It’s always a careful balance in the summer between having down time to hang out and relax and dealing with the “I’m bored” melodrama. In an effort to curb the summer blahs I try to organize flexible summer play groups.

First, I make a list of all of the fun activities in our area that are free. For example, our local Edwards movie theatre does a Family Movie Film Festival and shows older G- and PG-rated movies twice a week on summer mornings. We also hit the area pools, beaches, parks and hiking trails.

Other ideas of things that are free include the following: programs at the mall, concerts and plays in the park, library storytimes and craft activities, area park programs, movies under the stars, and Farmer’s Markets.

Once I have a good long list of options I compile a schedule of activities. You may want to limit the list to one activity per day or you can list all of the activities that are ongoing, even if they conflict with others, to give people more options.

Next, I compile a list of moms and their phone numbers who are available during the daytime and are interested in joining the summer festivities. I attach their names and numbers to the back of the activity schedule and put a magnet on the back so it can be placed on the fridge. These can be moms you know from playgroups, school, church or other organizations. It helps if the moms already know each other on a casual basis.

The idea is that moms on the list can call any and all of the other moms on the list to join them for an outing. Hopefully, the list serves as a calling tree and makes for an easy and accessible way to have everyone join in on the fun. This way you can still be flexible and go where the wind blows you but if you need to get out of the house and enjoy the sunshine you have ideas at your fingertips for what you can do for free in your area with other families.

Question: What is your favorite free summer activity in your area?