Summer is here, which means it’s time to start thinking about warm-weather fun with friends and family and, of course, ways to celebrate Independence Day. This 4^th of July, take some time to go see fireworks, have a picnic, set up a backyard lemonade stand with the little ones, fire up the grill for a BBQ, roast hot dogs and marshmallows on long sticks, or eat s’mores and invite your friends, neighbors, and family over for a safe celebration.

Sometime this summer, make sure you put the phone down, step away from the computer, catch up with friends, and experience life without the internet. There are a ton of family-friendly activities to commemorate the warm, fun summer months. Need some ideas? Try starting with these three as your SD&T Summer Starter Kit!

1. Go visit a body of water this summer, be it a lake, an ocean, a river, or something else. You can go fishing, swimming, go for a boat ride, toss water balloons, run through a sprinkler, or lie on the beach. There are a hundred things you can do once you hit water!

2. When we were kids, summer was the time of exploration, and it doesn’t have to stop now that we’re grown up! There are a lot of things left to experience. Take a road trip to a place you’ve never been before. Go for a hike and look for some new scenery. Work on your DIY projects. The possibilities are endless, and they’ll be your treasured memories years from now.

3. As fun as traveling is, it can be pricey, and many people may not feel comfortable traveling just yet. If you can’t get away this summer, then do the next best thing and host a themed event. If you are dreaming of going to Japan, have a sushi and sake night. If you are feeling tropical, have a Hawaiian-themed luau. Having a themed event can be fun and inspire you to make your dream trip happen in the future.