I once read the now famous (and sometimes controversial) quote from Jessica Scott, “You only get 18 delicious summers with your kids. This is one of your 18. If that's not perspective, I don't know what is.” It resonated with me. I immediately set out to make sure that when my daughter returned to school in the fall, we had stories to tell and memories to cherish. And that continued each summer. This summer, that intention was magnified. Having just gotten married, lost my father (her grandfather), moved into a new home, and resigned from my job, I had more time and a bigger desire to spend quality time with her. And summer was the perfect time for that.

Planning Our Summer Activities

While we spent most days watching movies, reading books, and decorating our new home, I wanted to sprinkle those days with a little razzle-dazzle. Each week, we embarked on a new adventure, from quirky museums to sunny beach days. I’ll take you on a journey through our summer and give recommendations along the way!

When the weather started to warm up, I dived into planning mode. I found inspiration on Instagram and suggestions from TimeOut LA, saving and bookmarking anything that looked local and interesting. At the end of June, I calendared a mix of one-time, special outings and the usual summer activities that could fill our weeks with fun. My strategy was manageable and cost-effective: one outing per week, ensuring a balance between new experiences and our favorite go-to spots. Sometimes my daughter picked our destination, adding an extra layer of excitement to our plans. But often I’d keep it a surprise, reveling in her big eyes and gasps when we arrived.

A Mix of the Usual and Unusual

Here’s a breakdown of the types of outings we enjoyed, which might inspire you to create your summer (or warm weather or school break) adventure list:

1. Museums: We kicked off our summer with visits to the Museum of Illusions and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. These weren’t your typical museums filled with reading and observing; they were full of interactive exhibits and weird, wonderful facts that had us laughing and learning in equal parts. A visit to museums is an easy start. They stimulate curiosity and imagination and are often rather affordable.

2. Markets: Whether it’s food markets or street fairs, there’s always something new to taste or buy. The Torrance Farmer’s Market is our go-to food market for fresh fruit, delicious delicacies, and cold treats. Strolling through different markets can turn a regular afternoon into a treasure hunt, perfect for adding something special to any day.

3. Picnics: We love lazy afternoon picnics. Just a blanket, some Chick-Fil-A, and nature all around—perfect for quality mother-daughter time. We bring books, board games, and bracelet-making kits. Picnics are a simple pleasure that encourages relaxation, fun, and conversation.

4. Immersive Experiences: At Imaginarium 360, we were surrounded by stunning light and flower displays, making it feel like stepping into another whimsical world and providing beautiful photo backgrounds. For those looking for similar experiences, keep an eye out (via social media and city news outlets) for pop-up events that offer unique and temporary attractions—they can be pretty special.

5. Workplace Visits: We spent an afternoon visiting my husband at the high school he works at. He is a football coach, so we hung out on the sidelines for practices and scrimmages. While that is specific to us, you might consider visiting family and friends at their workplaces where possible, even if just for lunch. It's a wonderful way to show support, get out of the house, and even give children a glimpse into different careers.

6. Sports: My daughter is an avid volleyballer. While the volleyball season doesn’t take place over the summer, she wanted to play and sharpen her skills. She took volleyball classes, which not only kept her active but also helped her make new friends and build confidence. For kids who are athletes, summer is a great time to enhance their skills through private lessons or additional classes.

7. Beaches: There’s nothing like a day at the beach—building sandcastles, cooling off in the water, soaking up the sun, and just basking in the beauty of the ocean. Beach trips are a quintessential summer activity that never fails to delight and provide a refreshing escape from the heat. She and I went five times this summer!

As this summer break ends, I’m so grateful for each adventure and the memories we made. These outings were more than just activities. They were opportunities for her and me to talk, laugh, and deepen our bond. Each week brought something new and exciting, and I wouldn’t trade our one-on-one time for the world.

Curious about what our summer outings looked like or planning your own? Follow me on Instagram (@imlaurenmarie) for more snapshots of our adventures and tips on making the most out of your summer with your kids!

Let’s Connect!

I’d love to hear about your summer adventures too! Drop a comment below or connect with me on Instagram. Let’s share ideas so we can make every summer unforgettable!