Sand angels are snow angels’ dirty cousins, but they’re warmer, so there’s that.

You don’t need hot summer days to enjoy some fun at the beach, but you do need some imagination and a carefree attitude — also, acceptance of subsequent baths.

The ocean doesn’t go south for the winter, so visit it!

This post is part of UpTake’s Friday Family Series. If you would like to see your family vacation photo here please submit it via the contact link in the sidebar, subject line: Family Photo.

Photo:  Whit Honea

Every year the beaches of California host a number of events, but few are as amazing or family friendly as sand castle competitions and festivals. They can be found from San Diego to Santa Barbara, and they feature sand sculptures that will leave you oohing and ahhing. Also, covered in sand.

If you’re visiting California make sure to ask your hotel concierge about sand castle events in the area. It’s a great, and usually free (except for parking), way to spend the day on the beach — and you can’t beat that.

And that’s not all. There are also jokes. Apparently.

This post is a very wordy Wordless Wednesday entry.

Photo: dsearls via Flickr

Sit. Stay. Heel. Good dogs.

Sure, the commands are a bit contradictory, but under the circumstances these dogs seem to have handled it pretty well.

While you and your family are out and about this summer, don’t forget your four-legged friends like the park, too. Most communities have dog parks and beaches where Fido and Rover can run, sniff and fetch until their tail is too tired to wag.

These pups are in Cirencester, England, but there’s probably a dog park closer to you. Make the dog days of summer count and use your smartphone to find dog parks to visit on your travels this summer (dogs not included).

This post is part of the UpTake Friday Family Series because dogs are family, too.

Photo: johnson1952 via Flickr

Lady Liberty was a gift from the French. It’s probably the coolest gift we’ve ever received. By “it” I mean the statue, and by “we” I mean the United States of America, but you probably knew that.

This weekend America celebrates a little something we like to call freedom. Maybe you’ve heard of it. As such, there will be a lot of people being a bit too free with their drinking and their bad decisions. Don’t be one of them. Holidays are supposed to be fun, not dangerous. Don’t drink and drive, people.

Have a great Fourth of July weekend!

This post is part of the UpTake Friday Family Series. Now in caps!

Photo: bets.i.jacobson via Flickr