Get Outside and Play: Kid-Friendly Outdoor Games and Activities

Sunshine and fresh air, essential elements so many people are missing out on these days, especially children. According to a recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, decreased exposure to the sun along with inadequate vitamin D in diets are causing vitamin D deficiency in infants, children and adolescents. This can lead to bone-softening diseases such as rickets in children.

How many times do you drive through a neighborhood now and wonder where all of the children are? It's not that long ago children would spend all day outside playing with their friends. There weren't so many inside distractions with far fewer television channels to choose from and no home computers to play on. Kids played for hours riding their bicycles, learning to roller skate and exploring outside.

So what's the solution? It means making the extra effort to make sure you get the kids outside to play more. It's good for them and good for the whole family. When the warm days are here, nothing beats good old-fashioned water play. Kids will have fun for hours in a pool or the water sprinklers. Give them some water shooters to play with, a few beach balls to toss around, and some fruity ice pops to enjoy.

For a fun-filled family day in the yard, break out the classic games. You can pick up recreational games or combo sets at your local sporting goods store. Try some favorites like volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, bocce ball, croquet, or the ever-popular trampoline. Or get a fun family game of baseball or football started. Take a break with some ice cold drinks and chips or an afternoon barbecue.

Teach your children about nature by starting a simple garden. If you don't have a lot of space, start small with a container garden. You can choose to plant flower seeds or create a vegetable garden. Let your kids choose what they'd like to grow and try to let them do as much of the work as they are able. They'll enjoy caring for the plants and watching them grow.

If you haven't done so already, take a trip to a local pond and take your kids fishing. You don't have to have a lot of fancy gear to have a good time. Or if you have a whole weekend, go camping. Camping gear has come along way and you'll find you can get some amazing deals on tents, outdoor cooking equipment, sleeping bags, and hiking gear.

For children that love the water, take a trip to the beach or a water park. Many beaches and lakes offer motor boat and paddle boat rentals that can mean hours of play out on the water. After a day spent playing outside, you'll be ready for a meal at your favorite family restaurant.

　

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.aap.org