It’s late May, and your family may be discussing, planning, or about to embark on a summer vacation. Vacations are an opportunity for us dads to put all our work on pause, unplug from email, phone calls, projects, to-do lists, and all the pressures and responsibilities of our work, and simply focus on spending time together as a family. It’s a chance for us to create memories with our wife and children and have fun together. What family dad doesn’t like the idea of that!?

So, have you given thought to what vacations your family will take this summer when your children are out of school? Are you discussing it with your wife? My experience has been that she puts more thought into this than I do. It’s important to her. Since we homeschool and she is the primary schoolteacher, this is a much needed break for her. Maybe your wife feels a similar need for a “break” from her school-year routine with the kids. Honor her with your involvement in the process of planning family vacations this summer, and then be fully involved *during* the vacation with all your heart focused on your family — not thinking about the work you left behind or will have awaiting you when you return.

Here are a few family vacation ideas to get your mind thinking…

Camping, Cruise, Visit Relatives, Visit Another Family With Children of Similar Ages, Amusement Theme Park, Water Theme Park, National Parks, National Forests, Explore Places of History, Explore Scenic Outdoors, Beach, Lake, Mountains, White Water Rafting, Canoeing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, House Swap With Another Family You Know, Serve Another Family, Travel To A Foreign Culture.

One more thing, dad. Since gas prices are now outrageous, keep that in mind as you plan your vacation. But don’t let that prevent you from vacationing with your family. Be creative and look for nearby vacation spots if necessary. But don’t miss the opportunity before you this summer to lay everything aside, have some fun, enjoy your family, and create some great memories with them!