Summer is here and that means lots of fun things to do for kids and their families. However, it takes some planning to ensure a fun and enriching summer for everyone. School may be out but that doesn’t mean kids will automatically spend their time on healthy activities throughout the day. These days, it’s quite common for children to gravitate toward their electronics, such as phones and video games.
Although it can be challenging, encouraging kids to play outside and engage in different kinds of activities can be pretty beneficial. By consciously selecting summer routines, parents can help their kids lower their risk for obesity while encouraging self-esteem and happiness levels.
So what are some healthy activities for kids and family members to do this summer? Keep reading to learn more!
Participate in Local Community Events
Did you know that many cities and neighborhoods host free community events throughout the year, including the summer? It’s worth it to find out what’s going on in your area and encourage your kids to participate in new and exciting activities. For example, there might be a July 4th celebration in your neighborhood with food, fun games, and even fireworks. In addition to events, some areas also have affordable summer camps available for residents. These camps can be a great way to keep kids active and socially involved during the summer months.
Visit a Farmer’s Market
Have you been to your local farmer’s market yet? If not, the summer months are a great time to head on over and load up on fresh fruits and vegetables. There are typically lots of fun stands for kids to explore, and many markets also have music, face painting, and other fun things to do. Parents can also choose a healthy recipe before going to the market and share it with their kids. Ingredients can be purchased at the farmer’s market, brought home, and then used to cook a healthy meal together as a family.
Learn About Gardening
Gardening is an excellent activity for kids and their families to participate in during summer. Taking care of plants can be very educational and is a great way to teach children about responsibility. Gardening together is a wonderful way to bond as a family and can help kids develop their fine motor skills along the way.
Young children are also able to engage their five senses by touching the soil, smelling plants, and listening to new sounds. They can taste freshly grown vegetables and see their hard work pay off. Finally, learning about plants can bring up lots of questions from little ones and spark their curiosity about science and nature.
Go for a Swim
Warm weather makes swimming a perfect activity in the summer. If you don’t have your own pool, visit your local community center to sign up for classes or a free swim session. Swimming provides many health benefits for children and adults, such as improved cardiovascular health and lung capacity.
Getting in the water can also help kids improve their digestion, sleep, memory, and energy levels. Water is also very therapeutic and can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Swimming with friends in the summer is another great way to build social skills while playing fun games in the water.
Visit the Beach
There’s nothing quite like visiting the beach during summertime. The warm water and sunshine make for happy days with loved ones and fun activities for kids. Make sure to put on sufficient sunscreen and keep an eye on your children at all times.
Help them play safely in the water, if possible, or perhaps build sandcastles with their friends and family. Bring lots of healthy snacks and water to ensure nobody gets hungry or dehydrated. It can also be very helpful to bring a beach tent or some form of shade in case anybody needs a break from the sun.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many fun and healthy things for children and their families to do during the summer months. Take advantage of the good weather by getting outdoors and exploring the events and activities happening in your neighborhood. Learning about healthy foods by gardening and visiting farmer’s markets is a great way to encourage good eating habits. As always, stay safe when engaging in any summer activity, and make sure to use sunscreen whenever it is recommended.