This is a collaborative post
Spring is here, which means that summer will come in no time. Your kids will spend their time at home, that’s why it’s time for you to start thinking about how to make the summer break as productive as possible for the kids. Rather than the whole summer inside watching movies, the outdoors encourages kids to observe and participate, since there’s so much more to see and question.
Kids may think that going outside is what you do to get somewhere but never think of it as a destination. It’s time for parents to encourage our kids to explore, create, and relax in the outdoors. However, you might be wondering what kind of outdoor activities will be fun, enjoyable, and educational for your kids. To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up six of the best outdoor activities to bring more fresh air into your family’s life.
Biking
Biking is always a great eco-friendly outdoor activity for kids (and adults) of all ages! It’s the perfect way for your kids to be closer to nature while staying active. Plus, even if your little one isn’t ready to take the handles themselves, you can still let your kid enjoy nature in the backseat.
Front and rear-mounted seats and bike tows are the common solutions for you when biking with kids who haven’t learned how to ride their bikes. If your kids want to become independent and ride by themselves, choosing the right bike is key. That’s why it’s important for you to do thorough research into each piece of bike equipment before purchasing. Then, when everything is ready, I guarantee that your kids will want to bike outside every day.
Camping
It’s never too early for you to start camping with your kids. Nature offers a brand-new sensory experience for the kids, and a family camping trip sounds like a great way to encourage the little ones to enjoy the feeling of being outside. Kids of all ages will be fascinated by all the things they get to do on a camping trip. For instance, the sound of birds chirping nearby, exotic plants, star-dotted skies, and tiny bugs digging their way in the dirt. You can also surprise the kids by bringing your grills for a nice little outdoor BBQ.
Remember to find teaching moments while camping with your kids. No matter how old they are, it’s never too early nor too late for your children to learn about outdoor practices. Remind them how they can enjoy the environment while also protecting it. Teach them about how to respect wildlife, dispose of trash properly, and other things that raise their awareness about the natural life around them.
Before every camping trip, you should thoroughly research the best camping sites to go to, as well as some activities to do while staying there. Also, remember to pack all the essentials and set up a few ground rules for the kids to follow. That way, you and your children can have a fun and safe camping trip.
Backyard Camping
If camping in the woods sounds too challenging for you and your kids, then you can create a camping site right in your backyard. This is a fun and easy way for the kids to experience the great outdoors without dealing with the hassle of packing your car and bags. You won’t have to worry about the kids’ safety and whether they’re homesick or not.
Backyard camping can introduce children to camping in a familiar environment and get them ready for “real” camping experiences in the future. Create a backyard campsite by pitching a tent, setting up camping chairs around the fire, and having some delicious S’mores while telling some stories. You can go the extra mile and have a movie night with an LCD projector.
Hiking
Hiking is a great outdoor activity that can give your kids a chance to question and explore nature. It’s also a perfect way for the family to bond, and there are many ways to make hiking interesting for your little ones. While hiking, let the kids explore nature around them and teach them about insects and plants that you encounter along the way.
A fun game for kids to participate in when hiking is to set up a small scavenger hunt. Make a list of “treasures,” including names or images of plants, insects, and animals. If your kids can finish the hunt, reward them with a zoo or a museum trip! Not only will they enjoy the scavenger hunt, but they also get to learn more about the nature around them, which is every parent’s wish, right?
Fishing
The only thing better than catching a fish yourself is to get your children to do the same! Fishing with kids can be a great way to spend a sunny afternoon and a chance for you to teach your little ones about the value of preparation and patience. A fishing trip is also a great opportunity to teach the kids about marine life, as well as how to conserve and protect it.
Since your kids will be near water, there are some things you should keep in mind. Life jackets are a must-have item when it comes to water activities. That’s why make sure to prepare some of those in advance, or you can choose a fishing location that has life jackets to wear. Also, for their safety, it’s best for you to set out some ground rules with the kids before fishing. Make sure that their actions and behaviours are within limits to prevent unwanted incidents.
Beach Day
Things can never go wrong with a day at the beach. No matter the age, everyone seems to enjoy a day at the beach. So, if your kids aren’t fans of fishing, a beach day might be the best solution. Whether they like to build sandcastles, play in the water, or collect seashells, the beach offers many activities for your child’s creative side and adventurous side.
If your kids don’t really enjoy being in the water, a picnic on the sand sounds like a great idea! Bring some sunscreen, drinks, light snacks, a mat, and a speaker to put on some music, and you’re ready for a picnic at the beach with the kids.
Conclusion
Summer is the perfect time to get outside, and what better way to enjoy the sunny weather than with these child-friendly outdoor activities? I hope that this list of outdoor activities can inspire you to start planning for the summertime. So, let’s pack our bags and get ready for some outdoor fun in the summer!
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post