of room for kids to explore, it offers something for everyone. The park’s namesake, “high banks” rising above the Olentangy River, makes it especially beautiful. Whether you’re taking a peaceful walk, wearing out little ones on the trails, or just enjoying fresh air after a busy week, Highbanks is always a great choice. 🚲 Richland B&O Trail If your family likes to move, the Richland B&O Trail is a great option for walking, biking, or jogging. With paved paths and plenty of access points, it’s an easy way to enjoy the outdoors while getting a little exercise. Sometimes a bike ride and an ice cream stop afterward are all you
the kids help make homemade lemonade. Spreading out a puzzle on a rainy afternoon. Reading books outside under a tree. Taking an evening walk after the heat of the day has passed. Staying up a little later to catch fireflies or look for stars. Even everyday routines can feel special with a small twist. Turn on music while cleaning the kitchen. Let everyone choose a favorite meal for “family dinner night.” Have a water balloon contest in the driveway. Make sundaes on a random Tuesday. Bring out board games after dark. Start a summer bucket list on the refrigerator and cross off simple ideas as you go. For older kids, simple can look different. A coffee run together in the morning. Hitting golf balls at the range. Going for ice cream. Shooting hoops in the driveway. Watching a movie together after dinner. Inviting a 🦉 Ohio Bird Sanctuary – Mansfield One of Richland County’s hidden treasures, the Ohio Bird Sanctuary offers a peaceful and memorable experience for kids and adults alike. Visitors can see owls, hawks, falcons, and other birds of prey up close while learning about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. One of the most fun features is the walk-through aviary, where smaller birds may land nearby as you feed them. It’s educational, relaxing, and just the right size for an easy summer visit. 🌳 Kingwood Center Gardens – Mansfield A beautiful place to stroll, slow down, and appreciate the season, Kingwood Center Gardens is a local favorite for good reason. The grounds are stunning in the summer, with colorful blooms, fountains, and winding paths that feel like a quick escape without leaving town. It’s ideal for a morning walk, a quiet solo visit, or bringing guests who are in town for the weekend. 🌲 Highbanks Metro Park – Columbus For our Columbus readers, Highbanks is one of the best places to enjoy nature without leaving the city. With shaded hiking trails, scenic overlooks, open meadows, and plenty
2 Rinehardt Law | BeSmartLegal.com instead of at the kitchen table. Breakfast on the porch. Popsicles after lunch. Letting Some of the moments children remember most are often the simplest … the ones that feel different from the ordinary rhythm of the school year. They don’t require reservations, a long drive, or a big budget. They just require a little intention. A picnic dinner in the backyard can feel like an event when dinner is served on a blanket Summer has a way of making us feel like we should be doing more. More outings. More plans. More activities. More memory-making. It’s easy to look around and think everyone else is filling their calendars with exciting adventures while we’re just trying to figure out what to make for dinner and whether there are enough towels for the pool. But a meaningful summer doesn’t have to be a packed one. You don’t have to plan a big trip to enjoy everything summer has to offer. Sometimes, the best way to reset, reconnect, or simply fill an afternoon is to explore a few of the gems right in our own backyard. Whether you have kids in tow, want to bring the dog, or are just looking for a change of scenery, these local favorites make it easy to enjoy the season close to home. 🌿 The Dawes Arboretum – Newark If you’re craving a slower pace, The Dawes Arboretum is worth the drive. With beautiful gardens, wooded trails, open green spaces, and scenic drives through the grounds, it’s the kind of place that invites you to exhale. You can walk as much, or as little, as you’d like, making it great for all ages and energy levels. Bring a picnic, pack water, and enjoy an afternoon surrounded by nature. It’s also dog-friendly, which makes it a perfect outing for four-legged family members. Easy Summer Outings Close to Home Local Favorites
need to make the day feel like summer. 🐾 Your Neighborhood Park
Never underestimate the simple joy of a local park. A playground, a basketball court, a shady bench, or room to toss a ball can be enough to change the tone of the day. Kids burn energy, adults get fresh air, and everyone benefits from stepping away from the usual routine for a while. Summer doesn’t always need a suitcase or a detailed itinerary. Sometimes, the best memories are made close to home, with a little sunshine, a change of scenery, and the decision to say yes to a simple adventure.
A SIMPLE SUMMER
(THAT STILL FEELS SPECIAL)
friend along for an errand and turning it into an outing. None of these moments is elaborate, but that’s part of their charm. They create pauses in the day, small breaks from rushing, scrolling, and schedules. They give families a chance to laugh, talk, and enjoy one another in ways that often get lost during the busyness of the school year. If you’re feeling pressure to make this summer unforgettable, it may help to redefine what that means. It doesn’t have to be expensive, perfectly planned, or photo-worthy. Sometimes, the most memorable days are the ones with sticky popsicle fingers, wet towels on the floor, and everyone laughing over something unexpected. A simple summer is still a special summer. In many ways, it may be the kind everyone remembers most.
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