Summer is here and that either brings you pure joy or a tightness in your chest. Regardless if you are thrilled or apprehensive at the thought of mapping out what you’re going to do all summer, it’s going to happen and we’re here to help.
So, what better way to kick off the best time of year than making a summer bucket list? From simple to grand, gather the family to talk about what everyone - yes, everyone! - wants to do this summer. (And keep scrolling for a printable for your family to fill out and keep on the fridge!) Here’s a short list of what we have on our radar and to get your wheels spinning:
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COOK! Find a recipe to try + go to the Farmers Market to source your ingredients and make a meal. Here is a great resource if you are cooking with littles and bigs.
READ! Okay, this could be a whoooollle post but reading is always a good idea - ahem, quiet time, sign us up. The Napa Library should be on your radar for all of your summer reading (and much more!) Their story time is back for littles, they are hosting a summer reading challenge for all kids - prizes included - and your new readers can continue to practice by reading to a pup - there are soooo many ways to check reading off your list, and in a fun way. Plus, you can always just pop in and grab a book to borrow to keep the home book shelf fresh.
And don’t forget to check Napa Bookmine and Copperfields if you find a book you have to keep. (and P.P.S. - if you’re looking for a good book for yourself, we cannot recommend Elyse at Wild Plum Books’ Substack enough. She also is curating some great summer reading lists on her Instagram!)
GROW! Make your way to Van Windens or the American Canyon Nursery to pick out your very own plants to take care of this summer. Tomatoes to peppers, sunflowers or herbs, there is nothing like understanding the time and care it takes to nurture a plant. And why we as parents care so much about *not wasting* food.
CRAFT! We’re fans of finding ways to create and make at home. But don’t forget about Guild Napa, The Art Nest, and Juniper Station’s Sunday Series for the hands that want to create. We are also anxiously awaiting what Arden Road will be cooking up when they officially open their brick and mortar. Keep your eyes on Kids Yoga Club of Napa as they are starting to host some fun events that combine yoga and creating in Nature. (Of course there are big box craft stores in town with all the supplies and ideas if you need an excursion to get some more ideas)
CLEAN! out + organize . . . a closet, toys, garage, etc etc. We’re working on a round up of all the places to take said cleaned out items. Keep your eyes peeled. If they are old enough, time to give them a few tasks and put them to work!
SHARE! your time. What better way to spend your time this summer than volunteering at a local organization and giving back to our community. You can volunteer with Napa County at one of their parks or get involved with some organized sports. Community Action of Napa Valley needs a variety of help ensuring food gets to those who need it and the Library can use the hands of those between 13-18. If you love furry friends, there is The Animal Shelter (starting at age 10) or Jameson Humane. The Farmers Market needs help on Tuesdays and Saturdays and if you have a teen, they can get involved with Boys and Girls Club. This is not a comprehensive list and would love to hear any other organizations that could use volunteers as we give back to our community.
PLAY! There’s no shortage of things to do to get you outside - from hiking to playgrounds, seeing Napa from the Vine Trail and cruising the Napa River - be sure to take advantage of all the foggy mornings and sunny afternoons the summer days of Napa offers.
And if you are looking for something a little more organized, might we suggest a quick visit to Napa County’s Summer sport camps or summer aquatic opportunities. Work on your golf swing at the Napa Golf Course and don’t forget, you can always gather your friends for a pick up game at the park.
GROOVE! Take in a movie or two at Carneros Moonlight Movie series, Yountville’s Movie in the Park, The River Club’s Summer Fridays or head indoors for flick at Cameo Cinema.
And spend an evening out of the house dancing with friends at First Thursdays at the Oxbow commons, Napa’s Summer Nights (starting in July) or Yountville’s Summer Concerts. The Library also is hosting a special music time with Festival Napa Valley this summer. (And there is also a magic show at the Library. Who knew?! Well, we did.)
And here’s a quick list of what else we’re thinking about for this summer:
Strawberry stand visit (or two, or three!)
Family picnic at the park
Ride your bike or scooter at the Oxbow Commons
Try every lemonade in town
Go to the 4th of July Parade
Get in a swim session (more on this coming in July 🏊 )
Spend a day at the coast
Send a letter to a family member or friend that lives out of state
Camping! Local spots include Skyline or Bothe Napa Valley State Park (pool included)
Have a Reeses s’more - you will never be the same
See the hot air balloons take off at sunrise in Yountville
Grab breakfast at the Oxbow and watch the Wine Train depart
And did you know kids bowl free all summer long?!
Now it’s your turn!
Download the printable and make your own Napa summer bucket list. Be sure any fun ideas you are adding to your bucket list in the comments below!
There’s always more to share! Let us know what we missed or what you’re looking to hear in future posts.
Anything you think we missed?
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