Menu Lifestyle
by Jamie Thompson
Updated: Aug. 17, 2023
Originally Published: Aug. 6, 2023
Every June, I enthusiastically craft an elaborate mental list of summer activities I’m eager to share with my kids (because who needs a written list, right?). If this list had a title, it might read, “Over-the-top plans to educate and entertain my little ones while preventing them from turning our gadgets into paperweights.”
One of my grand ideas this summer was a trip to local museums and historical sites. Living just outside Philadelphia, we’re lucky to have a treasure trove of cultural gems for families to explore. Recently, I excitedly announced our plan to visit the art museum (or as my daughter calls it, “the place where Rocky dashed up the steps”). They were thrilled to go (thanks to that infamous Rocky connection), so it was easy to rally them for the outing.
But of course, our plan took an unexpected turn. While heading into the city, my son spotted a sign for the Eastern State Penitentiary—“the world’s first true penitentiary”—which, while no longer operational, offers tours that might just terrify your kids into a state of wide-eyed wonder.
I agreed to a quick detour before heading to the art museum. Just a brief visit, I assured them…
Three unsettling hours later, we finally emerged from the penitentiary, clutching a questionable soft pretzel from a street vendor (not sure if he had a permit) and headed back home.
So, did my kids get to learn about Impressionism and Realism as I had hoped? Nope. Instead, they walked away with a solid understanding of terms like “solitary confinement,” “death row,” and even “gangster.” Great educational content, right? And here’s a fun fact: the prison had some murals painted by an inmate years ago, so they did encounter some art after all. Phew! Check that one off the list!
This little detour got me reflecting on the rest of my ambitious June plans and how I’ve quietly adapted them as we approach the end of summer. Here are some revised highlights:
A Culinary Adventure!
June Plan: Let’s dive into the wonders of quinoa and the thrill of Swiss chard! Goodbye, chicken nuggets and fries—hello, Mediterranean diet!
August Revision: Let’s just enjoy pizza and ice cream!
Reading Time!
June Plan: Treasure Island! Moby Dick! Little House on the Prairie!
August Revision: …or maybe we’ll just stick to the comic books!
Math Fun!
June Plan: Weekly math reviews with workbooks and games.
August Revision: What’s 9×8? Oh, does it really matter?
Volunteering Together!
June Plan: Find a local soup kitchen or retirement home to volunteer at.
August Revision: Quick! Hold the door for that sweet old lady!
Organization Goals!
June Plan: Let’s reorganize and redecorate those bedrooms!
August Revision: Can you at least make your bed today?
Family Bonding!
June Plan: Board games, puzzles, and sing-alongs!
August Revision: How about we all just watch TV together?
As Summer 2023 winds down, I’m already scheming for Summer 2024. First on the agenda: that museum where Rocky ran up the steps—eventually!
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Summary: As summer wraps up, it’s time to adjust those ambitious plans made in June. Instead of aiming for grand educational outings, families often find joy in spontaneous detours and simpler activities. Whether it’s enjoying easy meals, casual reading, or just sharing a movie night, the essence of summer is to enjoy time together.