written by Nikki Hatcher

‘Wham’ The doors of the school are flung open one last time as ecstatic, energetic and excited children scurry away for summer break.

It is the last day of school and the irony of summer break is that it’s no real “break” for parents. there’s no more sleeping past the alarm clock. The kiddos are up at sunrise before you can even hit snooze, or rub your eyes, they stand bedside eagerly awaiting the day’s adventure. “What are we doing today, Mom?” they ask. This scenario will repeat itself a million times, in a million different ways and in a million different homes until summer break’s end. Yes, summer is here.
Reflecting on what I loved the most about “summer vacay” as a kid, elicits no memories of being inundated with flashy expensive toys, video games or even television for that matter. Back then, we were tasked with building, navigating and setting sail to our own “summer flagship.” Growing up in a small town like Mt. Juliet, granted us that wonderful opportunity.

We ran, explored, made up games, put on plays and talent shows, chased lightning bugs, unearthed worms, found pill bugs beneath rocks, dug in ditches and made backyard forts complete with “No Parents Allowed” signs. Children still need the freedom and support to create, plan and coordinate their summer experience from their own unique perspective.

These days children are spending less time outdoors than ever before, not only in America, but all over the world.

As a result, children can suffer from Louv’s coined phrase, “nature-deficit disorder.”

So, each summer, my Mommy brain reminds me that we do not have to tell children to “keep off the walls” if there are none. So outside we go …and outside WE STAY.

Enjoy our list of ideas and activities for summer food and fun right here in the Mt. Juliet community:

To DO @ Home:

Bug hunting
Rock Art & Rock Painting
Pressed Flower Mats/Place Mats
Build a Fort (Inside & Outside)
Nature Scavenger Hunts
Make Bird Feeders
Make Nature Magnets
Outdoor Painting
Pitch a Tent
Bake treats for a neighbor

To DO in the Mt. Juliet community:

Mt. Juliet-Wilson County Library
(weekly science & magic shows, etc.)
Ava’s Splash Pad
Planet Playground
Long Hunter State Park
(nature program)
Don Fox Community Park
(wading pool)
Providence Movie Theater ($1 movies)
Charlie Daniels Park – Movies in The Park

To Eat In The Mt. Juliet Community:

Zaxby’s—Kids eat FREE on
Wednesday’s 4-8pm
(w/adult purchase)
Painturo’s—Kids under 7 years
eat free everyday (Dine-in/No Drinks)
Blue Coast Burrito—Kids eat
for 1.99 on Tuesday
(w/adult purchase)
Captain D’s—Kids eat for .99
on Thursday (w/adult purchase)
Logan’s Roadhouse—-Kids under 10 years eat FREE on Wednesday
(w/adult purchase)

Salsarita’s—Kids eat FREE on Thursday
(w/adult purchase; 5pm-Close)
Red Robin—Kids meals $1.99
on Wednesday (w/adult purchase)
El Comal—Kids meals $2.99
Wednesday only
Wendy’s—Kids eat FREE
(w/adult purchase; After 5pm)
O’Charley’s—Kids eat FREE
(w/adult purchase; Everyday)
Chick-Fil-A – Tuesday Kid’s Night
Activities from 5 until 8
Corner Pub- $6 Tuesday Menu.