Five Fun Activities for Middle Schoolers and Divorced Mothers in the Summer

There are lots of fun activities for families to enjoy in and around Greensboro and Western NC this summer, and it’s especially important for divorced moms to get out there and make some wonderful new memories with their children. Divorce is hard on everyone, but middle schoolers are particularly sensitive. To help ease the pain and strengthen your family bonds, try these ideas on for size.

Greensboro Science Center – If you’re worried your kids’ brains are turning to mush from video games, hop over to the Greensboro Science Center to get them off the sofa and thinking about the way nature works. The zoo and aquarium are packed creatures both cute and creepy, and your middle schoolers will be learning in spite of themselves. And since nobody outgrows their fascination with dinosaurs, be sure to check out the Prehistoric Petting Zoo exhibit.

Old Salem Museums and Gardens – Winston-Salem is home to one of the country’s premiere living history museums, and it’s tailor-made to spark middle schoolers’ imaginations. Pop in and out of buildings at Old Salem to learn about how early settlers made medicine, taught school, and built furniture. Be sure to go on a Saturday to try your hand at old-fashioned baking techniques at the Winkler Bakery, where you’ll help make delicious Moravian cookies and bread.

Hanging Rock State Park – Embrace the great outdoors at Hanging Rock State Park, where you can spend the day hiking the trails or a whole weekend camping out under the stars. This is a great place to cool off in a canoe, kayak, or at the swimming hole, where you can change out of wet bathing suits at the bathhouse before the drive home. Your big kids will appreciate the diving platform to show off their moves.

Grandfather Mountain – If the heat is making you crazy, get up early and cool off in the mountains. Grandfather Mountain is about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Greensboro, but it’s worth it for the views. Even hard-to-impress tweens will love the feeling of walking over the Mile High Swinging Bridge and staring down into the gorge below. There are also plenty of trails to enjoy the shade and spot the abundant local wildlife. On the way home, hit the King Street Creamery in Boone for a sweet treat.

Breakout Games – Middle schoolers are the perfect age to try an escape room. If you’ve never done one before, Breakout Games in Greensboro has a big selection and all rooms are private, so it’s just the family working together to solve the puzzles and unlock the door. This is a great way to help each other and let each family member shine with their own strengths. With themes like “The Kidnapping,” “Mystery Mansion,” and “Runaway Train,” your imaginations can run wild as you search for clues.

Adjusting to your new life as a divorced mom is definitely a challenge, but don’t let your time with your kids be all about rules and routine. This summer, choose a fun adventure or two to let everyone relax and let loose, and your kids will take away fond memories of these years — and their time with you.