August is National Family Fun Month, and here in the Monadnock region, we have plenty of opportunities for that!

I lead the Mini Explorers group during the school year and co-lead the summertime Families, Forests and Farms program with Kelli Tourgee at the River Center, so while we’ve been able to show families new places to roam, we’ve had discussions about various activities they like to do in the summer that keep them connected and active. Whether you are looking for a fun day to stay cool, some family games and activities to do together or some backyard fun, here are some of these ideas and local activities.

With Mount Monadnock at the heart of our community, there are so many family friendly trails and areas to explore. The Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area has some great trails that go around the pond, some views of the mountain and a playground for the children. They also offer camping and trails to summit the mountain, as well as other activities. Check the New Hampshire State Parks website at nhstateparks.org for more details. Some other family favorite trails of mine in the area are Rhododendron State Park in Fitzwilliam, Fremont Trail in Peterborough, Crotched Mountain Accessible Trails in Greenfield and Converse Meadow Trail in Rindge.

If you are looking to cool off for the day, each town has their well-known swimming areas or community pools. Adams Pool and Playground area in Peterborough offers day pass for both residents and non-residents. They have lifeguards, a splash pad, various courts for sports and a playground. Pack a picnic and spend the day. Other ways to stay cool and have fun with family are fishing, kayaking and swimming. Games like drip-drip-drop, tossing water balloons or soaked sponges or a good old-fashioned sprinkler are some of our go-to activities for summer. Why not freeze some of the toys in ice and let them break them free? Get out the trucks, bikes and scooters and create your own family “car wash.”

Some of my family’s favorite ways to spend time together and have fun are playing games and backyard activities. We love classic games like “Uno,” “Sorry!” and “Monopoly,” but have really enjoyed learning other new games too. A backyard pickup game of baseball, soccer or volleyball is always on the table for a summer night. Creating relay races for one another, letting the children show off their gymnastic skills or simply watching the clouds by day and the stars by night are all activities that families can do together with minimal planning, cost or restrictions. The simplicity of these activities allows families to relax and be creative with each other and engage in some good ol’ fun!

Whether you are hitting the trails with your family this August, playing a backyard game together or breaking out the hot dogs and marshmallows for a campfire, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the small moments, for one day they may be the best moments your kids remember.

While our Families, Forests and Farms program is over, we are getting ready to announce or fall program lineup, so you can have more ways to stay connected as a family, have fun and learn new things. Visit our website at rivercenternh.org/calendar for our programs.

Nicole Daniels is the children’s teacher at the River Center and leads its music and movement programs, Messy Mondays, and Wild Wednesdays in the fall. The River Center: A Family and Community Resource Center provides parent education, family support and community connections to strengthen individuals and families in Peterborough, Jaffrey, New Ipswich and surrounding towns. For information, call 603-924-6800 or visit rivercenternh.org.