“’Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about.”—John Mayer
The long, warm days of summer are empty gardens waiting to be filled with bonding activities, the seeds of memories and relationships that last all year,

School is probably the last thing on the minds of kids in the summer, and they are too young for higher education. But there is one university they may enjoy: Putt U Miniature Golf, Best of the Valley & Readers’ Choice (over 70-time winner!). Putt U is a miniature golf experience like you’ve never seen! They feature two world class 18 hole miniature golf courses. But these miniature golf courses are like none you’ve played before. The holes are long and winding, and will offer a challenge to both kids and adults. Their website features two videos on how to play mini golf. 5201 Route 309, Center Valley | puttu.com | 610-798-9800 | [email protected]

Looking for food to go with your fairways? The newly-remodeled George’s Oasis Restaurant offers a full menu as well as optional mini golf packages that can include meals and desserts (including soft AND traditional ice cream!). 2355 Schoenersville Rd., Allentown 18109 | 610-264-1955 | georgesoasis.com | [email protected]

One of the biggest challenges parents face on the weekends is how to get the kids out of the house without breaking the bank (How does FREE sound?). Every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., bring your kids to the Art Ways Interactive Family Gallery at the Allentown Art Museum, where you can create original works of art with the help of a Museum educator. Explore the Maker Stations, which include a digital studio where you can design an object and then bring it to life on a 3D printer! Make sure to stop by the Art Bar before you leave to choose from a selection of art-making supplies to take home. 31 North Fifth St., Allentown 18101 | 610-432-4333 | allentownartmuseum.org | [email protected]

My wife has a shirt that says, “You’re never to old to do goofy stuff—Ward Cleaver.” If you want to join your grandkids in goofy stuff, find a local playground and … play! Skip rocks, explore a “fire house,” slide, jump, climb, blay ball, fall down, get dirty, look at trees and flowers, and go to Yocco’s for hot dogs and pierogies. Find a list of the Lehigh Valley’s best playgrounds here: discoverlehighvalley.com/blog/post/best-lehigh-valley-playgrounds.