How to Have a Retro Summer

So, what exactly does it look like to have a retro summer? Do we exclaim, “That’s totally rad!” every time something awesome happens? Do we don our favorite vintage clothing and spend our days listening to The Drifters and The Beach Boys? Sure, if that’s what floats your boat. But in terms of families planning their days, it means don’t. Or at the very least, don’t plan as much as you do during the school year. Having a retro summer means slowing down, relaxing and having old-school fun. If you’ve forgotten what that looks like, we share tons of ideas here.

It also means unplugging. Yep, I said it. Be one of those brilliant parents who changes the Wi-Fi password daily and makes it available to the kids only when XYZ happens. In this case it might be two hours of outdoor play or four items on our list before getting an hour of video games. Some may argue that playing video games IS slowing down and relaxing, and they would be right. But too much of that type of relaxing has long-lasting detrimental consequences and doesn’t fall within the nostalgic, engaged, intentional

A NOTE FOR WORKING PARENTS retro summer we’re going for here. Life is hectic during the school year; days are filled with structure, homework, afterschool activities and high expectations. Summer is an important time to slow down, let kids play and just be.

As a parent who has worked in some capacity the entirety of my kids’ childhoods, I know how difficult it is to not have summers off. You do what’s needed to make sure the kids are taken care of while you work, whether its summer camps, babysitters, grandparent visits, etc. Summer fun doesn’t have to be all day every day, so don’t be discouraged. You can still switch your school-year routine into summer mode. Why not do one activity on our list a few times a week? Eat dinners in the backyard, at a park or beach. Read a new chapter book together at bedtime. Visit a local farmers market each week. You could even embrace the retro theme by grabbing a meal at a local diner such as Clayton’s Coffee Shop in Coronado, Corvette Diner in Point Loma or the Chicken Pie Shop in North Park. The kids will appreciate small, unexpected changes to the norm.

You’ll probably get pushback at first. You may hear phrases like, “I’m bored,” “There’s nothing to do,” and even “You’re ruining my life,” and that’s OK. Remain calm; don’t give in and definitely don’t “fix” it. Boredom leads to creativity and magical moments. The kids will figure it out.

By all means, plan day trips and fun outings! If you don’t know where to start, flip to our calendar on page 24 and pick up the new edition of Out & About: San Diego with Kids

If you’re a parent who MUST have something on the calendar every day, schedule days to be bored. You might call them “slow-down days;” it just sounds better. Keep the calendar light to foster flexibility and spontaneity. Whatever retro looks like for your family, be sure to nurture social connection and prioritize quality time together—with golden oldies or disco music in the background, of course.