No matter how hard we try to fight it, the hustle and bustle of fall is creeping into our daily lives. Alarm clocks are set and lunches packed. Backpacks are at the door, ready for kids as they head back to school. Fall is almost here along with pumpkin spice lattes and all the drama that goes with busy mornings and scheduled lives.
I, for one, am not ready to say goodbye to the lazy days of summer. The weather might be changing but I plan to keep my summer chill as long as I possibly can.
Here are 12 ideas to help you (and I) keep that summer feeling alive as we head into fall:
- Slow down. Spend a leisurely Saturday morning playing with the kids at home before grabbing a drink at a kid-friendly coffee shop. Take your time sipping your beverage while the kids enjoy a tasty treat.
- Take a hike. Get out in nature and seek out adventure. Hiking might be viewed as a summer activity but fall hiking is seriously the best. The weather is cooler and the crunch of fall leaves makes for a fun experience.
- Read. One of the joys of summer is unlimited time for reading. Keep this feeling alive through fall by making time for books. Head to the library and stock up on books for both you and your kids. Cozy up together either outside or on the couch and read books or magazines without guilt.
- Explore great playgrounds. Just because school is back in session doesn’t mean you can’t spend an afternoon at the park. Head to one as soon as the school bell rings and enjoy some unstructured time outside.
- Unplug. Put your phone in airplane mode and connect with those around you. Talk, snuggle and just be with your family while trying to resist the temptation to check your phone or watch TV. Unplug for an evening or even an entire weekend.
- Enjoy a leisurely picnic at one of the many great picnic locations around the city. Take a mini break from life, spread out your picnic blanket and enjoy time with your family and friends. Bonus: The mess stays outside and your dining area stays cleaner, just a bit longer. Eating outside is a pleasure that can be enjoyed far into fall.
- Make a music playlist. Open Spotify and make a heart-pumping music playlist with all your favorite summertime songs. Summer music can be light, whimsical and full of booty-shaking moves. Find pre-made summer playlists and add them to your favs. Blast them from your car speakers as you roll toward school drop-off with your windows rolled down.
- Pitch a tent in the backyard and set up a movie screen to enjoy weekend films under the starry sky. Pop up some popcorn and throw out extra blankets for neighbors who are guaranteed to stop by for an outdoor movie.
- Put your child in charge of the day. Let them decide what activities to do, what to eat for lunch and even when to go to bed. Sometimes the best way to chill is just letting someone else be in charge even if it means a late night or an afternoon spent doing silly things.
- Who says travel has to be saved for summer? The Oregon Coast or Washington islands are even more delightful in the fall when the weather still tends to be dry but the air has a crisp feeling to it. The coastal towns tend to be a little less crowded in the fall too, which make them even more delightful, and Astoria is a perfect four-season getaway.
- Take it outside. Take a meandering path to explore your neighborhood or a local park. Discovery Park or Carkeek Park make excellent places for wandering adventures.
- Be spontaneous. Summer is about spontaneity, doing what you want when you want. Why leave that behind just because summer has finished? Being spontaneous allows one to be more flexible and accommodating. When the time is right, accept a last-minute invitation, decide to head to your favorite coffee shop at the last minute or just go wherever your desires lead you. It’ll be unexpected and fun.
