Terri Ramsey Beavers With summertime in full effect, now is the perfect time to get out of the house and have some fun with your kids. Outdoor activities are great for children because they provide exercise, much-needed sunlight, and exposure to other people which can help with socialization during a time of the year when kids don’t get the same level of interaction that they’re used to enjoying at school. While sending them off to play with friends is the easiest default response, stepping and being active with the kids is something that every parent should do. With that said, here’s a quick list of five fun activities you should try with the kids this summer:
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1. Roller Skating
Skating is always a great pastime and it can teach your kids a new skill that helps them develop better coordination and other basic fitness traits. A fun spin on this activity is to have everyone line up and hold hands to create a skating train. Of course, many parents don’t already have a pair of adult roller skates, so that might be a purchase you’ll need to look into before getting started.
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2. Cycling
Riding bikes on novice-friendly trails is another activity that your kids are sure to enjoy. This is a perfect activity for families with smaller children who are just hitting the bike-riding age, or for families with older kids who need positive hobbies to occupy their free time. Plus, riding bikes is a great way to build stamina, road awareness, and general athleticism without putting a lot of wear and tear on your joints.
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3. Hiking
If you’ve never taken the kids on a hiking excursion, you’re missing out big time. Taking your children out into nature can be a joyous and educational experience for the whole family. However, be careful about which trails you choose to hike and consider the benefits of hiring a trail guide to reduce your family’s chances of getting lost.
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4. Backyard Camping
Camping at a national park is great, but it’s so much easier to pitch a tent in your backyard and roast marshmallows in front of the comfort of your home’s fireplace. There’s no need to leave town and plan a huge expedition just to go camping – just choose a night with clear skies for star-gazing and you’re good to go.
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5. Make Homemade Ice Cream
Making homemade ice cream is something that most families have never done together, yet it’s sure to create lasting memories and it might even become a family tradition.
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Ask Your Kids!
Of course, the five activities listed above are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the awesome things you can do with your kids this summer. You might even be surprised by a few new ideas simply by asking them what they’re interested in doing. While the answer is most likely going to be “take me to an amusement park” or “buy me a new video game,” it’s still a question that’s worth asking.