What Real Kids Want for a Not so Bummer Summer

Ever since the first commercial aired for the "Judy Moody Not So Bummer Summer" my daughters have wanted to see it. Just a few days ago we enjoyed the coolness of a dark theater, some popcorn and drinks while the girls learned what activities that Judy wanted to do that would make her summer "not such a bummer." But best laid plans and all that . . . Judy's best friends got off to a circus camp and Borneo and Judy is convinced that her summer will after all be a bummer. As we left the movie I wondered, "Do kids really want and expect this (the movie) from their summer vacation?" So I decided to find out; after all we moms don't want our children suffering through yet another bummer summer. What do kids really want for their summer vacation?

Musing through museums. Yes, believe it or not several children said they wanted to go to a museum that offered exhibits about their particular interest, whether it was The Health Museum of Houston's Star Wars exhibit to the "Little House on the Prairie" museum. Many art museums offer special classes for kids during the week (and for some they are even free) as well as story times.

Chilling at the movies. The movie producers know this, why else would they release movies like "Judy Moody's Not So Bummer Summer," "Cars 2," and "Kung Fu Panda 2" as the summer begins. Movie theaters know this too, because many of them like Regal and AMC offer discounted ticket days.

Gearing up for gadgets. The boys I spoke to were quick to say "more game time." Without school in the way they may be getting more time to play -- with their DS, Nintendo, PlayStation or Xbox.

Feeling the family. Did you know that kids really enjoy family time? My girls said that their not so bummer summer plans included family vacation time, family visits (with grandma, grandpa, and their college aged older siblings) more family game nights, more family movie nights and that they loved the chance to have a cuddle with mom in the mornings without the stress and rush of getting ready for school in the morning. WOW! I guess that means more things scheduled in the afternoon at our house, because guess what I like the cuddles too.

Expecting the unexpected. Yes, we have a summer schedule. . . well sort of. But that is part of the fun of the summer. We make plans but we also make plenty of time for the unexpected adventure wherever it may take us or even what it may result in at home.

Playing in the park. The summer time is a great time to just take the kids to the park and let them play. The swing is a popular choice with my kids. They get to run around, burn off some energy and do all the climbing, running, jumping and screaming that their little heart's desire.

Getting campy. Whether it is a full blown camping trip, over nights away from home or just camping in the family room with sleeping bags and smores from the grill kids love camping. Next time you need an idea to entertain your kids set up camp either indoors or outdoors. All it takes is a tent (if outdoors), some sleeping bags, story time, flashlights and smores. The kids will be in heaven, and you may like it too.

Water works for a not so bummer summer. This actually is the number one answer! From attending going to a water park, swim lessons, being on a swim team, going to the pool, splashing at a splash pad or even just the blow up pool in the backyard water works for making sure your kids have a not so bummer summer.

So there you have it. What real kids want to do for a real not so bummer summer. They aren't worrying about what their friends are doing or what they don't get to do. Kids keep it simple, maybe we parents can too and all of us can enjoy a "not so bummer summer" to remember.

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