With all the hustle and bustle of everyday life it is easy to forget how to relax and enjoy some outdoor activities with your kids. One of the best ways to inspire quality time with your children is to spend time outside. It not only a great way to bond with your kids but you can enjoy some fresh air and exercise at the same time!
1. Explore
One of the ways to enjoy the most of your time outdoors is to explore. This doesn't have to be an extravagant trip to an unknown place. It can be as simple as exploring in your own backyard or a park close by.
Two excellent backyard activities are scavenger hunts and digging for buried treasure. For a simple scavenger hunt, give your kids a container and ask them to find everyday items like rocks, sticks and flowers. Kids love to hunt for things and an idea like this one can keep them busy for quite a while. Or bury some small toy treasures wrapped in foil for your kids to dig up in the sand. You'll be delighted by the amount of fun a simple activity can bring your child.
2. Try A Sport
If your kids are really involved in athletics, why not get them to teach you how to play. Kids love to feel like they can teach you something that they have learned and sports are no exception. Have them show you how to shoot a puck, shoot a basket or swing a bat.
Another great way to enjoy sports with your kids is to get involved in a new sport together. Try your hand at something you've never done before like mountain biking, rock climbing or just go out for a jog together. No matter what activity you are doing, you are doing it together which is most important.
3. DIY Summer Camp
A really fun way to enjoy time outside with your kids in the summer is to set up a mock summer camp at your home. Start by painting matching t-shirts for everyone in the family with a fun summer camp logo, name or design. Then plan your days to mimic that of a summer camp including sports activities, snacks, meals and outings. You could even finish off your family summer camp with a special camp-out in the backyard. Memories are guaranteed.
4. Plan A Getaway
If hanging around the house isn't your idea of fun, then get to work planning a family getaway. Have the kids help you plan by providing their input into what types of activities they would like to do on their holiday. You could also have the kids donate some of their toys and belongings to a family yard sale to help cover the cost of the trip.
Once you are away, be sure to go unplugged! Leave video games, iPods, and cell phones at home to keep the family experience simple and uninterrupted.
5. Get A Pool
Most kids love to splash around in a pool and spending family time together in a pool when it is hot tops the list. Most kids love to swim and it is a great way to keep them busy when they are off school in the summer. Find some great family pool games or plan a party and invite the whole extended family over.
