August Is Family Fun Month!

August 13, 2024 / Get Well

August is considered the last month of summer because school goes back in session and September brings cooler weather. It is the perfect time to enjoy playful family moments before the busy fall schedule begins. The weather is usually ideal for outdoor activities and the days are still long.

Spending quality time with family before school starts is crucial for several reasons. Don’t miss these 31 Ways to Celebrate Family Fun Month as a way to strengthen family bonds. The memories created foster a sense of belonging. Family time helps alleviate stress and anxiety. Depending on the activities chosen, new skills may be discovered which can be exciting to develop over the upcoming school year. Additionally, the learning that occurs during family fun activities can spark curiosity and interest in new subjects while stimulating their minds.

Playing and having fun are just as important for adults as for children. Among its many benefits, adult play can boost creativity, sharpen your sense of humor, and help you cope better with stress. Engaging in playful activities with your family can enhance these benefits, making the time spent together even more valuable.

In essence, family time before school begins sets the foundation for a successful academic year and nurtures overall well-being for all. Family Fun Month is the perfect opportunity to create special memories with your loved ones. By incorporating play into your family activities, you not only strengthen bonds but also promote mental and emotional health for everyone involved.

For more information on play for adults, check out these articles on The Benefits of Play for Adults  and the Importance of Play for Adults.

Some ideas of ways to add family fun to your August include:

Outdoor Adventures:

  • Visit local parks and playgrounds
  • Enjoy backyard camping or picnics
  • Go for bike rides or walks
  • Explore nature with bug hunting or leaf collecting
  • Have water balloon fights or sprinkler play

Creative Pursuits:

  • Try DIY crafts like painting, drawing, or collage
  • Bake or cook together
  • Play board games and card games
  • Host storytelling or puppet shows
  • Build forts or obstacle courses

Community Engagement:

  • Volunteer at a local animal shelter or food bank
  • Attend free community events (concerts, festivals)
  • Visit your local library for story times or events
  • Explore nearby historical sites or landmarks

Learning and Exploration:

  • Conduct science experiments at home
  • Play online educational games
  • Take virtual museum tours
  • Engage in gardening or plant care
  • Organize scavenger hunts

In addition to these free and low-cost activity ideas, be sure to check out the highlights below.

Highlights for Enjoying the Last Month of Summer:

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Fun Activities and Ideas

Theme Parks and Water Parks

Virginia offers a wide variety of theme parks and water parks, providing thrilling experiences for visitors of all ages. While some parks have fall and winter attractions, many will be closing soon, so it’s best to plan your visit as soon as possible. Additionally, there are numerous theme parks within a reasonable driving distance. Here are some options to consider:

  • Hershey Park (Hershey, Penn.) – A family amusement park in Central Pennsylvania, complete with 15 thrilling roller coasters & a larger-than-life water park,
  • Dutch Wonderland (Lancaster, Penn.) – A family-friendly park with over 35 rides and attractions, including Duke’s Lagoon water play area.
  • Sesame Place (Langhorne, Penn.) – The only theme park in the U.S. dedicated to Sesame Street characters, featuring rides, shows, and water attractions.
  • Diggerland USA (West Berlin, NJ) – A unique construction-themed park where kids can operate real machinery and enjoy water attractions.
  • Frontier Town (Berlin, Md.) – A Wild West-themed park with shows, gold panning, and a water park.

Staycation Gems

Outdoor Experiences

Explore the National Park Service’s website to determine which parks are right in your backyard or near an upcoming destination. Here are a few close to NOVA:

Make the most of August by creating special memories with your family and friends. Whether you choose outdoor adventures, creative pursuits, or community engagement, these activities will provide joy and enrichment for everyone involved.

Illustration of a family of four at an amusement park and the words, Family Fun Month

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer, employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu