Summertime = Outdoor Fun Time

Oh, sweet, summertime. Summer is here, and we are ready to get outside! As every state is typically warm, it’s time to enjoy this summer as we officially rise from our winter dazes.  Now that getting fresh air is top of mind, here are activities for kids, pre-teens, and teens for the whole family to enjoy!

Outdoor activities for kids 5 and under.

Studies have shown that kids who spend time outdoors are generally happier and more relaxed. Time outdoors can even improve short-term memory, concentration, and cognitive skills as well!

• Take time to schedule a COVID-safe outdoor playdate with your child’s friend. After being cooped up for a year, you are sure to win some brownie points with this one!
• Plan a fun picnic with your child’s favorite snacks in tow.
• Exploring a local nature reserve is a great way to introduce them to all the exciting plants and wildlife in your area, after enjoying that picnic of course!

Running, throwing, or kicking a ball are age-appropriate movements for children under 5 and important for toddler development. Introduce your child to sports through your community’s parks and recreation programs to create a familiarity with the games and associated movements.

Summertime fun for pre-teens. 

It may be difficult to get your 9–12-year-old outside but making sure they do is important to strengthen their mental health, become more engaged in learning, exhibit more positive behavior, and of course, reap physical benefits as well.

• Organize a scavenger hunt for your pre-teen! This is a sure-fire way to get them engaged and moving, especially if there are enticing prizes along the way.
• Set up camp in your backyard and encourage your pre-teen to make space their own. This will support a sense of ownership over the activity and get them to stay outside longer!
• Make art from nature. Encourage your pre-teen to scavenge for the prettiest leaves and pieces of bark they can find. Add these unique elements to a mural once you return home.

As a 9–12-year-old, most children have a mature vision and the ability to understand and recall sports strategies. They are typically ready to take on complex skill sports, such as football, basketball, and volleyball. Check out your local parks and recreation program’s options for an organized sport this summer!

Totally cool summertime activities for teens.

Your 13–17-year-old needs to get outside too! A perfect age to instill the habit of exercising, an appreciation of summertime nature, and comfort in taking risks, teens should be getting outside (and enjoying their last few years as a kid) as much as possible.

• Plan a longer-than-usual bike ride for you and your teen or research whether there are any mountain biking paths in your neighborhood. This is a great way to help them explore their surroundings and take risks (under your supervision).
• Bring back the past and see if there are any drive-in movie theaters in your area! An evening under the stars with your teen’s favorite movie is a great way to encourage an appreciation for the outdoors.
• Watch the sunrise and sunset from a new vantage point.

By this age, your teen probably has their go-to sports. If not, your community’s parks and recreation program is sure to have some beginner-level sports programs available. Check their website for details! Outdoor activities are a great way to remain COVID safe as our country slowly lifts restrictions and our suggestions can of course be adjusted based on your health concerns and comfort level socializing. Don’t forget to check out your local parks and recreation program for organized and often free or inexpensive activities in your community.

SWG1658439-0521b

Disclosures:

The sources used to prepare this material are believed to be true, accurate and reliable, but are not guaranteed. This information is provided as general information and is not intended to be specific financial or tax guidance. When you access a link you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility for your use of the website you are linking to. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at this website. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information and programs made available through this website.

In addition, Malarik Financial Services is the home of the Life by Design Formula™.  This system helps us understand your lifestyle and financial goals. We organize your current investments and develop a plan to help you meet your goals. The process and playbook will help you deal with any circumstance that you face. From the time we meet throughout the rest of your life. In conclusion, contact us today to begin your custom design.