Each season brings its own flavor of fun. With every trip around the sun, the changes in temperature and the length of days means different opportunities for recreation.
What are some summer activities you can enjoy at every age and stage of life? There’s always something going on in Leavenworth at our winery, in Lawrence at our vineyard, and at the various local community events we support!CHECK OUT Z&M’S EVENTS IN LEAVENWORTH AND LAWRENCE
Oh, and don’t let the “wine” part fool you. Many of our events are family-friendly, with a variety of activities for all ages! In that spirit, we’ve put together a list of things to do in the summer, whether you’re single and free, a parent with young kids, or anything in between!
Activities for Hot Summer Days
When the temperature gets too hot to handle, here are some things you can do to beat the heat!
Water Balloon Baseball
Fill up some water balloons and grab a whiffle ball bat, and get ready to play ball! As you can imagine, you’ll need quite a few water balloons. Put them on the pitcher’s mound and equip the outfielders with extra balloons, water guns, and full buckets of water ready for quick refills.
The pitcher throws water balloons until the batter hits one. As the batter runs the bases, the pitcher throws water balloons to try to tag them out. Outfielders are free to squirt the batter with the water guns because why not?
In another option for play, outfielders are allowed to throw one water balloon per base while the batter runs the bases.
If you’re playing with young kids, consider having a beach ball or tee ball handy for them. They might enjoy a better batting average that way.
When the game’s over, incentivize clean-up with a frozen treat. May we suggest popsicles for the kids and wine slushies for the adults?
Slip’n’Slide Hockey
You can play this one with littles or with a group of friends. Get giant plastic sheeting and a hose and grab some cheap plastic hockey sticks and a puck. Who says hockey needs to be a winter sport?
Paintsicles
Everybody loves to paint. Everyone loves popsicles. Why not combine the two with paintsicles?
You’ll need finger paint, ice cube trays, and popsicle or craft sticks. The finger paint goes in the ice tray (add multiple colors for a multi-color cube!). Put the sticks in the tray, then freeze for a few hours or overnight.
Pop them out like ice cubes and paint on some thick paper.
Boom.
Paintsicles.
Drive-In Movies
This one is great for hot weather. Once the sun goes down and the temps cool off, head to the nearest drive-in and catch a flick under the stars.
No drive-in in your area? Set up a projector, gather the neighbors, and watch a movie outside in your driveway!
Visit Your Local Farmer’s Market
Keep it local and visit the farmer’s market. This is a great way to spend a summer morning. Artisans, farmers, and makers in your community all come together in one spot!
You can feel good about supporting local businesses and farms.
Enjoy the freshest produce grown nearby.
Night Swim and Glow Sticks
Float them on the surface of the pool (put them in balloons for added ambience). You can also weigh them down and put them at the bottom of the pool for an exciting glow.
This can be a great way to cool off after a long, hot day!
Free & Easy
Now, if you want to do something inexpensive and uncomplicated, there are plenty of options.
Check Out Your Local Library
It’s got books, movies, and air conditioning. For free.
Visit Your Parks
Most city, county, state, and national parks are free (or very inexpensive). Research which ones are nearby. Whether it’s playgrounds, hiking trails, or campgrounds, there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and make some memories without breaking the bank.
While some of the biggest national parks charge entrance fees, there are free days. Take a look at your calendar and hop in the car!
Go For a Walk
This one can sound basic, but it’s free and easy! Not only that, but it’s great to step away from your electronics or the stress and demands of your day-to-day life. It’s a great way to clear your head.
Not only that, but there are tons of benefits to getting outside and getting moving!
Year-Round Fun at Z&M
No matter the time of year, there are lots of good ways to have fun at our Leavenworth winery, in Lawrence at our Vineyard, and around the community, where you can find us out and about!
We believe wine is more than a drink. It’s a way to celebrate life, and it’s best savored with a community of people. That’s why we’re always having events, encouraging people to get together and connect over a good glass of wine.
Check out our events calendars for Lawrence and Leavenworth and put us on your calendar! Can’t make it? Stop by during our regular hours for a tasting!