Summer is finally here! School is out, the days are longer, and the calendar is filling up with family vacations, backyard barbecues, and trips to the pool. While summer is a much-needed time to rest and recharge, it can also be easy for our normal routines—including our faith routines—to slide into the background.
But summer doesn't mean taking a vacation from God. In fact, the slower pace of the season offers a beautiful opportunity to weave our Catholic faith into everyday family fun.
Here are four creative, family-friendly ways to bring Catholic faith into your summer plans, featuring some of our favorite seasonal picks from Gifts With Love.
1. Take Your Prayer Life Poolside (or to the Beach!)
Whether you are lounging by the ocean, camping at a state park, or just relaxing in the backyard while the kids run through the sprinkler, summer is the perfect time to catch up on spiritual reading.
Instead of heavy theological texts, look for engaging, faith-based 
stories or daily devotionals that you can easily pack in your beach bag.
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For Parents: Grab an inspiring Catholic biography or a light daily reflection book to read while the kids swim.
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For Kids: Keep a basket of Catholic books or activities
near the back door for quiet afternoons after a long day in the sun.
2. Take a "Holy Road Trip"
Planning a family road trip this summer? Turn a portion of your travel into a mini-pilgrimage! No matter where you are driving, chances are there is a beautiful historic cathedral, a unique outdoor shrine, or a holy grotto along your route.
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Make it Fun: Let the kids track your route on a map and research a saint associated with the area you are visiting.
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Keep Safe on the Road: Before you back out of the driveway, secure a Silver Trinity Know visor clip or a driving medal to your dashboard. It’s a wonderful, traditional Catholic way to ask for the patron saint of travelers to intercede for your family's safety.
*Travel Tip: Pack a pocket-sized rosary or a few scriptural decade markers in the glove box for a family rosary when the highway gets long and restless.
3. Bring Faith to the Backyard BBQ
Summer is peak season for hospitality. Whether you are hosting Father’s Day, a 4th of July block party, or a simple weekend gathering with neighbors, your home can be a subtle beacon of Catholic hospitality.
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Faith-Filled Decor: Serve your summer treats on beautiful, faith-inspired serveware, or place a welcoming outdoor saint statue near your patio or garden path. A statue of St. Fiacre (the patron saint of gardens) or a beautiful St. Francis of Assisi figure looks stunning surrounded by summer blooms.
4. Celebrate Summer Saint Feast Days
The summer liturgical calendar is packed with incredible saints whose stories are bound to capture your children’s imaginations. Turn these feast days into a summer celebration:
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June 22 (St. Thomas More): Host a family movie night or an outdoor game day.
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July 25 (St. James the Greater): The patron saint of pilgrims! Go on a family hike and collect "pilgrim stones" to paint with crosses.
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August 11 (St. Clare of Assisi): The patron saint of television. Celebrate by watching a faith-based family movie together with a big bowl of popcorn.
Make This Summer One to Remember
You don’t need to drastically change your vacation plans to make this a faith-filled summer. By intentionally bringing small reminders of God’s love into your outdoor adventures, road trips, and relaxation, you’re showing your kids that our faith is vibrant, joyful, and meant to be lived in every season.
Shop the Gifts With Love Summer Collection today to find the perfect travel sacramentals, outdoor garden statues, and faith-filled books for your family!