Spending time together as a family does not have to mean lofty summer vacations. There are plenty of activities for you and your family in your hometown and even in your own backyard. What’s important is the time you are spending together and having a little fun! Here are some ideas to get you started.

Movie and Pizza Night: This is a no-brainer! You may not get to communicate during the movie, but there will be lots to discuss over a hot pizza!

Eat Out: This doesn’t mean that you have to take the entire family to a restaurant, but instead, go outdoors. Plan a picnic or barbeque and have a family dinner under the stars.

Cook together: Pull the whole family together to create an entire meal. Help your kids break eggs or sprinkle in shredded cheese. This is guaranteed to inspire lots of laughs.

Garden: Kids love to dig holes! Use this to your advantage and have them help you plant a vegetable garden or pull out weeds. Enjoy the benefits of fresh air and fresh veggies, too!

Story Time: Visit your local library and allow your kids to pick out what books they’d like to read before bed time. Make going to bed a family event. Gather round and read stories together until the little ones doze off.