Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock

There’s no question: the pandemic ruined travel plans for everyone last year. No summer vacations, few holiday trips, nothing! However, 2021 looks to be very different! Read on to see what families plan to do with their summer…

Summer 2021 Plans

Kateryna Mostova/Shutterstock

It’s almost as if last summer never happened – literally! According to a recent survey by OnePoll, 62% of families say they don’t count last summer as a summer at all! However, they hope to change that all this year. 70% of parents surveyed said that they plan on having a lot more fun this summer, all while still following COVID-19 regulations and guidelines, while just as many said that they think they’ll have considerably more fun this summer than last.

So what are families up to this season? Well, plenty are looking forward to relaxing at home with family and friends. However, just over 60% said that they want to make up for last summer. That includes leaving the house for more playful activities, including the beach, backyard barbecues, and the like. Meanwhile, nearly 35% of people said they plan on traveling, mainly to see family members that they have not seen in some time. Just as many plan to take road trips or go camping, something they view as safer. And as nearly half of Americans have received at least the first shot of their coronavirus vaccinations so far, expect more and more families to start planning vacations!

Don’t worry if you’re not comfortable traveling yet – other families shared tons of ideas on how to feel fun while staying at home…

Families Return To Having Fun

oliveromg/Shutterstock

Of course, many worldwide still do not feel incredibly safe traveling. So, OnePoll asked what those staying at home this summer planned, and many responded that they still plan on having more fun, as coronavirus restrictions loosen. 29% of people asked want to host movie nights in a home-based movie theater, 24% will bring out board games, while just under a fifth want to go out for a picnic. “Whether it’s camping in the backyard or taking a vacation, parents are looking forward to spending time with their families and planning safe activities to have a feel-good, fun-filled summer,” said Ilene Bergenfield, Chief Marketing Officer for Juicy Juice. “It’s also apparent that there are plenty of activities to do in your own backyard or within your neighborhood to create fun memories while staying safe.”

Some plans are quite simple and childish – 26% of parents will fill up balloons with water and throw them around to cool each other down, as well as 16%, want to doodle with chalk on the sidewalk. 15% want to be more extreme with their time and go hiking. The survey also showed that many families found small memories from past years the most cherished. “We can see that summer memories are some of the most cherished by parents, both of their childhood and as their own kids grow up,” added Bergenfield. “A lot has happened since last year, so it’s important for Americans to take time to safely make new memories with their families.”

Sources: People Magazine, Yahoo! Sports UK, Red Tricycle.