I love the more relaxed pace of summer. But I also recall the cries of “I’m bored!” within the first week of summer vacation. Those summer days, though they sometimes seem to pass by in a mere blink, can also seem excruciatingly long like the miles stretching before you at the start of a long road trip. But planning some special, routine events into the summer helps provide structure and makes those endless days more manageable.

One of our favorite summer activities was Summer Movie Fun, which was sponsored by the largest movie theater chain in our state of Arizona. I’m betting your local theaters have a similar program. Here’s how ours works. For only seven dollars, you get to see ten movies rated G or PG, so they’re always kid friendly. You pick the theater you’ll attend and the day you’ll go each week and get a book of tickets for each person attending. All movies start at 9:45 a.m. If you want to take along an extra friend (adult or child) you can purchase another single ticket for only two dollars.

There’s usually a concession special, like a small popcorn, soda, and a mini candy bar for around four dollars. But we skip that. I go to the local warehouse store and buy a box of assorted candy bars and a case of drinks. Then I label a gallon-sized Zip-lock bag with each child’s name and let them choose a candy and a drink to go in their bag to take to the movie. It’s like concession shopping at home. And much cheaper.

I took my own kids to Summer Movie Fun when they were young, as well as my nieces. Now I take my grandchildren. But because there’s getting to be more of them than I can manage on such an outing, I’m thinking we’ll do our own SMF here at the house this summer using Redbox. I’ll pop popcorn and let them choose a special drink to go with it.

However it’s done, we always enjoy this special day of the week and we’re making memories that last a lifetime!

What special activities have you done with your kids or grandkids?