Hey, mama! The countdown has begun to what we moms would all agree is one of our favorite times of the year - summer break! Long days, warm sun, little bare feet squishing in the cool green grass. Yes, summer is a lighter, more fun geared time of year. 

Rey to Z is dedicated to not only offering the cutest customizable baseball hats for kids but also providing a place for moms to get inspired and find information. This month, Rey to Z has tackled one of the biggest conundrums of parenthood…what to do with these cuties all summer to keep them entertained! Plan the best summer break ever with Rey to Z’s Ultimate NOT Bummer Summer Planning Guide!

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors and spend quality time with your cuties. There really is a gift in the longer days and early sunrises. The gift of time. The most precious gift of all. Make this summer one for the books. 

There are countless fun activities that you can do together, regardless of your budget. From exploring new places to enjoying old favorites, here are some ideas to get the fam out and make precious memories this summer. 

1. Visit a National Park: If you and the fam are regular explorers, it pays to purchase a National Park pass at the beginning of the season. Check out the National Park Service website for information on parks near you. The best thing about national parks is that they offer an endless supply of adventure. Camp, fish, hike, or even try something new. Get the kids fired up with a fun challenge. Plan a  “survival” challenge and teach the kids how to use a compass, build a basic shelter, splint an injury, or even how to start a fire (with adult supervision, of course.)   
2. Go on a Picnic: Pack a blanket, some fun finger foods, and maybe a surprise dessert for the kiddos, and have an al fresco meal somewhere pretty and relaxing. Bring along some sketchbooks and pencils and have a family drawing challenge, to see how you each draw the landscape differently. 
3. Attend a Summer Festival: Many cities and towns host summer festivals, a great way to experience local culture and traditions. From music and food festivals to arts and crafts fairs, there are plenty of events to choose from. Bonus fun: Get the whole fam matching Rey to Z hats to show off! Rey to Z has the cutest kid's baseball hats, monogrammed beanies, and even a baby baseball hat! Your cute fam will be the talk of the fair. (Don’t forget to snap some pics!) 
4. Have a Backyard BBQ: Gather your family and friends for a backyard BBQ. Grill up some burgers and hot dogs, and enjoy some refreshing drinks and desserts. Get the kids involved and make some fun appetizers or desserts. 
5. Visit a Water Park: Beat the heat and cool off at a waterpark. Many water parks offer attractions for all ages, including water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Don’t forget flip-flops - the pavement can burn little feet between rides. 
6. Explore a Museum: Summer is a great time to learn something new and explore the world around you. Museums offer a wide range of exhibits and activities, from science and history to art and culture. Have each kiddo tell the fam what their favorite thing that they learned was. Such a fun way to see what your littles are interested in. 
7. Go Camping: Camping is a great way to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. Set up a tent, build a campfire, and spend some quality time with your family in the great outdoors. Don’t forget the marshmallows to roast!
8. Take a Road Trip: Hit the open road and explore new destinations. Plan a road trip to a nearby city, national park, or beach. Have the kids help plan the trip. They can help map it out and research fun places to see while you’re there. Have a festive family planning night. Watch videos about the destination. Find out some interesting history. Create anticipation for the trip!
9. Visit an Amusement Park: Amusement parks are a great way to have some fun and create lasting memories with your family. From roller coasters and Ferris wheels to arcade games and carnival food, there's something for everyone. Don’t forget your Rey to Z custom baseball hats to protect you from the sun!
10. Go Fishing: Fishing is a relaxing and fun activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. Head to a nearby lake, river, or ocean and try your luck at catching some fish. The kids will love the thrill of having a fish on their line. 
11. Host a Movie Night: Set up a movie screen in your backyard and host a movie night with your family and friends. Serve some snacks and drinks, and enjoy a classic film or a new release under the stars. Too much fun. 
12. Play Sports: Sports are a great way to stay active and have fun. Organize a family game of basketball, soccer, or volleyball, or head to a local park and join a game.
13. Visit a Zoo: Zoos offer a fun and educational experience for all ages. See exotic animals from around the world and learn about their habitats and behaviors. Let each kiddo pick their favorite animal and make sure you take extra time to let them soak it all in, read interesting facts and observe their fave as long as they would like.  
14. Have a Beach Day: Pack up your beach towels, sunscreen, and snacks and head to a local beach. Build sandcastles, play in the water, and soak up the sun. Snap some pics of the fam in matching Rey to Z hats for perfect beach memories. 
15. Host a Game Night: Set up some board games or card games and invite your family and friends over for a game night. Serve some snacks and drinks and enjoy some friendly competition. Let each kiddo pick a game of their choice if you have time for several. 
16. Visit a Farm: Many farms offer tours and activities that allow you to learn about agriculture and get up close with farm animals. Your cuties will get to see where their food comes from, and get a taste of country life…the slower pace will be great for them. (Unless you already live in a rural area or on a farm…in which case, think about hosting your own tours!)  
17. Go Biking: Biking is a fun and healthy activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. Head to a local bike trail and explore for the day. 

We all know that family activities are important for bonding and creating core memories, but here are some benefits of family time that you may not have known about:

1. Stronger Family Bonds: Engaging in activities as a family can strengthen the bonds between your littles and even your bond as a family. It can create a sense of togetherness, help build trust and communication, and foster a sense of belonging.
2. Improved Physical Health: Many family activities involve physical activity, which can have numerous health benefits for kids. Exercise can help improve cardiovascular health, increase strength and endurance, and reduce the risk of obesity and other health problems.
3. Enhanced Mental Health: Participating in fun activities with family can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in kids. It can also boost their self-esteem and confidence, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
4. Increased Learning Opportunities: Family activities can provide a range of learning opportunities for kids. For example, visiting museums or historical sites can help broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Participating in outdoor activities can help foster a love of nature and an appreciation for the environment.
5. Better Academic Performance: Research has shown that kids who participate in extracurricular activities tend to perform better academically. This is because they learn valuable skills such as time management, organization, and teamwork, which can translate to improved academic performance.
6. Enhanced Social Skills: Family activities can help kids develop important social skills such as communication, cooperation, and empathy. It can also provide opportunities to make new friends and develop new interests.
7. Stronger Family Values: Participating in activities as a family can help reinforce important values such as teamwork, respect, and responsibility. It can also help instill a sense of tradition and family values that can be passed down from generation to generation.

There you have it! The ultimate guide to your summer vacation! These ideas are a great start for a totally NOT-bummer summer.  Bonus Idea: Make a fun, colorful summer bucket list with your babies and hang it up on the wall so you don’t forget to get out there and take it all in! Whatever you choose to do this summer, remember one thing…

”The days are long, but the years are short.” - Gretchen Ruben. 

Summer days may be long and tiring, but you only get 18 delicious summers with your kiddos. Soak it all in, mama.

Drippy popsicles and sticky hands. 

Playing outside until the sun goes down. 

Hearing “Watch, mom!” for the 100th time at the pool, and looking up to see your little one’s proud smile as they confidently ‘dive’ in. 

Pushing your babies on the swings. 

Those fleeting sunsets and easy-going cricket serenades. 

Summer is the time of year that feels like a warm, easy embrace with your oldest friend. Make this year your best summer yet!

Rey to Z has a message for you: 

We see you and we know you are doing your best. That’s why we do our best to provide every style you can imagine and make it customizable for you and your unique family. We also always offer 15% off your first order when you sign up for texts and free shipping on orders $60 or more. Also, if you love us as much as we love you, we offer a Refer a Friend program, you and your bestie both get $5 off your order.