I would venture to say that this will be my first summer with three kids. I have had one summer and a half with three, but one was an infant/toddler. So three kids? This is going to be interesting…
This is the first summer where little miss is able to participate in just about every activity the boys are and just try to stop her! This is also the summer that the boys are old enough to really appreciate some of the opportunities our area has to offer. Baby girl is along for the ride and full steam ahead.
Now I just have to plan it out before the summer passes me by.
My idea is to plan out several “field trips” sprinkled throughout the summer. We can get more accomplished if I plan and can plan around meals and naps. Of course there is always room for changes on the fly…
Here is my must try list so far (not in any particular order) and I hope to add even more…
- Historic OC by free trolley. We can hit The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, The Museum of the Oregon Territory, the McLoughlin House, Barclay House, and Ermatinger House all while riding a free trolley on wheels.
- Oregon Coast Aquarium
- Local Farms. I have two I plan to visit soon, C’est Naturelle Farms and Kruger’s Farm Market. One has a great CSA option I want to investigate and other has amazing berry picking!
- Visit Cooper Mountain Nature Park, a new 231 acre park we have yet to explore that looks like it has great naturalist and environmental education programs.
- Ride the Canby Ferry. What can I say, the kids love ferries!
- Ride the Portland Aerial Tram.
- Summer Reading Events at the local library. Our library has some really great program offerings this summer. From music to reptiles to puppet shows.
- Farmer’s Markets. We love exploring our local farmer’s markets and hope to try some new (organic) food this year.
- OMSI. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a family favorite. Even though we have been countless times, we always have a great time.
- Regal Free Family Film Festival. Kids love movies in the theater. I love that they are free.
- Hiking in the Mt. Hood National Forest. We hiked at Wildwood before and the kids loved the underwater fish viewing chamber.
- Visit the San Juan Islands. We are planning this for a family reunion anyway, but I really want to take the time to explore and enjoy our surroundings. That is one beautiful place.
The key to a successful summer bucket list is to pay attention to the interests and capabilities of you and your family members that will be joining you. Include places and things you know you will enjoy and a few that will be new. Keep it light and just have fun!
What will you include on your lists this summer?
