5 Top Adventures for the Active and Healthy Families
In this age of technology and with literally everyone having access to smartphones, tabs, and gaming consoles, it seems the new norm among families with children is looking at screens whether for work or play. It can be hard to get out of the habit since parents find it as a convenient tool to distract the kids while they do household chores or work and children find the gadgets entertaining.
There’s nothing wrong with utilizing helpful technology, but there should be a limit to its usage, especially among the younger generation, who are still developing their minds and bodies.
Health is something that should be prioritized by everyone regardless of age. The best ways to instill health consciousness are to start them young and by doing it as a family. If you’re looking for ways for your family to get off that couch and stop staring at screens, the list below will give you ideas.
Hike the Local Park
Activities that are fun and healthy can be done in areas near your home. You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world or spend much to have an adventure. You can make this a weekly thing for your family as you try to wean them off from too much screen time so they can explore the outdoors.
If you have pets, take them with you too because it’s a great exercise for everybody. If you worry about losing visibility over your furry friends after sundown, get them a light-up collar so you know where they are. As a bonus, you won’t ever have to worry about cars not seeing your pets when they drive by if you ever need to pass by roads on your way home.
Stroll the Seashore
If your local park may not be much or you don’t live near one, you can go to the beach inside. Depending on what season or weather it is, you can stroll along the seashore and make it a game of finding the prettiest seashells. It’s a great way to bond and have fun with everyone.
There has been a lot of news about pollution on the shores, so while you bond with your family, you can also take the initiative to pick up some litter. Take it as an opportunity to teach the little ones about the dangers of plastic in the ocean so they know why littering should be forbidden. If you plan to do this, prepare accordingly and stock up on protective gear like gloves and trash clamps. Don’t forget the sunscreen either!
Dance Party
Dancing is one of the most enjoyable activities that people of all ages can do. It doesn’t cost much, and you don’t have to be good at it to do it. If the weather does not permit outdoor activities, you can have a fun dance party inside your home instead!
There’s more to just putting on dance beats and clearing some furniture in the living room. You can spice it up by giving kids a couple of flashlights to use to simulate “disco” vibes if that’s the kind of music that puts them in that mood. If you have neighbors who have children they play with, you can organize a timely dance party where everyone can attend and dance together.
Make Yard Work Fun
If you happen to have a backyard that needs a little bit of upkeep every few weeks, put your kids to work, and make it fun. It is also a good way to introduce plants and how to take care of them. If you have a garden, make them familiar with the different types and varieties of plants you have there.
Apart from the usual planting and maintenance, seasons change. Autumn comes, and the backyard will be littered with leaves before you know it. It can be a bit of a hassle to clean it up by yourself, but when you make it a game with your kids, it will be more enjoyable.
The same goes for winter after a snowfall. Just make sure all of you are properly clothed before you go.
Join Charity Fun Runs
There are many reasons you should join a fun run as a family. Running is one of the easiest ways to get into fitness, and if you plan to join a marathon, you should be in good shape; otherwise, you won’t last long. Even if it’s a fun run with your family, you should take some time to condition your body to avoid injuries.
While it is already established that running is good exercise, it’s great for the mind too. It is a good method to instill discipline in children as you all need to get up early in the morning for training. It takes hard work to finish a marathon, so it also teaches that.
Most fun runs are organized before the crack of dawn, and some finish at night. If you’re worried about keeping track of your little ones, get them a reflective LED belt so they can turn it on and you’d know where they are in the race. It is light, comfortable, and adjustable, so if you have more than one child, you can buy all of them without worrying about the sizing.
Get Moving
Whether you involve your family in sports or other alternatives that are just enjoyable, the whole point of it all is to ensure that everyone gets the needed exercise they should get. There are many more activities that you can do that aren’t mentioned above.
If you haven’t found something that you all enjoy, then keep trying new things. Eventually, something will click, and it will serve as a bonding activity you all will love.
What healthy activities do you enjoy doing with your family? Share your experiences in the comments section below.