1. Hit the beach. YES, that's Galveston we're talking about. An hour and a half south on I-45, and presto, you're there! Have a picnic lunch, build a sand castle, walk the seashore, play Frisbee... anything goes. If you enjoy the crowds and people-watching, Memorial Day weekend is a great time to visit. If nothing else, bring along a few shovels and buckets, and let the kids enjoy their playtime in the sand.
2. Have a get-together. Fire up the BBQ pit and invite over your favorite friends and their well-behaved kids. Here's a quick and easy menu for you: hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage links, baked beans (from the can) and potato salad (from the grocery store). Soda pop for the grown-ups, lemonade for the kids, and that's a wrap. Pull out cards, dominoes, Taboo and Scrabble. (And sidewalk chalk, hula hoops, jump ropes and riding toys for the little ones). Remind the gang to pack swimsuits if you have a pool out back!
3. Go biking. Hit the hike & bike trails in the neighborhood, or take the bikes down to Huntsville State Park. If your kids are too small to handle a bicycle of their own, hitch up the trailer and let them enjoy the ride from behind.
4. Hang out at the YMCA. The YMCA is a "happening" place, especially during the summer break, and you might find it beneficial to use the month of May to get warmed up to the idea before the facilities get too busy and you get shy about going. As a member of the Y, you have access to family fitness classes, fitness classes just for kids, open swim, open gym, family events, discounted camps, and more.
5. Bake an out-of-sight dessert. It may not be as much fun as a walk along the beach, but taking on a new dessert recipe can make a nice memory for the family. Boxed Duncan Hines cake mix with canned icing? No way! If you're determined to make this an awesome kick-off to summer break, you've gotta go big. Try a rainbow tie dyed cake or a baked Alaska!
