Six ways to feel like a kid this summer

With summer here, the nights have gotten longer and the watermelon juicer. The kids are out for the season, so it's time to find ways to relate to them by bringing out your own inner child. Here are six fun-filled ways to feel like a kid again - all without the pressures of a school year looming or a pesky curfew.

1. Have a picnic: Instead of eating that sandwich in front of the TV again, pack it up with some drinks and bring the whole family outside. You can go to your favorite park or just sit in your own yard. Either way, it will turn your simple lunch into a lasting memory. Try planning ahead and packing everyone's favorite snacks and a blanket, but make sure to bring sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher in case you can't find a spot in the shade.

2. Go to an outdoor concert: With the warm weather, everyone enjoys the chance to get outside. Many towns host free weekly street concerts or events featuring local bands. If there's no one playing in your area, utilize wireless Internet and head for a nearby park to listen to music through your laptop. Bring some friends along, and you've created your own outdoor concert.

3. Make s'mores: The first written recipe for s'mores was published in a Girl Scouts handbook in 1927, and this American tradition has only grown in popularity since. It's hard to resist the gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate smashed between crunchy graham crackers. Making s'mores is a great way to spend time with the kids and tell stories. You'll feel nostalgic when you bite into the delicious, summery treat.

4. Look at the clouds: Grab a blanket and head outside to take a break and look at the sky. Take turns picking out clouds and describing what they look like. You'll be amazed at the creative things you hear from your children. This exercise is a great way for children to think abstractly and form a free-flow of communication within the family. Plus, slowing down and using your imagination will relieve stress and help you enjoy blissful relaxation.

5. Go camping: Camping isn't for everyone, but spending the night outside can be an unforgettable adventure for your children. If you can't get away to an actual campsite, set up a tent in your own backyard. Young children will enjoy the family sleepover, but if your kids are a little older they may enjoy a sibling-only event. Your kids can stream movies using a wireless internet connection or even tell ghost stories in the dark. Make sure you keep the tent close to the house and check on the kids regularly.

6. Become a driveway Picasso: Forget about coloring inside the lines. Grab a big bucket of sidewalk chalk and let your kids expand their designs across the entire driveway. With so much freedom, they're likely to surprise you with their talents. Studies have found that children who create art are more likely to have greater concentration and a higher self-image. Join in the fun by creating your own masterpiece. And don't worry - the next rain will leave you with a clean driveway.

Courtesy of ARAcontent