With technology improving year after year, more and more kids are becoming ensorcelled by the screens of their gadgets, whether it be from a tablet, a phone, or a gaming computer. Fewer kids choose to go out to play anymore, and with summer coming about, these kids are more likely to spend their entire day staring into their gadgets, not being productive otherwise. As their parents, however, there’s still a chance for you to break that cycle. Take your kids out to the backyard and let them enjoy summer the way it’s meant to be: outdoors.
Here are some simple, yet fun activities you can do with your kids in summer:
1.Visit a Botanical Garden or Nature Center
What better way to introduce your kids to the beauty of nature than taking them to a botanical garden or nature center? These places are good areas to give your kids hands-on experience to plants, insects, birds and everything else natural. There are many botanical centers in the US, and many of them provide free admission to kids at a certain age. Kids will also love playing explorer when you take a hike in nature trails, giving them a bit of exercise in the process.
2.Cool Off
One of the best ways to enjoy summer is by playing with water, and you can get this done by visiting a splash park or a local pool. While many of these places do have admission fees, they are usually cheap, and your kid might get free admission if they’re a certain age.
Now if visiting a splash park or pool is not an option for you, then there are ways to cool off at home as well. If you have sprinklers, turn those babies on, your kids will love it. Investing on an inflatable pool or a slip and slide, if you don’t have the space, are also good options. Looking for a good slip and slide can be difficult, so if you need help choosing one, the folks at top rate ten reviews have compiled a review list of ten different slides and could point you to the right direction.
3.Roam the Zoo
Whether you’re young or old, it’s always fun to visit the local zoo. There are quite a few zoos worth visiting in the US, and they’re typically free of charge. Visiting zoos can help spread awareness of animals to your kids and is a great learning experience. Giving these places a visit will also support them and their respective conservation efforts.
4.Visit a Museum or a Library
Maybe your kids aren’t too fond of staying outdoors at all. While that does limit your choices, that doesn’t mean they should just stop learning and go back to their gadgets. There are still plenty of stuff to do, like visiting a natural history museum or a library. These are great places for you to jumpstart an interest in your child, whether it be crafting, arts, history, cooking, and even music. Once your kid’s interest is piqued, you can just run with it, and eventually their favorite gadgets will be the thing of the past.
5.Visit the Observatory
Another way for kids to learn and still enjoy the clear summer skies is by visiting an observatory and looking through a telescope. These places generally have an expert talking about the night sky. If your child is a natural astronomer, the local observatory will have a chance to coax out their potential for greatness.
6.Watch an Outdoor Movie
Summer is usually a time when free outdoor movies are played in the local parks. You’ll probably need to bring some camping chairs or a picnic blanket for you and your family to relax on. Before you bring any snacks, do make sure you familiarize yourself with the rules, as some outdoor movie screenings restrict them. It’s also a good idea to come in early if you want to sit closer to the screen.
7.Go to the Beach
If you and your family live close to the beach, then that’s basically a no-brainer. Beaches are synonymous with summer, and you’ll probably find yourself spending the entire day there if the weather holds. Make sure to bring sunblock and some toys for your kids before you hit the sands.
The best way to enjoy summer generally boils down to your kids’ own interests. As a parent, it’s your duty to find what those interests are and encourage them, to help them grow. Not only will you get your kids’ faces off the screen, you’ll also be cultivating their identities for years to come.