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Rochester Local

What!? It’s August and I Haven’t Started My Summer Bucket List!

family activities, get outside, kids activities, local activities, local summer fun, memorable summer, rochester activities, summer activities, summer bucket list, summer fun

Big plans! I had big plans! We were going to do it all to make it the most memorable summer. When their teachers asked the classic summer break question, my kids would not respond with blank stares.  If you, too, had great aspirations but didn’t get around to all the summer joy in June and July, you’re not alone.  But here are 10 fun things we’re going to do before Labor Day:

  1. Kasson Aquatic Center Yep, they opened in 2013. Every summer, it’s on the list. This is the year we’re going there! Two waterslides, a climbing wall, diving boards, a lap pool, and a shallow pool for young children. Something for everyone in the family. They close on August 25, so don’t wait until Labor Day for your day at the pool.
  2. Berne Wood Fired Pizza Pizza, music, children running freely. This fabulous outdoor venue is also a fundraiser for the Zwingli United Church of Christ in Berne. Pizza and family fun for a good cause. To make the evening more fun bring a blanket for your pizza picnic, bug spray, and a lawn game. While they do sell soda, water, chips, and ice cream, I like to pack an appetizer, salad, dessert, and drinks to accompany the pizza. Follow them on Facebook (Berne Wood-Fired Pizza – Wed. Nights 5-8 PM) for the most up-to-date information.                                                                     family activities, get outside, kids activities, local activities, local summer fun, memorable summer, rochester activities, summer activities, summer bucket list, summer fun                 
  3. Thursdays on First It’s August, people! Only 5 Thursdays left! If you haven’t been to Thursdays on First yet, it’s all about music, food, and shopping.
  4. Movies in the Park (formerly known as Movies on the Plaza) Same idea, new location. Free movies in Central Park in downtown Rochester. Just bring chairs or blankets and watch a movie under the stars. Bring your own treats for the full movie experience. Showing this month are The Secret Life of Pets (August 5) and Rogue One (August 19), both at 9:00 p.m.
  5. Rochester Downtown Farmers Market The good news is that the Farmers Market ends in October. 🙂  But try to make it before summer ends because there is so much great produce and fun to be had! In addition to local produce, meats, and flowers, there are baked goods, coffee, and musicians. And if you need something to hook your little ones, there’s a printable scavenger hunt .
  6. Rochester Honkers Baseball Baseball is the perfect venue for outdoor fun. No inside voices, no sitting quietly in your seat. You can jump up and shout and watch America’s favorite pastime under the lights in downtown Rochester. But don’t put this one off. With only 5 games in the month of August, don’t miss your chance to watch some local baseball. The August 13 game is an afternoon one, if you don’t want to keep the kiddos up late.

 

Not all summer joy has to happen at a designated event. Here are some fun activities to do whenever it works for your family.

 

  1. Have you seen enough of your neighborhood park this summer? Hop on your bikes and hit the trails to see Rochester from a new perspective. Many of the city’s great parks and playgrounds are right off of a city trail. Our city is so lucky to have such fabulous trails, so check them out before school starts back up!
  2. Nothing beats a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day.   Have a lemonade stand. If you’re feeling ambitious, add cookies to your menu. Feeling generous? Host a lemonade stand with proceeds benefitting a local charity.                                    family activities, get outside, kids activities, local activities, local summer fun, memorable summer, rochester activities, summer activities, summer bucket list, summer fun
  3. Let your kids stay up late- with a purpose. Pick a clear night to stargaze. Not sure what’s up in the atmosphere? Stop by the Rochester Public Library and select a few books on constellations.   Grab some blankets and pillows and tilt your head up to the sky!
  4. Nothing says summer like a little deviation from the normal schedule. A little rule breaking. You’re sure to win “Mom of the Summer” when you head to your favorite ice cream shop and announce, “We’re having ice cream for dinner!”

 family activities, get outside, kids activities, local activities, local summer fun, memorable summer, rochester activities, summer activities, summer bucket list, summer fun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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