as a family. For example one place that my family lived in had historic murals painted on the flood walls that depicted Ohio history. The artwork highlighted things that were unique and special to that Rivertown. In another place our town was home to Ohio’s oldest brewery, so as a family we ate there for the first time one summer. Maybe you live in a city that is known for a historic sporting stadium? See if you can attend a local game there. Maybe your county is known for its natural parks or monuments? Take a family trip to go see them.

Go to a Children’s museum for a local vacation

Children’s museums are a great opportunity for students to explore and express their creativity in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). They offer opportunities for sensory development and growth for children. Kids will have a blast playing and learning at the same time with other children. Most children’s museums are very affordable with all day passes and offer activities from painting to water tables to imaginative play.

Start a new family evening or once a week tradition!

Start a tradition that is unique and special to your family. For example with my family when Pokémon go was a big thing, we would go on family walks in the historic district of our town to catch Pokémon. It was an awesome time! The kids got to learn about local history, get exercise, and play Pokémon go with each other. Our family still talks about that summer to this day!

Celebrate art and music as part of your local vacation!

Check with your local community center to see what types of events that are going to be offered this season. Support local artists, musicians, and fans. Sometimes communities will put on free concerts for families to attend. Others will do artist alleys where families can tour paintings and drawings from local artists. These types of activities can introduce kids to different types of creative expression at a free or very affordable cost.

Local vacations are an awesome way to connect with your family and create new memories at a price that makes even the wallet smile. Try one, all, or customize this list for your family this summer to grow closer together with new experiences!

Need Father’s Day ideas ASAP? The Road-trip Captain. Loudest Parent Cheerleader. Fruit Snack Dispenser. Monster Patrol Commander. Unofficial Game Referee. Dad fulfills so many roles within the family, and they have a special place in our hearts. With all that he does, you want to create an awesome, memorable day to show him just how much you love and appreciate him, but maybe you’re struggling with what to do? Are you needing a cool new idea to surprise him? Here are five ideas from your friends at Game Truck to remind dad just how much he means to you.

1. Escape Room

Wanting to test dad‘s deductive skills? Then an escape room is for you! With so many different themes and missions, escape rooms can appeal to people of all interests. From spy themes to pirates to spooky, many venues offer various types of rooms for about $20-$25 a person. Escape rooms are a great way to build funny and fun memories while working on your teamwork skills as a family. If you’re more competitive, you can race the clock to see how fast you can beat the room and if you can beat the record.

2. Ax Throwing

Unleash the wild fun with this idea! Who doesn’t love throwing wooden sticks with blades at a target? Take dad to an ax throwing venue. This idea would pair great with dinner either before or afterwards. 

3. GameTruck Party for Dads

Wanting a low-stress, no-clean up celebration idea that speaks to Dad? Try a GameTruck party! With over 200 games, he will find one that speaks to him. From new releases to retro, we offer excitement for up to 18 people at a time! This is a great party idea for big or multiple families to play together and create memories with dad doing something he loves with no clean up or stress for Mom. Click here to schedule your GameTruck Party. 

4. A Memory Journal

This idea requires a little bit more prep time, but it’s sure to be a heartfelt gift for dad. Have your kids, friends, and/or family great things that they appreciate about him. Be sure to leave a special note from yourself in there as well. Things to include in your journal could be letters, pictures, drawings, or small mementos. This journal will help dad feel loved and appreciated and make a great lifelong gift for him to cherish.

5. The Dad Dundies

Is Dad an Office man? Then this idea will be perfect for him! Get a couple of families together to host the Dad Dundies! The categories can be based on inside jokes from each family. Have the kids help create these great awards that have inside jokes or stories related to your family. When he receives his trophy be sure to share the funny story or joke with everyone  for some fun times and laughter together.

1. Additional Note: Trophies can be drawn on paper, items created by kids, or for a more realistic feel, Amazon sells cheap gold statue awards online that are unmarked.

Dads come in all shapes and sizes and hold a special place in our hearts. No matter how you choose to celebrate Father’s Day this year, let him know he is loved and appreciated. If you choose to do something on this list, tag us on social media at GameTruck!

Check out GameTruck for your next party!

Check out more blogs like this here!

While the warmth of summer can be a blessing, sometimes it just gets unbearable, leaving everyone trapped inside. This can lead to boredom, feeling antsy, and kids having lots of energy to burn off with no outlet to do so. As summer approaches, it doesn’t hurt to have an “emergency activity” prepared for these types of days to save yourself from the insanity. Take a look at our GameTruck approved list of indoor activities for when it’s too hot outside. 

1. Spy/Superhero Training Course

From Laser Limbo to Balloon Crawl to ladder drills, a training course is the ultimate way to release that energy for kids. With a little bit of prep and money for cheap materials, this idea can help entertain the kids for hours. You could include things like Laser Limbo made from streamers, a balloon crawl under the table with balloons hanging down, various ladder drills made from painters tape on the carpet, cones for agility training, and so many other ideas! 

2. GameTruck Party

Let us help you save the day from boredom with a video game party! Grab some mom friends and have a ladies’ day while the kids have a blast with over 200 games to choose from! The kids get to create awesome memories with their friends, while you enjoy the quiet in any way you like with no stress or clean up. Click Here to find your local GameTruck franchise.

3. Have a Fort Building Contest

Customize this idea by either having kids challenge one another or by doing it as a family. Create categories by which to judge the fort(s). 

4. Fitness Fun

No gym membership? No problem! Find tons of free kid-focused workout routines online with Google, Pinterest, or Youtube. They get to burn off that energy while learning about a healthy lifestyle. 

5. Make Smoothies

Grab some fresh fruit, veggies, and the blender for some healthy food fun. Try a recipe or two that you’ve never made before or get adventurous and make your own! Vote on which is your favorite and share it online with your friends and family. 

6. Do an Art or Science Kit

Learning can and should be fun! Grab an art or science kit that you know your child will love and do it with them. These kits can be found online or in most stores. Go on a learning or creative journey with your kid to learn right alongside them. 

7. Make a Non-Dairy Treat

Since June is Non-Dairy Month, google and make a non-dairy treat to enjoy together. Don’t worry if it doesn’t turn out Pinterest Perfect. Memories are what truly matter.  

9.Write a Letter to Someone

Everyone loves receiving stuff in the mail – except bills. Your kids can learn a lost skill and brighten a relative’s or friend’s day by writing and mailing a letter to someone.  

10. Karaoke

Have a Singing Competition with Karaoke! This idea can be done with little or no prep and is super customizable! It can be done with or without a Karaoke machine. If you don’t have one, pull up Youtube and find the lyrics to the song. You could select song genres or categories to add more challenges to the competition. 

1. Additional Note: If the kids need to burn a bit more energy, add a dance element to the competition to get them moving and grooving. 

The summer sun can be a blessing and a curse at the same time, but don’t let those hot temperatures keep your family from having an awesome summer! Try an idea off our list, customize it, and beat the boredom! 

Find more GameTruck Blogs here!