50 absolutely free activities to do with kids this summer {issue 39}

Plus, how to choose a family sofa —and our favorite couches for long-lasting style!

July 1, 2021 No. 39 Happy Fourth of July weekend! We'll be rewatching "Luca" and playing some  hands of our new favorite card game. And — fingers crossed — we may even be sleeping in. —Thao     50 Free Activities for Families to Make This Summer the Most Fun Ever Since having children, summer became a dizzying schedule of camps and travel. We packed our days to the brim, often at the cost of a pretty penny. But last year, we found ourselves reimagining what summer entertainment looked like. Now,  many of us are safely returning to exploring the world around us. But I plan to keep up our simplified approach to summer. Here are my 50 ideas on how to spend these days with your little ones, without spending a dime! read more > cubby ❤️ The best mail days are the ones when our High Five magazine lands. Especially written for the preschool set, each issue has age-appropriate activities, stories, and funny cartoons. (Older kids will like the OG Highlights magazine.)     eat     The 3-Ingredient Dessert My Kid Can't Get Enough of The whole family will drop everything for this sweet bite. read more >     The Unexpected Game-Changer for Parents Who Cook I was shocked by how often I used this foodie gadget! read more > play     Everything to Know About Post-Pandemic Playdates I called on health experts (and parents themselves) to answer allllll my questions. read more >     The Hottest, Most Affordable Summer Backyard Trend For a splashingly fun, low-cost alternative to in-ground pools, check these out. read more > live     The 9 Best Family Sofas, According to the Experts It's one of the bigger home investments, so we've got ALL the tips and our fave picks. read more >     This Tiny, Colorful Playroom Has a Huge Statement Wall A giant corkboard highlights tiny masterpieces for these art-loving kiddoes. read more > cubby finds: red, white, and blue sand castle kit fox backpack guitar beach towel ask maxwell I need help and ideas on how to get kids involved in helping around the house — especially because we're all here all the time. —Michelle Dear Michelle,   Chores are an important part of growing up, and they don't just teach responsibility; they also can be a joyful part of your family time. But let's face it: They can also devolve into nagging, bad tempers, and all-around disasters, so getting good at them can really help keep family harmony intact. read more > Maxwell Ryan is a father and was an elementary school teacher in NYC before founding Apartment Therapy. He'd love to answer your question: askmaxwell@cubbyathome.com ( trust us ) water-works Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences  View this email in your browser  Apartment Therapy is full of ideas for creating a warm, beautiful, healthy home. If we've inspired you, we may receive a share of purchases made through this email. Apartment Therapy Media 270 Lafayette Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10013 ABOUT | CONTACT US | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE