One of the best ways to spend quality time with your family is to plan outdoor activities that will be healthy and fun for everyone. Leave the TV behind and go outside in nature, on the beach or forest to feel the real benefits of fresh air and open space. Also, these activities will keep you all motivated to change your lifestyle habits and adopt a healthier one.
There are so many activities to choose from and so we made you a list to make it easier for you to decide.
Go swimming together
If you live near sea, river or lake, use that advantage to go for a swim with your family. This will also be a perfect opportunity to see how your kids swim and teach them some new techniques. Bring an inflatable swimming mattress with you and while at that, choose the ones with interesting shapes like dolphin or pineapple.
Also, take snorkeling equipment with you, especially if you go to the beach since the sea is great for this activity. Go on the seashell collecting mission with your kids and help them build sand castles when you’re resting from all the activity. Additionally, if you have small children, fly a kite or play volleyball in the water since that is a fun activity for all.
Hiking in national parks
Choose a different national park every other weekend and go for a hike with your family. National parks are great locations to enjoy wild nature and animal life, as well as to breathe some unpolluted air. Choose a path near waterfalls and take a dip if the weather is right, or go on a tour to see caves and animal reserves.
If you believe your kid will be bored, it’s always best to choose the most interesting hiking tracks that can show them amazing landscapes. This is also a great way to teach your kids more about the environment and how to preserve it.
Plant a garden
Gardening is fun for everyone and the best thing about it is that will show lasting results. Kids like to dig the dirt and play with plants, so you will giving them a perfect activity. However, instead of planting flowers, plant vegetables since that way you will teach them more about food and its importance.
Moreover, buy a tree seedling and plant it together in your yard so it would become a symbol of your gardening endeavor. Opt for some fruit-bearing tree if possible, like cherry, walnut or apple so that you can make jams and pies from it.
Go on a camping trip
Pack your sleeping bags, tent and solar power pack and go away from chaotic city life to nature and spend a couple of days relaxing away from the buzzing of technology. Rent a camping trailer or simply decide to sleep in tents and get ready to spend time barbequing under the clear sky. Teach your kids a few tricks like how to start a fire or purify water, as well as how to truly enjoy the wonders of being away from the urban life.
Camping with kids is also fun if you spend time around the fire making S’mores or picking mushrooms and turning them into a tasty stew. For an added experience, bring a telescope so you can observe stars in the night or binoculars to watch birds.
Form a family cycling team
Cycling doesn’t have to cost much, just look for the BMX bikes for sale and you’re good to go. There are many bicycle tracks available in the cities which are perfect for the shorter rides. However, for the complete experience, go to a national park and start pedaling together.
Make frequent breaks so your kids can rest and be patient with them if they have trouble getting the hang of things in the beginning. Choose a cycling track with the best view and you can tell your kids something about the places you pass on your way. If you plan to cycle in nature, bring some food with you and make a picnic break after a while.
Visit local farms
Children today don’t have many opportunities to see how the farms work, so use that as a perfect way to spend time with your family. Local farms are often open for visitors and you can buy organic produce and teach your kids a thing or two about farming as well. Ask farmers to tell them more about livestock breeding, dairy products, and vegetable farming.
Additionally, some farmers allow visitors to ride horses, so make sure you introduce your kids to this activity as well. Farms are perfect to see a different way of life and find out more about the world around us. It will be a great family experience to try some of the activities there together, like digging out potatoes or feeding the animals.
Every family needs time for themselves away from the modern technology and everyday life. Outdoor activities are one of the ways to keep family healthy and have fun at the same time. Nature is often the best choice to relax, experience some physical activity and get to know your kids better.
Therefore, add to the zoo and restaurant another activity which will keep the whole family involved and occupied. Not only will you start a healthy lifestyle, but also be able to teach your kids about the environment and benefits of nature.
About the Author
Jessie is a passionate blogger and home designer. She loves writing about tips and tricks that make every home a better place, inside and outside. Besides this, she loves sports, martial arts, outdoor activities and spending time with her close ones.