(Here is a guest post perfect for the beginning of summer! I hope you enjoy all of these activities this summer. What would you add to this list?)
As an avid blogger, I’m one of the first to promote and advocate
new technology and the miracles they bring into our everyday life. Just the
changes in the world’s communication systems in the past twenty five years are
staggering to consider. Yet when it comes to children (and truly, our culture
in general), I believe the amount of exposure to technology isn’t beneficial.
In fact, I would call it overexposure. Taking a look at cultural evolution over
the last century denotes a stark contrast to children’s lives today.
Our children are natural, playful, little balls of
energy. And while there’s nothing wrong with children interfacing with
technology, they should be getting out and enjoying nature. Instilling an early
love of the outdoors and nature is important in any child’s life. Simply put,
children spend too much time indoors in this modern era, and summer is the
perfect time to promote outdoor activities every child should enjoy. So, here’s
a list of potential summer activities you can do with your child, to help
foster a love of the outdoors.
1) Camping
Camping is one of the best outdoor family activities
every child should enjoy. As American as apple pie, camping is a great way to
instill a true love of nature in your child.
2) Hiking
Similar to, and sometimes a part of camping, this is an
effective activity to get your children outside and immersed in nature. There
are few things as inspiring as a scenic hike, and it’s an effective way to
teach children about the nature around them.
3) Hide and Seek
A classic children’s game, playing hide and seek with
your child is a superb chance to have them enjoy a little fresh air and
sunshine. Make sure your child is old enough (or in a controlled environment)
before allowing them to run off on their own.
4) Barbeque
Barbeques, for my family, are a weekly occurrence. This
is a great opportunity to lead by example, and have a quiet moment with your
child. Sitting out on the patio as the sun set after a filling meal of barbeque
are still some of my most treasured family memories.
5) Bike Rides
Bike rides allow your child to experience some beautiful
scenery while getting some healthy exercise. It’s also a fun way to have a
little adventure without going too far from home. And, it can be entertainment
all summer long. Every child’s summer should be packed full of bike rides.
6) Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great summer activity for that day
when the kids are bored and listless. If you think you’ll pull out your hair if
you hear one more time “what’s there to do?”, throw them a scavenger hunt! This
unusual activity provides a rare moment of excitement and joy. Best of all, it
gets the kids outside and running around, sure to pump a little life into their
summer.
7) Water Fights
Between squirt guns, water balloons, sprinklers, kiddy
pools and a slip-n-slide, every child’s summer should have a splash. A
marvelous way to beat the heat, it lets your kids absorb a little vitamin D, as
well as keeping them active. No summer is complete until an epic water
fight/day has taken place. Make sure to use safe water toys and caution when
playing on the slip-n-slide and pool. Because one summer outdoor activity no
child should enjoy is a painful accident.
8) Invent a Sport
Every summer try and challenge your children to invent a
new sport. Or, at the very least, add new rules to an existing sport. This
helps inspire your child’s imagination, creativity, and playfulness.
I still remember the rules to stickball that my brother
and I played as kids. It is amazing how much fun one can have with a tennis
ball and a common stick.
9) Climb a Tree
Every child should climb at least one tree in the
summertime (depending on age of course). This can be a great way to have your
child get in touch with nature by having them learn about trees and safe
climbing methods.
10) Enjoy a Local Park
Local parks should be an essential part of every child’s summer.
Here your child can socialize, get out of doors, and get involved in the
community. Also, teach your children a little responsibility by organizing a
day to clean the park. This will help your children understand the importance
of the environment, and keep the park clean for everyone to enjoy.
Hopefully these suggestions help you and your children
have a happy, productive, nature-filled summer. Kids need a chance to run around,
explore their imagination, and appreciate nature.
What are your children’s favorite outdoor summer activities? Any
fun ones I missed? Leave a comment below!
