You may not have grown up in Ocean Shores. Or maybe you did. You may have come from another small town. If so, you probably have some fond small town summer memories. Although I personally did not grow up here, I did raise three kids in Ocean Shores; 22 years of summers in this cozy little beach town.
My kids spent their days all over Ocean Shores making memories. Fort building was a favorite. We sent them off on many summer days with a wagon full of hammers and nails, old boards and bedsheets. They’d pack snacks and drinks and head off for the day. No cell phones, tablets or Gameboys. There may have been a Giga pet or Furbie along for the day, but just friends, their imaginations and some snacks.
So many days on the beach building driftwood forts too! Have you visited the driftwood fort at Damon Point? You should. Take the kids, take some pictures, make some memories. One of the highlights of the summer was always the Ocean Shores Library Summer Reading Program. We’d pick up our reading bag with the book log, stickers and fun pencil. Oh the years a new Harry Potter book came out were magical! Always with a fun wrap-up party at the end of the summer. Reptile Man Shows and Pet Parade. Summer time.
Many of our afternoons were spent at our local parks. Moms sitting on the benches catching up, barefoot babies on their laps and kids playing Hot Lava Monster on the playground.
Here’s a few ideas for summer fun:
Paint-Outs (painting out-of-doors) are scheduled for Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon with lunch afterward. If there has been rain in the past 24 hours, paint outs will be cancelled. You are responsible for your own transportation, payment for lunch, and supplies. Kalaloch Lodge, meet at the gate. Lunch to follow at Kalaloch Creekside Restaurant.
How about a poker night? On Aug. 2, the Ocean Shores Elks are playing modified limit Hold ‘Em; 25-50 cent blinds with a $2 minimum raise. Play is from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring a snack to share.
Open Mic night at the Ocean Beach Roasters on Thursday, Aug. 3, 5-8p.m. Practice up!
There is a paddle meet-up the morning of Aug. 5. Stop by the new Riptide coffee shop at Oyhut Bay for a cappuccino or latte and then over to the resort’s dock for a self-guided launch at 10 a.m. Don’t forget your sunscreen and a lifejacket!
There’s a heat wave in the forecast for the I-5 corridor. Which may drive temperatures at the beach to a high of 80 … we’ll take it! Make sure you’re hydrating and water the kids even before they say they are thirsty. Take care of your pets too.
On these quiet weekends between events, visit the parks and playgrounds. Find a new one to visit that’s not close to home. Bring a soccer ball or football. And go ahead, play a round of Hot Lava Monster with the kids, no one will mind.
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