It’s Time to Bring Back the Magic of a ‘90s Summer

Eating dinner outside doesn’t have to be a big production! Sometimes it’s as simple as taking whatever you were already planning to eat and bringing it out to the patio, porch, or backyard table. Burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken, a big bowl of watermelon—it all works. The nice thing about eating outside is that people tend to linger a little longer, talking after the meal instead of heading off in different directions right away.

Berry picking is one of those simple summer outings that never really goes out of style. Whether it’s strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries, there’s something satisfying about filling a bucket with fruit you picked yourself. It’s a nice excuse to spend a morning outside and the reward comes home with you!

Drive-in movies had a little bit of built-in summer magic before the previews even started. Kids could show up in pajamas, parents could pack whatever snacks were already in the pantry, and nobody had to worry about whispering too loudly in a theater. Look up local drive-in theaters or outdoor movie nights near you, because some towns still bring out the big screen once the weather gets warm. If there isn’t one close by, hang a sheet in the backyard and call it a home theater. Very fancy! Very 1997!

A deck of cards on the table after dinner could stretch bedtime by at least an hour, which was very important work in the ’90s. Nobody had to be especially good at the game, either! In fact, it was probably better if half the family was playing by slightly different rules. That’s how you wound up with someone accusing Grandma of cheating and Grandma acting deeply offended while absolutely cheating. 😂 Put the cards out, let the dishes wait, and see how long everyone stays at the table.

Homemade popsicles made kids feel like kitchen geniuses. Pour juice into a mold, add the sticks, and let the freezer do the rest. Back in the day, there were also pudding pops, lemonade pops, and homemade creations that didn’t always turn out exactly as planned. That was part of the fun! Eating one outside while it drips down your wrist is the real requirement.

Friendship bracelets were serious business in the ’90s, mostly because choosing the colors felt like a binding emotional contract. Making them took time and patience, but that was part of the appeal! The finished bracelet usually ended up on your BFF’s wrist, where it stayed until it looked a little sun-faded and questionable from the pool. That was part of the charm...and possibly also a sign that everyone needed to wash their hands.

A porch swing has a way of making everyone slow down, whether they planned to or not. Ree knows the value of sitting outside and watching the day settle over the ranch, but you don’t need a pasture view to borrow the idea! Bring out something cold to drink, let the conversation wander, and stay put until the air finally cools off.

Few summer outings pack as much nostalgia into one place as a county fair or carnival! There are rides that look a little too old to be making those noises, games nobody fully understands, and food that absolutely should not be eaten before the Ferris wheel. Go soak in the atmosphere and prepare yourself for the inevitable moment when someone triumphantly carries home a stuffed animal that somehow cost more than it reasonably should have.