As we edge closer to the end of summer, it’s time to start thinking about the things you want to do with the time that you have left. With each new season we think about the things that we would like to do or accomplish. In the fall that might mean bonfires and camping, the winter could be for learning how to knit or spending time with family around the holidays. When we think about summer, there also a few ideas that come to mind. Let’s talk about a few of the Christian family activities you might want to enjoy with the second half of summer.
Summer is a time for exploration. Why limit that to just weekend excursions when you can spend this time stepping out in faith to take part in the incredible work that God is doing? The summer is full of opportunities for people of all ages to engage the mission field in a variety of ways. If you like working with kids, maybe consider teaching a class for Vacation Bible School or being a camp counselor. To learn how to share your faith, look for opportunities at home or across the globe where you can reach others with the gospel. You can also coach a youth sports team, take classes, or find a way to fill a need at your church.
While you can easily find something to do yourself, you might also find opportunities to serve together as a family. Maybe that means going on a mission trip together, serving in a community project of some kind, or simply inviting family friends to attend church functions with you. You decide which Christian family activities sound best for your group. There is a lot that can be done for the kingdom of God when a whole family decides to serve.
When’s the last time that you cracked open a good book? If you’re not already doing so, why not make reading the Bible one of your Christian family activities? This could be done by gathering together one or more nights a week to read aloud or by simply following the same reading plan and occasionally inspiring discussion around the dinner table.
On top of reading your Bible, you may want to think about other books that you can read this summer. We often think of books as “beach reads” this time of year and that’s certainly not a bad way to go. Catch up on last year’s biggest hits or read the latest books on fatherhood. By making one trip to your local bookstore you can find some great new reads for each member of the family. You don’t have to go for the biggest or most difficult-looking book. Find something that interests you because if you do anything less than that you’re probably not going to finish the book anyway. Challenge yourself with complex theology, read a book that’s going to put a fire in your heart for the gospel, or just take in some page-turning fiction. You can’t go wrong with so many great books out there.
Speaking of books, one of the best places to enjoy them this time of year is in the great outdoors. Why stay all wrapped up indoors when you get outside and maybe work on that tan while you dive into a great story? Depending on where you live, you may have a very short window for doing this kind of thing. Take advantage of the moment when it presents itself.
If you’re not much of a reader, don’t you worry. You can find so many things to do once you take the initiative to walk out that front door. Even within your own community you can probably find a lot of fun Christian family activities to enjoy. Is there a park near you? Take a frisbee, your dog, some fun Christian music, and a few snacks. Find trails in your area to hike. Ride your bikes together down a nearby path. If you have the space in your yard and need to entertain the kids for a while, grab some water balloons and a few high-powered squirt guns for some fun in the sun. We guarantee you that the local community is most likely going to have some great events lined up as well. Outdoor movies, food festivals, parades, and more are common summer activities. God has blessed us with a beautiful world, so let’s get out there and enjoy it. Just don’t forget to clean up after yourselves so that others can enjoy themselves too.
If you’d like to set your sights a little further out than a simple day in the sun, plan a family trip that fits in your budget. The United States is a large, diverse country that features a variety of landscapes, cultures, and more. You can experience so much without even applying for a passport. Depending on your time and resources, you can find a trip that works perfectly. For starters, you could go camping in one of our nation’s many state and national parks. If you want to be a little closer to civilization, try visiting some of the big cities like Nashville, Atlanta, Seattle, or San Diego.
You can also make visiting relatives a great option for Christian family activities. On top of being able to spend time with loved ones and perhaps introduce young children, trips to see family can also be less expensive if you can stay with them. Obviously you’re going to want to get that cleared beforehand because nobody wants a “Cousin Eddie at Christmas” situation developing. If it’s not too much trouble, this is a great way to travel and save a little money. Whether you go to see extended relatives or not, these trips are a wonderful opportunity to bond as a family and try something new.
For those of us with children, we know there can be a lot that goes into the start of a new school year. If your child is starting high school, college, or any other milestone year, it can be especially nerve-racking. Take some time over the next few weeks to pray over the coming year. You never know what situations will develop or what life is going to throw at you. It’s best to walk into the storm knowing that you’re fully prayed up. Even if you don’t have children, remember to pray each and every day for God’s wisdom and guidance. Adults may not be in school anymore, but we know that each season brings its own set of difficulties. Consider what might be coming your way and ask God to speak to you and to protect you.
Every season is a good time for Christian family activities. Think about what you might like to do with your time before life starts to get crazy again. One of the best Christian family activities out there is the K-LOVE Fan Awards. Bringing together the biggest names in Christian entertainment, it’s the ultimate fan experience. Find out how your family can be a part of it by clicking below.
We know that making travel plans for you and your family can be a bit of a hassle. That’s why we wrote our own Nashville Travel Guide to help you out. Tennessee’s state capital is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, so come see what all the fuss is about.
