What to Do This Summer? Celebrate Great Outdoors Month

Yes, summer is almost here and we are all itching to get out of the house and hear the birds chirping and the bees buzzing. How many of us will actually turn of the reality TV and put down that Xbox controller to do so? President Bush proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month in 2004 to promote more people like you and I to get out and enjoy it. Too many of us, especially children, get too comfortable all winter on the couch watching television and playing video games to embrace the outdoors and find ways to enjoy it.

Here are five great ways to get out of the house this summer and enjoy the great outdoors while being cost efficient and having a great time.

Get a pool membership. Nothing says summer like spending a day or days at the community pool. Pool memberships are relatively low in price and are great for those hot, humid days when you would love nothing better than to jump into a pool and cool off. Make sure anytime that you are outside in the sun that you protect yourself with the proper level SPF sunscreen and apply it often to avoid sun damage. And don't forget to make sure your plastic water bottles go in the recycle bin.

Take the family to a wildlife reservation. Different types of wildlife parks can be found in virtually every city in America. The Zoo is always a good place, but if you can try something different or a little more exotic like a butterfly exhibit or an outdoor aquarium. Kids always love to do things where they can interact with the wildlife and maybe even get a tour. If you do not know where to find a wildlife reservation or need pricing information your state's websites have information available for hours and pricing needs.

Go camping. What could be more outdoors than camping? It is fun, efficient and anyone can do it. Most campgrounds have a variety of activities for people of all ages. You will usually find lakes for fishing and pools for swimming. Some sites even have country clubs with live bands to dance and interact with other campers. Always remember when camping to clean up all trash and food before you turn in for the evening because the animals will raid your stash at night. Usually raccoons and they are pesky little devils. There's nothing better than waking up early in the morning to hot coals from the night before and cooking breakfast over the fire. All you need is a portable griddle and some eggs and bacon!

Go to the county fair. This is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, play games and spend time with the family. There are so many activities to do at a county fair that you are lucky to get them done all in one day. County fairs are usually cost efficient and they are close to home so you don't have to go far to get there. Every county fair is different, but one thing that doesn't change from each one is the level of fun and family time that they provide.

Go rock climbing. This is a fun and different way to spend time with the family and enjoy the outdoors. You can look online to find a center that provides rock climbing as recreation. All equipment that you need is provided for you, such as proper footwear, ropes and harnesses. Most centers have different level of difficulty ranging from easy to advanced. Rock climbing is something that can be enjoyed by anyone and it's a good workout as well. Always make sure to check with the attendant for safety and health precautions.

There are plenty more ways to enjoy your summer and celebrate June as Great Outdoors Month. The bottom line is to get out and have fun, be cost and energy efficient and stay eco-friendly. Throw those plastic water bottles away!

Resources:www.greatoutdoorsmonth.com