2009 Great Outdoors Month: Summer Activities Perfect for Families

In 2004, President George W. Bush proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month. His goal was to get people and families to become interested in the outdoors again. Participating in outdoor activities is a wonderful way to combat obesity, a great way for families to spend some quality time together, and to help everyone understand how important our natural beauty is in this country. If people can value our forests, rivers, mountains, lakes, and much more, then they will be all the more likely to take steps to preserve it.

An important aspect of Great Outdoors Month is to get children out in nature and to teach them an appreciation of the world outside of the house and away from all of their video games and televisions. With childhood obesity rates at their highest in US history, getting outside and staying active is even more important then ever.

Making the activities outside fun and interesting is the key to keep kids excited. I will provide a list of things you can do with your kid's outdoors that will be fun for them and therefore also healthy. All of these activities cost next to nothing and immerses your child in nature. Give one, or more, of them a try this June and participate in Great Outdoors Month of 2009.

Fishing

This is a wonderful activity for children of all ages. The cost is very minimal and every town has at least one lake, river, pond, cannel, etc. near by. As for the fishing supplies, your local store carries a large selection of fishing gear, including some specially made for children. Bait can also be purchased for cheap, or it can be dug up in your yard or even just some chunks of cheese work very well. Before you leave home, make a few sandwiches, get some drinks, and pack a picnic lunch. Having the chance to get outside and bond with your children will make the trip worth while, even if no fish are caught.

Hiking

The best thing about hiking is that it can take place anywhere. No matter where you live, whether in the mountains, the plains, on the beach, or in a forest, you can put on your hiking shoes and enjoy the great outdoors. Another great thing about hiking is that it is easily adaptable to the age of those participating. When planning a hike, be sure to bring a charged cell phone, a bottle of water, a compass or navigation device, and comfortable clothing. Never hike alone and always be aware of your surroundings. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful landscape around you and to point out any animals, birds, flowers, etc. that you wouldn't normally see. Children love seeing critters running around, especially those they have only seen in books. Lastly, don't forget to bring your camera!

Bicycling

A wonderful way to get exercise, bicycling is also a lot of fun. You can do something as simple as take your kids for a bike ride around the block or the neighborhood, or many city and state parks have trails especially made for bikes. As with hiking, be sure to wear comfortable clothing and be sure to bring plenty of water. Make sure you have the right size bike for everyone in your family and any toddler trailers or bike seats are safely attached. Biking is so much fun you can even repeat it everyday in June or even the whole summer.

Camping

Camping takes the most planning and the most supplies to make sure it is a success. You will need a list of supplies such as a tent, sleeping bags, a lantern, campfire cooking supplies, collapsible seating, food and water supplies, and some little odds and ends to make your stay more comfortable. Check your local park service and they can provide you with a list of close-by camp sites. Once you have experience with camping, try expanding your comfort zone and look into camping sites in the National Parks, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway. The important thing is to leave all electronics at home, except for a cell phone for emergencies and a radio for music. Bring along some games the family can play together, including cards and board games. Camping is always the perfect way to combine outdoor activities, such as taking a hike, going on a bike trail, or going fishing and catching dinner, in order to make the trip fun-filled. Camping is the perfect way for a family to bond and to celebrate the Great Outdoors Month.

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