Activities For All Grandparents and Moms and Dads 🙂
By: Nanci Wilson
The weather is warming up and it’s time to make good on that goal of spending more time outside, and getting your kids and grandkids to do the same. Why, you may ask? Well, being outside has some great health benefits, and I’ve always believed that moderation is the key to good living, and today’s technology-saturated society offers little opportunity for moderate exposure to nature.
My family has always had a healthy appreciation for nature, but it’s easier every day to get caught up in whatever technology has just come out. My daughter had to go a week without her cell phone because of an ill-placed spring puddle, and she said she felt completely cut off from the world. Funny, because usually technology inhibits me from really connecting with the world, whether it be people or nature.
Here’s a quick fun list of outdoor activities that you can incorporate into your spring and summer routine with your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, or whatever young people bless your life.
Swimming- A river, lake, or even the ocean is preferable, but if your area is low on natural bodies of water, an outdoor pool is sufficient. The kids will enjoy any water slides or pool toys available, and all age groups will benefit from the vitamin D and the opportunity to lounge by the water.
Gardening- Healthy eating habits don’t come naturally these days, so growing your own food can have a ton of benefits. Having the kids help you will teach them lessons on work ethic, nutrition, the science of plants, and more. To encourage them to be more invested, allow them to help with the planning, choosing the plants that go in meals they like to eat. You can also let them choose some outdoor décor items in order to let them personalize their garden sections even more.
Hiking- Hiking isn’t just for camping trips. Most cities have great day hikes within an hour’s drive of city center. Portland practically has a mountain right in a residential area at LowerMacleay Park. See what hiking spots your area has. If it’s a bit of a drive, plan some roadtrip games that focus on looking for wildlife, and observing the scenery.
Park Visits- the best and easiest outdoor activity is probably visiting the park. There are playgrounds, wide open spaces, and usually some areas with tree-cover. One park trip can include dozens of activity, whether it’s rambunctious games of tag, reading, having a picnic, or all of the above. If you have a group with varied interests, the park is an easy and cost-effective way to please everyone.
These are just my top few outdoor activities for my family. What is your family doing now that the weather is warming up?
Nanci Wilson writes for Carol Wright Gifts Outdoor Décor to tell the world about her greatest gardening accomplishments and her grandkids.
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