Last week, I saw them stocking the back-to-school aisles at a local store. Families are counting down the last few days of summer. Here are ten free or almost free family fun ideas to celebrate God’s world and learning about Him.

1. Visit a zoo. Have each family member tell about their favorite animal in God’s creation. Be sure to visit that animal at the zoo.
2. Have a picnic with only foods that God created, nothing processed. Consider whole foods such as fresh fruits, veggies, milk, juice, and water.
3. Invite the family to a Bible memory verse challenge. Divide the family into two teams. Plan a daily time for reciting memory verses. Keep a tally of the verses memorized by each team.
4. Enjoy a day in the water. Whether it is at the beach or in a pool, thank God for His provision of such a relaxing form of entertainment.
5. Attend a family Vacation Bible School program.
6. Plan a summer treat after church. Snow cones and ice cream are great during the summer and lend themselves to wonderful family memories.
7. Begin a new devotional routine.
8. Make a paper chain for the number of days left before school starts. Write a Bible verse that affirms the child’s place in God’s kingdom on each loop. Every day remove one of the loops and ask a child to read the verse aloud.
9. Print copies of some family fun times from the summer. Write a short note to the child, reminding her of your love for her. Save the picture-notes for lunch boxes in the fall.
10. Have a PJs day. Plan board games, read, eat special snacks, and enjoy your time together. No one says that all the fun is limited to snow days.

What would you add to the almost free summer fun list? How will your family celebrate the end of summer, God’s wonderful world, and your love for each other?

Carol