Summer is the perfect time to reconnect with your family! With your kids out of school, you can now begin to plan fun summer activities. Getting outside is important for your kid’s physical and mental health. Here are 10 outdoor activities to do with your family this summer.
1. Go for a Walk
You can take a walk around your neighborhood or go to a local park. Just make sure to wear comfortable clothes and stay hydrated. Taking a walk is good exercise. You should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.
Here are some of the benefits of physical activity:
- Reduces your risk of heart attack
- Helps you manage your weight
- Lowers your blood cholesterol level
- Lowers your blood pressure
- Strengthens your bones
Taking a walk is also an excellent way to get children away from their screens and out in nature.
2. Ride Bikes
This can be a fun way to get your kids moving. It’s also an opportunity to teach your younger kids how to ride a bike. Kids usually learn to ride a bike around the ages of 3 to 8 years.
Here are some tips for teaching your kid to ride a bike:
- Use a balance bike.
- Take the pedals off and lower the seat.
- Tell your kid to turn in the direction they are falling to help them stay balanced.
- Raise the wheels a little bit at a time.
Make sure to remind your kids about safety precautions, such as wearing a helmet. You can ride bikes in your backyard or to a particular destination, such as a local ice cream shop.
3. Fly Kites
Flying kites is an activity that doesn’t require much planning. All you need is a kite and some wind. Consider letting your kid pick out their favorite kite design. You could even make your own out of plastic bags or newspapers. Flying kites also help your kids to release their pent-up energy while soaking up vitamin D.
Flying a kite can also teach your kids about psychics. To get it off the ground, they will have to experiment with the wind’s speed and direction.
4. Play Outdoor Games
Outdoor games are a fun way to bond with your kids while keeping them entertained. It can also reinforce skills such as teamwork and problem-solving.
Here are some classic outdoor games to consider playing:
- Hide and Seek
- Kick the Can
- Capture the Flag
- Foursquare
- Hopscotch
- Cornhole
5. Have a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are good ways to get your kids outside while exploring nature. It also can improve their cognitive skills, such as attention and reasoning. This activity also encourages them to follow directions and work as a team. Consider having them search for pinecones, acorns, or other common outside items.
Here are some other types of scavenger hunts to consider:
- Neighborhood scavenger hunt
- Photo scavenger hunt
- Field trip scavenger hunt
- Stay-at-home scavenger hunt
- Beach scavenger hunt
6. Rollerskating
This is another good way to get your kids active. Rollerskating works multiple muscle groups at once. Here are some of the different muscles you work out when rollerblading:
- Glutes
- Quadriceps
- Hamstring
- Abductors
- Abdominals
Roller skating also improves your child’s motor skills, such as balance and hand-eye coordination. It’s a good way to tire your kids out, helping them get a good night’s rest.
You can stay in your neighborhood or go to a local park. To keep your children safe, consider having them wear helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.
7. Have a Picnic
You can go to a local park or beach, or even stay in your backyard. Having a picnic is a great way to sit down and have a conversation with your family. Planning what snacks to bring can also be a fun part of the activity.
After eating, you might even want to get up and play some games. Consider bringing a set of cards, a frisbee, or a soccer ball.
8. Set Up a Canvas and Paint Outside
Painting is a great way to let your kids be creative. It encourages them to be more imaginative and think outside of the box. It also helps them express their emotions positively. When you allow them to decide what paint materials to use, they are making their own decisions. This can increase their self-confidence.
Painting outdoors also keeps the inside of your house protected from messes and spills.
9. Make S’mores
Making s’mores is a delicious way to get the whole family together. You can also get your children more involved by having them collect sticks for the fire. It’s also a convenient way to get rid of branches from your backyard.
10. Plant a Small Garden
Gardening can help to reduce your stress while performing physical activity. This can also teach your children about different types of plants. Gardening helps your kids learn about responsibility by taking care of another item.
Here are some easy plants for kids to grow:
- Snap peas
- Sunflowers
- Radishes
- Marigolds
- Cherry tomatoes
Activities to Get Your Kids Outside This Summer
Connecting with your family can be tricky with everyone’s busy schedule. But summer is an excellent chance to reconnect with your family members. Getting outside is essential for your kids’ health. Next time you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity, consider the ideas listed above!