There’s generally plenty of time for kids to hang out indoors–like during winter and bouts of bad weather. Yet, when the sun is shining, it’s important for kids to step away from the television and their assorted devices to play or work outside and enhance their physical development. You can help ensure that your kids have the indoor and outdoor balance they need to thrive when you make sure they get enough time in fresh air. Keep the following activities in mind.
Landscape and Garden
Certain activities like mowing the lawn and plucking up weeds aren’t exactly fun, but they are important chores that older kids can master. Moreover, working in the landscape and garden enhances physical fitness and helps kids learn how to tend property, which is bound to be useful to them someday. By encouraging children to tend a garden, you can help them develop a lifelong love for growing things. Use this weather app to check the weather to see what days are best for outdoor chores.
Bike Rides
A few decades ago, it was nearly impossible for parents to get kids to come inside and get off their bikes. These days, it can be difficult to convince them that fresh air trumps video games. Even so, a long bike ride is bound to be enjoyable once they start pedaling. You can encourage kids to spend more time on bikes by taking rides all over town–to the library, the park, and other local sites. Bike riding helps keep kids fit–and they won’t even realize they’re exercising.
Sprinkler Party
On a hot day, kids might be tempted to stay inside in the comfort of the air conditioned house, but that’s precisely the time when you might want to organize a neighborhood sprinkler party complete with water balloons and plenty of hydrating drinks. Contact your kids’ friends and invite them over to cool off in your backyard. Slather on the sunscreen and let your kids run around and, well, act like kids. If your kids are getting too old for sprinklers, you can also drag out the hose and have them wash the car.
Little Builders
Encourage kids to be creative and allow them to build something outdoors. They might want to build a clubhouse, a tree house, or maybe a special sculpture for your garden. You can help kids by showing them how to use simple tools to make useful items they can enjoy. There are also plenty of ideas and instructions for things kids can build online.
Backyard Camping
It’s not always possible to get away and take a camping trip, but that shouldn’t prevent kids from spending time outdoors. They can actually make their own campsite right in the backyard. You can help them set up a tent and make a fire pit. They can stay outside all day playing outdoor games or sitting quietly in their tent reading. A backyard camping experience can be fun for the whole family.
It’s important for kids to get the fresh air and exercise they need to grow by spending time outdoors. Each of these activities promotes movement and fun so give them a try the next time your kids tell you they want to watch television. They’re sure to be pleasantly surprised!
Bike rides are a great way to keep active in the summer! My grandsons love to ride their bikes!