Before technology was attached to the hip of just about every child or grandchild, playing outdoors was the thing to do to get in some exercise time with your little ones. The word, “tablet” was labeled as a simple pad of paper that you wrote in with a pen or pencil.
Technology has literally taken the place of active playing with the kiddos; making it difficult to keep them active and in good shape. Sure, technology today is excellent for learning and keeping up with your child’s studies in school or looking up just the right element for teaching your kids various things.
However, today’s society is concerned about a generation of grandchildren/children becoming obese. Tech tablets, iPhones and laptops have taken over. Although, there are excellent ways to keep them moving and away from all the tech stuff, (at least a good portion of the time).
Getting Your Grandchildren Outdoors Is Key!
One Dozen Summer Fun Ideas
* Outside Workout Routine – Summertime is a good time for this activity. Pick either the early morning or late evening hours to beat the heat. Try and make the routines fun for the kiddos and YOU as well. Maybe watch some videos/youtubes to get a few ideas flowing for the outdoors.
* Trip To The Park – Walking, running and playing are all excellent activities at the park. I see a lot of moms and grandparents walking with strollers. However, that’s not all there is to do at the park. There are usually slides, swings and teeter-totters for the kids to play on too. These are fun activities for grandparents to stay active. Most often, it’s a good workout just chasing and keeping up with them!
* Find Hidden Objects – Scavenger Hunt – This is an all-time favorite for many kids. Grandparents can have some fun with this. You can offer a small dollar amount for the child that finds the most objects. However, there are other rewards you can offer as well. Maybe make them a favorite food or dessert. You can also take the kids on a special outing.
* Walking – If you are caring for three to six month year olds and toddler age grandchildren, always have a stroller on hand and take them walking with you. This will give you an incentive for walking outdoors. Also, it’s always encouraged to walk as a family. The ideal time for this is in the evenings.
* Swimming – This is an all-time favorite among the kiddos during the hot summer months. I know this Grandma loves the pool. Get them out with you for some fun; although, safety is number one while swimming with kids. Life jackets, noodles, and innertubes are musts for safety.
* Hula Hooping – Tell me you haven’t heard of the hula hoop! lol 🙂 This type of activity would, of course, be for the older grandchildren in your family. A lot of folks call hula hooping “hula dancing.” Work up some fun moves with the hoops. A good idea would be to watch a few youtubes on this fun activity.
* Back Yard Ball Games – What child doesn’t enjoy ballgames? I know my grandkids LOVES playing ball outside. Be a “cool Grandma” and get outside and play ballgames they enjoy. Softball, kickball, soccer or just ball rolling are all great for extra activity.
* Frisbee – Frisbee has been a fun past time for years. However, for the younger kiddos, special attention would have to be practiced for safety. It would be easier and safer to work with (smaller than average) frisbees. 🙂
* Water Balloon Fun – This activity is great for the very hot summer days. Water balloons entice laughter while cooling the young ones off, (and you too Grandma) while having lots of fun. Water balloons are sure to please the kids and grown ups of all ages.
* Jump Roping – Playing jump rope doesn’t have to be just for the girls, although, for the majority, more girls like this activity more than boys. Grandparents need to be in fair shape to participate. (Grandma), if you workout to begin with, of course, you won’t have any problems keeping up. 🙂
* Trip To The Zoo – Going to the zoo is always a workout with children along. Make walking fun by visiting your grandchildren’s favorite animals. Pack some fun lunches and let them help you with making their lunch. Find an area with shade to sit down and eat; most often, there are picnic tables all over the zoo park. A trip to the zoo will be fun for sharing special moments and picture taking to remember for always.
* Gardening – Most Grandmoms love to garden, and chances are your grandkids would love to help out. Purchase flowers that are vivid in color to make the flower beds colorful and bright. Try and get them active with you by making gardening gloves and T-shirts just for them. Be as creative as you like. The more creative, the better to entice your little ones to join in. 🙂
The whole idea for this blog post is for getting grandkids and grandparents together for some fun summer activities that will become nice memories. Let’s face it, playing outdoors is a far better option than sitting inside and playing computer games or phone texting.
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