The kids are out of school—it’s time to simplify the schedule and encourage as much outdoor play as possible. Have an old-school, retro summer!
What is a Retro Summer?
What does it mean to have a retro summer? Do we exclaim, “That’s totally rad!” every time something awesome happens? Don our favorite vintage clothing and listen to The Drifters and Beach Boys? Sure, if that sounds fun. But in terms of families planning their days, it means don’t. Or at least, don’t plan as many activities as your family has during the school year. Having a retro summer means slowing down, relaxing and having old-school fun. If you’ve forgotten what that looks like, below are tons of backyard games, relay races, outdoor activities and more to help you get started.
Having a retro summer also means unplugging. Yep, I said it. Be one of those brilliant parents who changes the Wi-Fi password daily and makes it available to the kids only when XYZ happens. In this case, it might be two hours of outdoor play before earning a daily hour of video games. Some may argue that playing video games IS slowing down and relaxing, and they would be right. But too much of that type of relaxing has long-lasting detrimental consequences and doesn’t fall within the nostalgic, engaged, intentional retro summer we’re striving for here.
Why is it Important?
Life is hectic during the school year; days are filled with structure, homework, afterschool activities and high expectations. Summer is an important time to slow down, let kids play and just be.
You’ll probably get pushback at first. You may hear phrases like, “I’m bored,” “There’s nothing to do,” and even, “You’re ruining my life” and that’s OK. Remain calm; don’t give in and definitely don’t “fix” it. Boredom leads to creativity and magical moments. The kids will figure it out.
By all means, plan day trips and fun outings! If you don’t know where to start, pick up the new edition of Out & About: San Diego with Kids or access it at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/out-about. If you’re a parent who MUST have something on the calendar every day, schedule “slow-down days.” Keep the calendar light to foster flexibility and spontaneity. If you’re a working parent who feels like time is limited for fun summer days, read our “note for working parents” below.
Whatever retro looks like for your family, be sure to nurture social connection and prioritize quality time together—with golden oldies or disco music in the background, of course.
Iconic Childhood Backyard Games
If your kids don’t know these fun outdoor games, teach them! Instructions are online, if needed. And don’t forget about the quintessential neighborhood hula hoop competition with a side of Twister, croquet and bean bag tic-tac-toe.
Fun Versions of Tag
- Freeze tag
- Tunnel tag (aka Underdog tag)
- Flashlight tag
- Rainbow tag
- Blob tag
- Band-aid tag
- Octopus tag
- Sponge tag
- Squirt gun tag
Relay Races
- Three-legged race
- Egg-and-spoon race
- Sack races
- Dress-up relay
- Create an obstacle course
- Wheelbarrow race
- Crab walk relay
- Leapfrog relay
- Over-under sponge relay
Tried and True “Old School” Games
- Kick the can
- Sharks and minnows
- Simon Says
- Red rover
- Kickball
- Sardines
- Capture the flag
- Four square
- Jump rope or Double-Dutch
Retro Summer Checklist
Go on a picnic
Run through sprinklers
Blow bubbles
Make snow cones or root beer floats
Have a water balloon toss
Set up a lemonade stand
Have a backyard barbecue
See a drive-in movie in South Bay
Watch the sunset
Read books
Climb a tree
Fly a kite
Make homemade ice cream
Make a cootie catcher
Make friendship bracelets
Have a water balloon toss
Roast marshmallows
Write in a journal
Build a fort
Ride bikes
Camp in the backyard
Go to the beach
Toss a Frisbee
Have a bonfire
A Note for Working Parents
As a parent who has worked in some capacity the entirety of my kids’ childhoods, I know how difficult it is to not have summers off. You do what’s needed to make sure the kids are taken care of while you work, whether its summer camps, babysitters, grandparent visits, etc. Summer fun doesn’t have to be all day every day, so don’t be discouraged. You can still switch your school-year routine into summer mode. Why not do one activity on our list a few times a week? Eat dinners in the backyard, at a park or beach. Read a new chapter book together at bedtime. Visit a different farmers market each week. You could even embrace the retro theme by grabbing a meal at a local diner such as Clayton’s Coffee Shop in Coronado, Corvette Diner in Point Loma or the Chicken Pie Shop in North Park. The kids will appreciate small, unexpected changes to the norm.
More Summer Fun
Epic San Diego Parks & Playgrounds
This article won an Excellence in Journalism award from San Diego Press Club! Lisa Gipson earned First Place in the Feature: Light Subject category. See all of San Diego Family Magazine's awards HERE.
Lisa Gipson is San Diego Family’s managing editor. You won’t find her climbing trees this summer, but she will absolutely be watching sunsets, making friendship bracelets and serving up root beer floats.
