July 31: Summer Kids

I like kids. So does Greater Fort Lauderdale, it seems. And kids sure do seem to like Greater Fort Lauderdale right back. This time of year, I see them everywhere, sometimes with family or friends in tow, sometimes in small posses of their own. A couple of kids riding together on bicycles here, a few kids wandering through the park there. Hanging in the malls, lining up for museums and movies. To some extent, of course, this is true anywhere in our country during the summertime. Kids out of school means kids looking for something to do. Hey, I remember what it was like to be that age. A couple months ago, I even blogged specific suggestions about some of the many great family friendly activities in this area. There's no shortage. I also write a weekly blog for teens on this website, which has fun fictional stories for younger readers along with ideas about places to go and things to check out. Just CLICK HERE for our kids blog. 

But what struck me the other day was something else. Because our pretty beaches are a special magnet for kids and families in the summer, tourists and locals alike. And those folks give our shorefront a different feeling for several weeks each year - even more laidback than usual, even more casual, even more playful.

There's something about seeing a group of kids waiting to cross A1A, holding a SpongeBob float and a couple beach balls, that just makes you smile to yourself. And makes you think, "Hey, this is what a beach is really all about." Going to the beach is about having fun. Period. At least that's true when it's kids who are going to the beach. They're not worrying about meditating or about taking in sweeping cloud vistas. They're not thinking deep thoughts or even showing off their new bathing suits or watching everyone to see who's watching them. They're just having fun. Without being self-conscious and without pretension. I think that's a nice thing. It brings a fresh dimension to the beach experience for the rest of us. There's nothing like looking at a bunch of kids splashing in the waves to remind you about energy and exuberance. And yes, fun. We've still got a few weeks left before the students head back to their classrooms. If you need a little tonic to brighten your life, I highly recommend taking in a good dose of childplay at our beaches. It just might help to cure whatever ails you.