What Moms and Kids Are Looking Forward to This Summer (and What They’d Rather Avoid)

As I drove down the road this morning, I heard a radio discussion about the importance of moms taking an annual kid-free getaway. After the past year, it’s clear we could all use a break. This made me reflect on summer vacations and how, a year ago, I promised myself I’d take my kids to the beach for a long weekend. Now that summer is here, I find myself without any concrete plans and wondering if it’s even safe for us to travel yet.

However, my three teenagers have other ideas. They’d rather not spend more time with me than necessary, having been cooped up at home for over a year. My family isn’t alone in feeling this way. A recent survey by Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, which polled 800 mothers with kids aged 6-12, revealed that kids are craving some independence. While nearly 75% of moms expressed a desire for a family vacation, only half of the kids surveyed wanted to spend time with their parents. For them, long car rides together are less than appealing; they’d prefer to hit amusement parks, swimming pools, or water parks.

What Kinds of Vacations Are Moms Interested In?

A whopping 90% of moms are open to camping trips, seeing it as a great bonding experience that the whole family can safely enjoy together. Personally, I’m not a fan of camping and would pick a hotel over a tent any day. Other popular choices among moms and kids include dining out, catching a movie, and visiting friends and family.

What Moms Are Saying About Their Summer Plans

When surveyed about summer plans, here’s what some moms had to say:

Emily S., mother of two, mentioned, “I’m modifying my annual Momcation, but it’s still happening.”
Jessica L. said, “We’re driving to visit my mom in NJ. It fits within CDC guidelines since my kids are unvaccinated but from the same household.”
Sarah B. plans to stay home as she’s not ready to travel, while Michael T. is all for frequent beach trips.

Safe Activities This Summer

So, what activities are considered safe this summer? Dr. Tara Narula recently discussed the importance of assessing your family’s “level of risk tolerance.” Are you or your kids at high risk for COVID-19? Are you vaccinated? Outdoor activities with small groups while maintaining social distance are generally safe, even for those who aren’t vaccinated. Venues like water parks are also viable options, as they enforce safety measures like mask-wearing, temperature checks, and regular sanitization.

For travel, road trips are deemed the safest form. It’s essential to communicate with your kids about their preferences for summer activities, as they may be feeling anxious after a challenging year. According to health experts, if you’re vaccinated and wear masks, traveling by plane can also be safe.

Making Up for Lost Time

As summer unfolds, families are eager to make up for lost time. Engaging in outdoor activities like visiting the pool, park, or zoo while observing social distancing guidelines can provide quality family time, regardless of whether the kids feel enthusiastic about it or not.

For more insights on summer plans and family activities, check out this related post.

Summary

As summer arrives, moms and kids have differing ideas about how to spend their time. While many moms desire family vacations, kids are leaning towards independence and fun activities with friends. Safe outdoor options and road trips are recommended by health experts. Communication and understanding each family’s risk level are crucial for planning this summer.