SummerBrightSmiles

You can go old school and road trip with no plan in mind, but it’s usually better to have a few ideas up your sleeve. Websites like Only In Your State can help you find everything from wacky restaurants, hikes you never knew about, abandoned places, and even road trip trails to take you on an adventure to the state’s best ice cream spots, breweries, and more.

Make a Summer Bucket List

(Dad Edition!): Even dad has a list of things he’d love to do. Sometimes it gets buried under work and baseball practice and goodnight stories. Father’s Day is the perfect time to dust it off!

Get a poster and some markers or create a shared family list on your phone for Dad’s Summer Bucket List. Ask him what he wants to do before summer is over. And it can’t be all work and house things. Make sure he has fun little outings like going to his favorite ice cream shop and some bigger ideas like boogie boarding at the state beach. Even reading through a favorite book or seeing a movie counts! The only requirement: make time for the things on the list. Putting them on the calendar is the key to making them happen.

Favorite

Foods:

From sunup to sundown, fill the day with Dad’s favorite foods. Does he love a Caffè Americano and donuts? Maybe a protein shake from that place across town? How about burgers and fries? Add a milkshake? You got it!

Whatever it is, the day isn’t about what the kids like (sorry kids!).It’s a chance for Dad to eat the things he loves and enjoy every bite. He doesn’t even have to share!

More Than a Day:

have to last for just one day. Make it an over night or a weekend. Plan a family vacation that you know he’d love. It doesn’t need to be far or expensive (although that resort he’s dreamed about isn’t a terrible idea!). Think about things he loves and start there.

Does he love the outdoors? Maybe a campout is a perfect idea (even in the backyard!). Is he a museum guy? Plan an overnight to go to an art installation or even a fun place like the Spy Museum. Whatever dad likes, you can find a place he will enjoy. And the best part? The time you’ll have together!

After five years as a teacher, Rebecca Hastings began working from home in 2015 as a writer and speaker. Since then she has authored three books, written hundreds of articles, and consulted with dozens of clients.

Gen Zers and Millennials in the Workforce

Q I am the managing partner of a family business. We would like to add to our team, but I’m worried we can’t try to hold millennials and Gen Zers to the same standards as other generations without losing them. How do you feel about this?

A. Listen, I’ve got a building full of Gen Zers and millennials — and I love them. If you hire the rights ones, you’re getting people who love calluses on their hands and on their brains. They make the interview process easy too, because there are just two types from these generations: the ones who are unbelievably awesome and the ones who aren’t. But the great ones are not afraid of hard work. They’re passionate, intelligent and mission driven. I mean, they’ll charge the gates of hell with water pistols for something they believe in.

But that means you have to provide meaning in the work they do. They want to see that their work connects to something that matters. They want to be treated with dignity, not like units of production. And they have inquiring minds. Most of them want to know why you do things the way you do them. All that is perfectly okay with me and always has been.

Now, they’re the worst two generations to work for someone who’s just a boss. That’s because bosses push while leaders pull. If you’re going to pull, you have to inform, communicate and share a vision that draws people into your mission. Bosses, for the most part, have a “do it this way because I said so” attitude. That’s not going to last long with Gen Zers and millennials.

I get where you’re coming from though. I’ve still got friends and business associates who tell me we’re going to lose everyone from these generations if we don’t cave in and give them things like “the flexibility to work from home” — which really means, “I don’t want to work much” or “I want to work all the time.” Listen, I understand not everyone who works from home falls into one of those two categories, but some of them do. There are folks who put in 80 hours a week because they can’t put their screens down and live a life. Or they work three hours a day and call it “working from home.” That’s not working from home — that’s working part-time hours for full-time pay. And that’s called stealing.

But millennials and Gen Zers? They are, for the most part, genuine, real people and hard workers. If you give them what you should as a leader, they’ll blow you away with their smarts and what they’re capable of achieving!

by Jan Pierce, M.Ed.

Are you one of those parents who wonder if your child’s schedule is too crowded? Do you watch him play video games by the hour and get a little nervous about the long-term effects? Do you wish she had time to “just play” rather than run from school to lessons to team practices?

If you can relate to the above situations, you’re in good company. Take a deep breath. Remember how it used to be when children played freely without a lot of oversight and adult intervention. Can you recall the days when you scraped your knee and just got up and kept playing? When you could sit under a tree and inspect the intricacies of the natural world? When you could dig and build with natural objects? When it seemed there was all the time in the world to just be?

Today’s children need those same healthy, authentic play experiences. They need time to explore the out of doors, time to think and dream. Time to wonder and experiment.

How to begin? It’s easier than you might think. Just unplug and send the kids outside. They won’t need an agenda or directions. Once they find themselves in the great outdoors, they’ll do the rest. Here are eight benefits of unstructured, outdoor play.

Authentic Play

Today’s kids are steeped in a virtual world. They’re adept at computer use, coding, programming and the like, and that’s fine. They need to understand the technological world. But they also need authentic, handson experiences that can’t be had in a classroom or computer lab. They need to be grounded in the real world and able to engage in real-life experiences. They need to do real-time observation, exploration and interaction with the real world. They need the sensory experiences of watching a bird find a worm, of tracking the tiny veins and capillaries on a leaf, of squishing dirt and water together into mud. Kids need to play self-created games and make up their own rules. They need to learn how to try and fail and try again to make their play creations work.

Enhanced Decision-Making

Children need to know how to listen and follow directions in the classroom and in other activities such as sports. But they also need the opportunity to play independent. They need to decide to create something or explore something and then make their own plan. They need to cooperate with others to follow the rules to their own kid-made games. They need the freedom to adapt rules to their current situation and then evaluate whether or not their plan worked. All of these skills are strengthened when kids are allowed to play outside independently.

Active vs Sedentary Play

We all know the statistics on the overall health of today’s kids. Too many are overweight and unfit. Too many are lethargic and uninspired. In short, many of our kids don’t move enough to be happy and healthy. But knowing isn’t the same as doing. Parents need to push through a bit of resistance and insist that our children go outside whether it’s for time in their own backyard or access to a larger natural environment. While parks can offer some of the necessary ingredients to healthier play, wilder natural environments such as hiking trails or woodlands are even better. Nothing inspires kids to build forts and create their own games more than an untouched-by-man setting.

Room for Wonder and Joy

Watching spiders spin a web. Catching grasshoppers in a jar. Hearing birds sing in the trees and seeing them drop bits of food into the open beaks of their hatchlings. Wandering a beach, picking up beautiful shells or bits of driftwood, smelling the scent of grasses on a warm summer day. We all need opportunities to absorb the wonder of nature and to experience the joy of being part of the natural world. Give your kids the chance to do these simple things. They’ll benefit immensely.

Better Classroom Performance

Some schools are experimenting with longer recesses and more frequent breaks in their school day and, wonder of wonders, every one of them reports better behavior and engagement in the classroom. When kids are given enough time to move and play, they’re better able to focus their attention on classroom work. They feel better, they perform better. It’s not rocket science. In other studies, it’s reported that children who play more outside get a better night’s sleep. A wellrested child is better able to focus attention and “get into” lessons in class. Children who get enough chances for active play feel more content and happy. Happier kids have lower levels of stress which produces better classroom performance.

Self-Reliance Through Exploration

We like it when our children are able to follow directions—when they’re “coachable,” and that is an important skill. But it’s also important for kids to learn how to operate via their own internal rules and understandings. Children benefit when they’re able to manage their own behaviors based on their convictions, when they can make a plan and follow it through. When they can try and fail and try again to accomplish a task. All of these skills can only be practiced when kids have the chance to engage in unstructured play free of adult supervision and oversight. It may be hard to break the pattern of over-managing our kids’ lives, but it’s vital that we do so.

Improved Social Skills and Interaction

If you’ve ever watched a group of kids play a game of softball you might see more arguing about the rules than actual play. But what you’re seeing is social skills in the making. Older kids will make the rules and try to enforce them. Quieter kids will be given chances to play (or not) and bossy kids will try to run the show. In the middle of the chaos, children will learn how the world of rules works and they’ll play a little ball too. When children are free of adult supervision, they build leadership skills and learn to work as a community. Is it pretty? Not always, but there are always lessons learned. In some of the school where increased free play has been introduced with fewer rules and the attitude of “safe enough,” the children earlier seen as bullies have emerged as leaders. Why? Because they’ve been successful in more active, hands-on play and have been given the chance to expend pent-up energy in all-out activity.

Improved Mental Health

The rise in mental health problems amongst kids as young as pre-school is a testament to our over-managed, over-tested and earlier to learn environment. The skills that used to be taught in first grade must now be mastered in Kindergarten. The results are children with a too-hurried and too stressful world. There will always be expectations in the learning world, but for those children who enjoy more free time, more authentic outdoor fun and more opportunity to run and play, the better they’ll feel about themselves and their life. We give our children a great gift when we encourage and champion free play in the great out of doors.

Amusement Parks and Zoos

Downtown OWA ad on Inside Front Cover

100 N OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535

Just outside the theme park gates, enjoy shopping and dining amenities in OWA’s entertainment district! Admission-free Downtown OWA features a plethora of activities, entertainment and events for the whole family.

251-923-2111 info@VisitOwa.com www.VisitOWA.com

Gulf Breeze Zoo ad on page 19

5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

More than 800 native and exotic animals. Safari Express train, feed the giraffe, free-flight bird aviary and much more! Hands on animal encounters and kids activities

866-620-1825 www.gbzoo.com

Tropic Falls at OWA

ad on Inside Front Cover

1501 S OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535

Tropic Falls is a combination unlike anything the Gulf Coast has ever seen before! Enjoy 23 rides and attractions at the Tropic Falls Theme Park and explore a year-round tropical paradise in the Tropic Falls Indoor Waterpark with 75-foottall slides beneath a convertible glass roof. Just outside is the all-new wave pool, Big Water Bay, with surf simulator, Coastal Curl.

251-923-2111 www.visitowa.com/destinations/ tropic-falls-at-owa

Adventures Unlimited

8974 Tomahawk Landing Pensacola, FL 32570

Enjoy Canoeing, Kayaking, Tubing and Camping along sugar white sandbars. Soar through the skies on our zip-line tour.

850-623-6197 www.adventuresunlimited.com

Emerald Coast Zoo

5262 Deer Springs Drive Crestview, FL 32539

A small zoo focused on family fun, conservation and happy lives for the animals in our care.

850-682-3949 www.emeraldcoastzoo.com

Fast Eddie’s Fun Center

505 West Michigan Avenue Pensacola, FL 32505

Enjoy Fast NEW Go-Karts, a Tropical Mini-Golf Course, our NEW attraction: Construction Zone, Take a swing at our Strike Zone Batting Cages or 850-433-7735 www.fasteddiesfuncenter.com

Splash City Adventures

6709 Pensacola Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32505

Amusement and waterpark with over 20 rides and attractions for kids of every age! Splash City Waterpark has 12 thrilling water slides, a 750? endless river, seven pools including two kiddie interactive play pools each with pint size slides. 850-505-0800 info@splashcityadventure.com www.splashcityadventures.com

Waterville USA

906 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Waterville USA offers you 20-acres of fun through our waterpark, amusement park and escape rooms.

251-948-2106 www.watervilleusa.com

Arts and Crafts

Creatisphere – First City Art Center Summer Art Camp

ad on page 12

1060 N Guillemard Street Pensacola, FL 32501

Hands-on classes in pottery, sculpture, photography, glass blowing, 3D mixed media, painting, printmaking, drawing and more!

850-429-1222 F www.firstcityart.org

ARTfullyLilian Studio

3440 Lemmington Road Pensacola, FL 32504 Group Classes, Summer Camps & Private Lessons for ages 5 to 65.

850- 375-9555 www.artfullylilian.com

Ellen’s Art

1265 Oriole Beach Road Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

A DIY art experience created by an award winning artist. Each person may choose their individual design to paint, embellish, and add epoxy. Book your Open Studio session today.

850-934-8538 www.ellens-art.com

Maker’s Loft

2400 West Michigan Ave, Suite 19

Pensacola, FL 32526

The Maker’s Loft is a creative hub to help those who want to create be successful.

850-466-3227 www.makersloftpensacola.com

Pinspiration

6601 North Davis Highway Suite 5

Pensacola, FL 32504

An all-in-1 DIY Craft Studio based in Pensacola, FL! Splatter Room, Birthday Parties, Camps & more.

850-857-8418 www.pinspiration.com/locations/ pensacola/

Bowling / Skating / Movies / Indoor Fun

Cordova Lanes ad on page 15

2111 Airport Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32504

Relax with family, friends, food and your favorite beverage. Family Fun League, Pins & Pals Summer Camp and birthday parties.

850-477-2300 info@cordovalanes.com www.cordovalanes.com

OWA Theater ad on Inside Front Cover

205 N. OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535

OWA Theater is the centerpiece of Downtown OWA’s entertainment offerings. OWA Theater hosts sellout events year-round, from Halloween Horror Shows to productions like Christian Comedy Fest and Menopause the Musical. State-of-the-art sound, lighting and seating make for a comfortable & memorable venue—and adult beverages are available for purchase!

251-369-6100 www.visitowa.com

AMC Bayou 15 5149 Bayou Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32503 www.amctheatres.com

AMC Classic Pensacola 18 6595 North “W” Street Pensacola, FL 32534 www.amctheatres.com

Bounce House of Pensacola

6241 N Davis Hwy (Ste D) Pensacola, FL 32504

Bounce houses, slides, creative area, sports games, video games, and separate toddler area for little ones.

850-417-4692 www.bouncehousepensacola.com

Brandon Styles Showroom at OWA

101-H S OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535

Featuring a lineup of ever-changing acts and shows, from family-friendly to date night, the quick-witted Brandon Styles will have you doubling over in your chair.

251-237-3330 www.brandonstyles.com

Breeze Cinema 8

1233 Crane Cove Blvd Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

With the latest in digital projection, stadium seating, competitive pricing and a friendly staff, The Breeze offers the best in movie entertainment.

850-934-3332 www.movieshowtime.net/breeze

Clash eSports & VR Experience

101-G North OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535

Offering Virtual Reality, PC, Xbox, PS4, PS5 and Nintendo Switch gaming. Pay to play your favorite games and the newest games, all on the market’s newest and fastest equipment.

251-257-1400 www.clashesportsowa.com

DeLuna Lanes

590 East 9 Mile Road Pensacola, FL 32514

Fun-filled bowling lanes, arcade game room, and a full-service sports grill! On Friday and Saturday nights, we have Cosmic Bowling for all ages with a spectacular light show!

850-478-9522 www.delunalanes.com

Dreamland Skate Center

2607 East Olive Road Pensacola, FL 32514

Roller skating, arcade games, redemption games with a prize center, skate races, the state of the art cosmic light & sound show and more!

850-478-3994 www.myskatecenter.com/welcometo-dreamland

FunPlex of Gulf Breeze

3123 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

Gymnastics, cheerleading, field trips, open gym nights, birthdays, after school programs and more.

850-932-2297 www.the-funplex.com

Oops Alley

3721 Highway 90 Pace, FL 32571

A family entertainment center with bowling, family fun zone, pool tables, the Back Alley Grill, and rooms for private parties.

850-995-9393 www.oopsalley.com

Pensacola Kid’s Place

3 West 9 Mile Rd Suite 4 Pensacola, FL 32534

A clean and safe indoor playzone for children up to 8 years old. Tunnels, ball pit, slides, activity tables and education toys!

850-332-5085 www.facebook.com/pensacolakidsplace/

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

5007 North Davis Highway (Unit 8a) Pensacola, FL 32503

Freestyle Jump, Skyslam, Ultimate Dodgeball, Foam Zone, Skyjoust, Skyladder and more.

850-378-2570 www.skyzone.com/pensacola

Concerts, Plays and Performances

Bands on the Beach

20 Casino Beach Boardwalk Pensacola, FL 32561

Bands on the Beach,offers a wide variety of music every Tuesday evening from April-October. Bring your lawn chair and join us. Bands start at 7:00pm. Schedule available online.

850-932-2257 www.visitpensacolabeach.com/ whats-happening-bands-on-beach

Blue Angel Music Blues on the Bay Summer Concert Series

301 West Main Street Pensacola, FL 32502

Blues on the Bay is a Free Concert series at 6:00pm.Visit Blues on the Bay on Facebook for concert schedules.

850-457-7557 www.cityofpensacola.com/1161/ Blues-Angel-Music-Blues-on-the-Bay

Center for Fine and Performing Arts

11000 University Parkway Pensacola, FL 32514

Check our website for information on performances and events.

850-474-2000 www.uwf.edu/cfpa

Pensacola Bay Center

201 East Gregory Street Pensacola, FL 32502

Trade shows, concerts, sporting events, graduation ceremonies, weddings and more. Like and follow our Facebook page to get the latest event announcements and special offers.

850-432-0800 www.pensacolabaycenter.com

Pensacola Little Theatre

400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL 32502

Providing theatrical experiences that entertain, enrich, and educate all ages.The Pensacola Cultural Center, hosts musicals, comedies, dramas, and children’s shows, adult and youth acting classes and other theatre skills.

850-432-2042 info@pensacolalittletheatre.com www.pensacolalittletheatre.com

Pensacola Opera

75 South Tarragona Street Pensacola, FL 32502

The mission of Pensacola Opera is to enrich the culture of Northwest Florida by producing professional opera performances, educational programs and other opera-related community events for people of all ages. OVERTURE iCamp-ages 8-13. week-long day camp teaches children about the magic and excitement of live theatre by placing them right at the center of the action. Dates: July 17-22, 2023

850-433-6737 www.pensacolaopera.com

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra

205 East Zaragoza Street Pensacola, FL 32502

Offering live symphonic music and lifelong learning through musical activities, enrichment programs, concerts, family events.

850-435-2533 www.pensacolasymphony.com

Saenger Theatre

118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502

The Saenger Theatre is the premier entertainment destination for Pensacola. We host everything from Broadway, to Opera, Concerts, family shows and Classic Movie Series.

850-595-3882 www.pensacolasaenger.com

Farms/Horseback

Crazy Acres Ranch

3030 Highway 90 Molino, FL 32577

Riding lessons for all levels of experience, trail rides and riding camps. Pony Parties for Children’s Groups, Birthday’s, Churches, Scouts, Family Reunions and more. Visit us on Facebook!

850-206-8113 www.facebook.com/CrazyAcresRanch

Escambia County Equestrian Center

7750 Mobile Highway Pensacola, FL 32526

The Center is host to numerous horse shows, rodeos, dog shows, clinics, exhibitions, festivals, concerts and more. We are also open to the public daily for walking, jogging and allow horse owners to ride our trails.

850-941-6042 www.myescambia.com/community/ escambia-county-equestrian-center

Iron Horse Stables

11 Eden Lane Cantonment, FL 32533

Horseback riding in Northwest Florida through breathtaking scenic trails! Make your reservation today! Also offering Summer Horse Camps, riding lessons, boarding and pony parties!

850-982-0954 ironhorsestables.ride@gmail.com www.iron-horse-stables.com

Wild Hawk Ranch, LLC

24080 JD Waters Lane Robertsdale, AL 36567

Horseback Riding or Horse Training lessons on our horses at our place or we can come to your property. Baldwin County (Robertsdale, Loxley, Foley, Bay Minette) and Pensacola areas. 850-418-3684 www.wildhawkranch.com