Brittany L. Morgan
The kids are on their way to camp... now what? Break out of your routine and have some fun while the kids are away at camp this summer.
1. Do something new. Make the most of your time sans kids by breaking out of your usual routine. Go to a wine tasting, visit an art gallery, or simply prepare your favorite brunch and dine al fresco on your patio!
2. Pamper yourself. The Hudson Valley is home to many wonderful retreats including spiritual, spa-like, nutritional and yoga-based centers. Whether you choose to pop in for the afternoon or make it an all-day affair, these local spas can help moms recharge while the kids are away!
3. Get reading. Imagine sitting out by the fire pit on a cool summer night curled up with a great book. This is the perfect time to catch up on those books you’ve been meaning to read because, let’s face it… when the kids are around reading isn’t such a simple task. Take this time to read in peace.
4. Stream and chill. Ditch the cartoons and fairy tales and binge watch that series you’ve been eyeing for the past month or two. Personally, I’m looking forward to binge watching Bill Nye Saves the World, but there’s something on the plethora of streaming services for everyone. I’m also a big fan of scrolling through the RomComs and randomly selecting a couple to watch. Don’t forget to stock up on Netflix Marathon snacks!
5. Spice things up with your spouse. It’s difficult to get in the mood after trying to get your youngest to stay in bed for the past three hours. While the kids are away at camp, take the time to add a little spice to your love life.
6. Take a really, really long, uninterrupted bubble bath. For busy moms, finding a stretch of time to unwind might seem impossible, but camp days are the perfect time to take a moment to yourself and just relax. Not diggin’ the bubble bath? No worries, check out these beneficial me time activities.
7. Go on a trip. Take a full week vacation to the Capital District or simply take a day trip to one of the Hudson Valley’s swimming holes. It doesn’t matter how long or how far away you go, just get out of the house and have some grown up fun! If you’re going out of town and need someone to watch Spot and Fluffy, visit Earth Angels who offer pet boarding!
8. Go to the movies. Catch a double feature this summer on one of the Warwick Drive-in's three giant screens! My absolute favorite kid-free activity is visiting my local drive-in theater on a beautiful summer night. I always set out with the intention of bringing my own snacks, but concession stand grub is so much better!
9. Check out local talent. The Hudson Valley is a hot bed for extremely talented folks. Hit up the Towne Crier in Beacon Thursdays through Sundays to listen to some great local talent!
10. See a show. There’s no need to travel all the way down to the city to see a Broadway caliber show when the Forestburgh Playhouse is right in our backyard! Their summer line-up includes great shows like Mama Mia!, Kinky Boots, Fully Committed, Something Rotten, Forbidden Broadway's Greatest Hits, Pageant the Musical and Constellations.
11. Plant a garden. There’s nothing more satisfying than saving money on your grocery bill. But if you’re anything like me, the idea of couponing overwhelms you. Luckily, folks like me can still save money on groceries by planting our own produce! Visit the Poughkeepsie Farm Project to buy quality plants to start your garden! If your thumb is less than green, you can still save money on produce by joining your local CSA!
READ MORE: Top 5 reasons to go out with your spouse
12. Declutter. One solution does not fit all when it comes to organizing and decluttering your home. Now is the perfect time to see your space with new eyes while the kids are out of the house. Get rid of things that haven’t been used in the last 6 months. Try out different organizational methods and see what works for you! See our Spring Cleaning Checklist.
13. Make some new friends. Making new mom friends can be a lot like dating… it’s difficult and a lot of work! You’ve got to put yourself out there and just go for it because at the end of the day, it’s nice to be able to text your mom friends and know you’re not going through motherhood alone. Check out these tips if you’re not exactly sure where to start when it comes to mommy dating.
14. Dance like no one's watching. Don your favorite white tube socks and oversized t-shirt. Turn up the radio and get dancing - Risky Business style! Dancing not only is a great way to release some energy, it’s also a pretty great cardio workout!
15. Enjoy grown-up food. Ditch the chicken nuggets and cheese pizza while the kids are away and head over to Chilito’s Mexican Restaurant for some amazing authentic Mexican food. Bonus points if you visit Monday to Friday, 3-6pm for Happy Hour!
16. Have a girls night out. Has anyone else noticed the recent resurgence in upscale bowling alleys here in the Hudson Valley? Hop on the trend train and head over to Quinnz Pinz with your favorite gal pals on Sundays for some Brunch and Bowl.
17. Try a new exercise routine. I absolutely love the gym… but only once I’m already there. With the kids away at camp, there’s nothing stopping us from hitting the gym. While you’re there, check out the classes offered and try something new.
18. Give back to your community. Donate gently used toys, volunteer at your local food pantry, or make a monetary donation to your favorite charity via Hudson Valley Gives. If you are unable to make a monetary donation, consider donating your time to a local organization.
19. Take Spot to the Dog Park. Turn your attention to your fur-baby while the less-than-furry ones are away at camp. Enjoy the beautiful summer weather at your local Dog Park!
20. Try something new and exciting. Every time I pass a giant rock wall I say a silent vow to myself that one day, I’ll give it a try. Well… I’ve yet to give it a go, but this summer let’s take the plunge aim high and go rock climbing at BC's Climbing Gym in New Paltz.
21. Get inspired by nature. Full disclosure, I’m a nature-loving hippie. The benefits of getting back to nature are abundant. Luckily there are plenty of public gardens, state parks, and farms here in the Hudson Valley just waiting to help you get some dirt on your hands!
22. Go on a picnic. Nothing conjures up the feeling of the long, sunny days of summer like a picnic basket set atop a red and white checkered blanket. Check out these local picnic spots and then start packing your basket!
23. Tap into your inner Martha Stewart. Visit one of these great u-pick berry spots and pick a couple gallons of your favorite berries. Then come home, wash them up and make your own homemade jam. Go ahead give that non-existent camera the play-by-play while you’re jammin’.
24. Go green. Whether you take shorter showers, reduce food waste or make eco-minded choices while shopping, adopting one simple habit can make a difference in protecting Earth’s natural resources. Make a few of these simple changes while the kids are away at camp, and then introduce them to your new green lifestyle when they return!
25. Grab a scoop. Whether you are looking to try a new flavor or indulge in an old favorite, now is a great time to take a trip to your local ice cream shop! Hopefully the only screaming you hear are your squeals of delight.