Summer’s Here – Make the Most of It!
After the winter that overstayed its welcome, it’s hard to believe Summer 2025 is here. Yes, I know—you had to pick camps and swimming lessons back in February. Hopefully, you chose wisely and aren’t stuck sending your kids to programs they’ve already outgrown.
Despite the chaos of drop-offs, pickups, and scheduling gymnastics, there’ll still be downtime to make memories your kids will carry with them for years. Here are three tips from a Veteran Dad™ on a 12-year streak of mostly positive Yelp reviews in summer parenting.
- Free and Fun Is Everywhere
London has no shortage of free, kid-friendly activities. Whether it’s a bike ride on the Thames Valley Parkway, splashing at the Springbank Park wading pool, checking out a library program, or just playing tag at a nearby schoolyard, presence beats presents every time. As author Ryan Holiday reminds us, “All time is quality time.” If dads had a universal motto, that’d be a strong contender.
- Keep It in Moderation
In our house, I’m the grey-haired, 6’9”, seven-year-old pushover. If it were up to me, District Ice Cream would count as a food group and bedtime stories would happen at The Rec Room. But I’ve learned that once you set the bar too high, it’s hard to bring it back down. Try building a summer “bucket list” with your kids—activities they want to do, matched with behaviour goals to unlock each one. One memory at a time.
- Road Trips = Magic
We’re lucky to live within driving distance of so many great spots. From Adventure Bay in Windsor to Point Pelee, Blue Mountain, Toronto, and Niagara Falls—there’s plenty of summer magic just a few hours away. You’ll support local instead of feeding the Orange Baboon’s tariff machine, and give your kids experiences they’ll brag about on day one back at school (a.k.a. their version of Instagram stories).
Now get out there—and have a great summer.
Jeremy McCall is a married father of 3, a social services case manager, and known as “The Dadfather”, being the founder and Past President of Dad Club London.
