Outdoor Family Activities to Try Out This Summer

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Whether you're planning to travel this summer or just need some new activities to help your children get their energy out, you will need some time in the great outdoors. Check out the hiking trails at local state parks, or see what's available in your neighborhood. Make sure you have some water playtime scheduled for the hot days.

Sprinkler Fun

If you have a yard and a couple of wash tubs, set up a spot in your yard for kids to play in the sprinklers. Because sprinklers often mean wet grass, keeping a couple of tubs of water near the door where everyone can rinse their feet before toweling off will reduce laundry mess. For those who live in an apartment or do not have a yard, consider investing in a new weed sprayer and heading to a local park. Weed sprayers are a cheap, easy way to carry water, and when fully pumped up, make it possible to spray off and cool down. If you have access to a park with lots of running room, fill a plastic bag with water balloons and go cool off.

Hiking and Bird Watching

Even little children can enjoy a short hike. When your children are small, this is a great time to practice the basics of outdoor safety, such as

using sunscreen

wearing a hat and sunglasses

applying bug spray

staying hydrated

stopping and airing out your feet

While you are out on these hikes, make sure you bring binoculars to share with your children. Carry a birding book so you can study local wildlife. If you see a particular bird that you would like to invite to your yard, invest in some sunflower seeds for birds and set up a simple feeder near a window of your home so you can see what animals you attract.

Schedule Sunrise and Sunset Activities

For something different, plan to get out and see the sunrise together. Fill up a picnic basket with juice and sandwiches, apply mosquito spray as needed and get out for a walk as the sun is coming up. Birds will be particularly active at this time. You might want to use your phone to record bird sounds so you can find out just what calls you heard on your sunrise hike. At the end of the day, try to get near water as the sun is setting. Sunsets tend to be a bit quieter and calmer, so this is a wonderful way to calm down after a long day. Try to find a nearby space that features bats or birds that eat mosquitoes to enjoy viewing their evening activities.

Bean Bag Toss

If your children are small, you can set up a simple bean bag toss game in your front yard or a local park. Simply make up your bean bags, then take a hula hoop to the park. Each contestant can start at the outer edge of the hoop and take as many steps as they are years old from the edge, then they need to turn around and toss. This is a great activity for littles as well as older kids; younger kids will have fewer steps and shorter strides, while older kids can work on sportsmanship and form. Everyone can work on counting together, and the whole game will be easy to move from yard to park.

Volunteer

The isolation of the last year has many of us feeling disconnected from our community. If there is a community garden nearby, offer to volunteer. Younger children can plant seeds, older children can spread mulch, and adults can assist with the heavy lifting. If you are considering getting a pet, volunteer at an animal shelter. Time with an older dog who needs a home can be great for children, and time with puppies can get them ready for any additions you plan to make to your household.

Conclusion

The coming summer is a time to try to get back to normal as your children prepare to go back to school. Summer activities that build coordination and strength, as well as great outdoor habits, are an ideal family activity. You do not have to take a long trip to have a lovely vacation together.