5 Summer Activities to Boost Your Family's Mental Health

The sun is out, the temperatures are climbing... yet maybe you or your child don't quite feel like yourselves.

While most people think of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as something tied to the colder months, emotional struggles can pop up in spring and summer too. If you or your child have been feeling down, overwhelmed, or just "off," you’re not alone. And good news—small, simple actions can make a big difference.

Here are five easy summer activities that can lift your spirits and support your family's mental health:

1. Get Outside

Fresh air and sunlight really can help. For both kids and adults, something as simple as a walk, a swim, a bike ride, or kicking a ball around together can boost your mood. If you’re low on energy, just sitting outside with a good book, drawing with sidewalk chalk, or having a picnic can be just as helpful.

2. Make a Summer Playlist

Music can change the whole vibe. Try putting together a "family summer playlist" full of songs that make everyone smile. Play it during car rides, backyard barbecues, or lazy afternoons. A little bit of joyful noise can go a long way in shifting the atmosphere at home.

3. Plant Something Together

Planting flowers, herbs, or even a few vegetables can be a powerful reminder that growth is always possible. You don’t need a big yard either. A few pots on the porch or a sunny windowsill are enough to bring a little life—and a little joy—into your space.

4. Explore Local Adventures

You don't need a long road trip to make summer memories. Look for simple fun close to home: a county fair, an outdoor movie night, a farmer’s market, or even just a day at the park. Sometimes the best connections happen during the simplest moments.

5. Enjoy Fresh, Simple Foods

Summer is packed with fresh fruits and veggies. Visit a local farmer’s market or produce stand and pick out a few things you haven’t tried before. Cooking a new dish or making homemade smoothies together can be a fun (and delicious) way to bond as a family.

Still Feeling Stuck?

If you’ve tried a few of these ideas and still feel like something’s not clicking—for you, your child, or your whole family—we’re here when you’re ready.

Sometimes a little extra support can make all the difference.