Summer Fun: Backyard Style
Summer is here which means no rushed mornings getting to school, no lunchboxes to pack, no rigid schedules, and lots more time in the sunshine. Of course there might still be camp, summer bucket list activities, vacations, etc., but school is out for summer and that means it’s playtime. And there is nothing my kids like more than summer fun: backyard style.
There is something about summertime that brings back such a nostalgic feel. My fondest memories of summer as a child revolve around backyard activities: swimming, picnicking, eating popsicles, hosting barbecues, playing on the swing set, and running in the sprinklers, to name a few. So on a recent sunny day, I set up the water table outside and my kids played and splashed their little hearts out. My daughter started dumping buckets of water on her head and cracking up. It was hilarious and such fun to see her pure, innocent joy. Childhood is such a good reminder to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. If you have young kids, a water table is a must for summer! My 4-year-old likes it just as much as my 1-year-old and it’s something they can enjoy together. Sometimes I add cups, slotted spoons, and bath toys to them as well. My kids could spend hours in the backyard playing with the water table, as long as there are snack breaks, of course.
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With that in mind, I put together a little “kids charcuterie board” for them. I got the idea from my friend Sarah and it has been a huge hit in our house. All you have to do is take a muffin tin, fill it with different snacks, and you’re good to go. You could even do it for dinner by filling the spots with heartier options like pasta, roasted veggies, sliced turkey, etc. I included some of my kids’ favorite snacks which are pretzel slims with hummus, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, cheddar cheese sticks, cantaloupe, and crunchy peas. You can get as creative as you want with it and the presentation turns eating into a fun activity. It’s a great way to get kids to try new foods, too!
Being outside often brings out children’s imaginations. It certainly does with my son. I could watch him pretend play all day and now that my daughter is getting older, it’s been really fun to watch him include her in his creative little world. Since we have a pool in our backyard, I’m sure as the kids get older the water table days will turn into pool days. But for now, I foresee the rest of our summer to include lots of water play, pretend play, swinging, sliding, “charcuterie boards,” and backyard fun. That is the plan for our summer fun: backyard style.
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Charcuterie Board Must Haves
Muffin Tin | The foundation of every kid snack tray is a simple muffin tin. Your kids won't be able to resist trying snacks from each of the muffin cups.
Cute Muffins Liners | Make your tray even more appealing with these fun muffin tin liners.
Beeswax Food Wrap | You're mid backyard playdate and the rain rolls in. #reallife. This adorable wax wrap is the perfect way to store an unfinished charcuterie board full of food. Throw it on and place the muffin tin in the fridge for the kids to finish later.
Veggie and Fruit Cutters | Do you struggle to get your kids their daily servings of fruit and veggies? Try slicing them into these fun shapes and see if that helps!
Fruit & Veggies | A Charcuterie board is the perfect way to encourage your kiddos to eat some healthier options throughout the day. Set the tray out and let the kids go to town!
Some Fun Snacks | A few of our favorites include: Annie's Bunny Grahams , Harvest Snaps , and Pretzel crisps.
Make sure to check out Hannah’s other post on Momma Society: A Spring Play Date for Earth Day
