Beech Tree News Network

Children have some long summer days ahead. And, I hope to help entertain the younger children in my family. So, I’ve been looking for fun family activities.

Family entertainment is readily available in our region. Some of the many attractions include: Beech Bend Park, Chaney’s Dairy Barn, Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, Jackson’s Orchard, Kentucky Down Under, Mammoth Cave National Park, the Louisville and Nashville Zoos, our state parks and water parks. Locally, the public library and the city park provide family entertainment opportunities. Additionally, movies are always good entertainment.

I asked family and friends what child-centered activity they would enjoy doing with a child or grandchild this summer. Their replies were:
•    Playing in the water.
•    Basketball or riding a bicycle.
•    Swimming.
•    Swimming.
•    I love building a homemade water slide and playing all day on it with my nieces and nephews.
•    Sitting on the porch and sharing stories with grandchildren about when you were little … sharing memories while making new memories with them.
•    My children are getting old enough now that I make a point to appreciate every activity we do together. This summer, I’m specifically looking forward to attending some theme parks and water parks with them.
•    Going to water parks to swim and ride water slides.
•    We plan on pretend eating sand cupcakes my granddaughter makes me in the sandbox, running through the water sprinkler, eating watermelon, pulling her in her wagon around the yard and swimming in our pool. Whatever we do is great as long as we are together.
•    Some kind of water park would be good – Holiday World would be in the plan.
•    Outside games, swimming, zoo, and amusement parks – anything that makes him laugh.
•    Going to a local theme park, Holiday World.
•    Read to and with them. Play games. Bake cookies. Take them to Bible School. Jigsaw puzzles. Play in the rain.
•    Swimming, riding roller coasters, and playing with pets.
•    Catching frogs.
•    Swimming, having days at home together, really just watching my daughter have fun, whether it’s with bubbles or riding her bike or running through the sprinklers.
•    I am looking forward to swimming, playing games, and pretty much doing whatever my daughter wants to do.

Wikipedia defines entertainment as “…a form of activity that holds the attention and interest of an audience, or gives pleasure and delight” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment). I find joy in watching my grandchildren’s summer activities. And, it’s my favorite time of year.