Start Summer Now

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

Don’t wait until the last minute to plan summer activities for the kids. One important tip for staying organized and stress-free is to be prepared. It will help you handle some of the many issues that pop up, and you will feel less stressed and more “on your game.” With that said, I want to share some of the ways I plan to keep my family entertained and having fun this summer with activities, day trips, outings, and learning opportunities (because I want my kids to be ready for their upcoming school year).  Let’s call this our “Summer Bucket List!”

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Take a trip to all the zoos in your area. A day of seeing, petting, and feeding animals would be a great experience.  Pack up a sack lunch and trek from Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo to the Delhi Safari Park.  

Camp in the backyard. Don’t forget the bonfire and S’mores! Make the experience a little less scary for the younger kids by bringing plenty of battery-operated candles to set out around the tent.  

Have a family movie night outside. Grab some cozy cushions and blankets and create a lovely outdoor setting that is perfect for snuggling and movie watching. If you don’t have a blank wall or blow- up movie screen, a simple white sheet will work just fine.  

Have a laser tag or Nerf gun war.  Most kids love laser tag, and it is fun for the adults, too!  

Have a “make the best pizza” party. Challenge each person in the family to make the best pizza; then have a taste test to see who wins!

DAY TRIPS

Shreveport, Louisiana – The Shreveport area has several fun things to do. We always enjoy Sci-Port Discovery Center, Gators and Friends Adventure Park, Holiday Lanes (experience glow-in-the-dark bowling), and the Shreveport Aquarium. 

Jackson, Mississippi – Start at the Jackson Zoo and then go to The Natural Science Museum where you can also take a 2.5 mile nature walk. Have a budding farmer in your family?  Visit the Ag Museum where you will learn all about the early cotton industry. Before leaving, have dinner at Char restaurant where the host gives magic shows!  

Vicksburg, Mississippi – There is so much cool history in Vicksburg.  Visit Vicksburg National Military Park where you can see the USS Cairo – an old iron gunboat. And, you can’t go to Vicksburg without going to the National Monument.  It is sitting on the battlefield where many soldiers lost their lives.  There are many places to picnic, ride bikes, and take leisurely walks, too. 

STAYCATIONS

There are so many great things to do and see right here in Northeast Louisiana, too. This list is just the tip of the iceberg.  Think outside of the box and come up with your own fun.  

The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum offers themed craft days and other fun activities on a regular basis.  Be sure to check in with them to see about their upcoming events.

The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo is a can’t miss for our area. How lucky are we to have such a great place? 

The Aviation Museum is super cool.  Check out the aircrafts that were used in both World Wars.

Biedenharn Museum & Gardens has a beautiful garden and is full of history.  Don’t forget to get one of the bottles of coke. They can’t be beat!

Restoration Park is perfect for those who like to walk in nature and enjoy beautiful scenery.  I can hear the birds now.

Kiroli Park is another great place to take the kids to play on numerous playgrounds, walk nature trails, and try their hand at fishing. They even have a new bird exhibit where guests can get up close and personal with the birds. There is a tennis court and dog park, as well.  

There is a great variety of fun and game places to take the kids, too.  Surge Entertainment, Altitude Jump Park, Bayou Bowl, Excalibur Family Fun Center, Spartan Adventure Park, and Skatetown, just to name a few.  

The Ouachita River is perfect for boating, fishing, and water skiing. When the water level is just right, you can find beaches to cook out and lounge on, as well.

Don’t forget about Poverty Point and Black Bayou, as well. Lots of nature and history in both.