Remember that great story a few years back about the teacher who wore the same outfit for his school picture 40 years in a row? That tradition started as an accident.
But you choosing to read to your child each night before bed? That's an intentional, value-led tradition.
Traditions can come from so many different places — intentional and unintentional. But no matter how they come about, traditions have an important place, especially in families, writes Meg Cox, the author of "The Book of New Family Traditions." She says traditions are important to families because they create a sense of belonging -- an especially important feeling for kids as they navigate the world around them.
In my family, summer traditions are uncomplicated — but much anticipated. Two of our favorites include walking to the local ice cream shop on the first day it opens each spring and spending a day hiking a local creek. My kids, ages 7 and 9, have come to anticipate those annual outings as much as my husband and I do!
This year I'm planning on adding a new tradition to our family's summer fun — a Macaroni Kid-inspired surprise family play day!
I was curious about other families' summer traditions, so I asked our network of Macaroni Kid publishers for their favorite family summer traditions. Perhaps your family can "borrow" a few of these and make these traditions your own!
Our family has a tradition of going to a water park every summer. It’s in Old Forge, N.Y., and is called Enchanted Forest Water Safari. We started when my son was almost 3. We skipped one year, but have gone the last two summers. Last year, we met up with my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew. We hope to keep this tradition every year!
—Alyssa Knutti, publisher of Macaroni Kid North Syracuse, N.Y.
We go to family camp each year — it's one week away where we all completely unplug!
—Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco, publisher of Macaroni Kid Long Beach, N.Y.
Our tradition is to visit as many theme parks as possible! For the adults, we always have a goal of riding as many new coasters as possible. Thankfully, our kids love thrill rides and attractions as much as we do!
—Jo Beth Bootz, publisher of Macaroni Kid Evansville, Ind.
Our family loves to canoe or tube down the Crystal River in Waupaca, Wisconsin, every summer. The river is beautiful and the temperature of the water is just right. It's refreshing and relaxing. Portions of the river wind through wooded countryside, as well as a charming historic village, so there is a variety of scenery to take in.
—Laura Miller, publisher of Macaroni Kid Appleton-Waupaca-Oshkosh, Wisc.
Each summer, we load up our camper and are gone for weeks with cousins. We escape the real world and get to be with family we otherwise don't see.
—Jenny Steadman, publisher of Ohio editions Macaroni Kid Cleveland East & Macaroni Kid North Akron
We always look forward to a family and friends potluck BBQ at the pool. We have several of these each summer. We are going to try to have them weekly this summer! It's amazing to keep up with friends and family on a weekly basis when we are all so busy. The kids have a wonderful time playing and swimming together. No one is stuck doing all of the work since we all bring something to share. Good food, good friends, good fun!
—Jennifer Hill, publisher of Macaroni Kid Fremont Calif.
We love having pizza picnics on the beach during the summer months.
—Ann Fisk, publisher of Macaroni Kid Franklin, Mass.
We live in a tourist destination. And we love playing tourists in the summer! We have stay-cations all the time. We watch shows. We ride trams. And we even sleep in hotels! We feel good about this tradition because it helps our local economy and we discover more about where we live.
—Donnah Opelac, publisher of Macaroni Kid Downtown Las Vegas
We'd love to see pictures of your family's favorite summer traditions! Show us pictures of your family's favorite summer traditions by tagging #MacKid on social media!
