Getting Outdoors

Kids need to play outside! That’s obvious to my readers, I know.  But we are always looking for ideas.  This is what we did to get outside this week.

Last summer my husband bought some inflatable rafts.  I had no idea when he spent $20 on them, how much we would use them.  I thought they were overpriced and would spend too much time, deflated in our garage.

However, with the kids super bored yesterday, he took the kids to a pond behind our house.  Generally, we don’t even get near this pond.  It’s simply a drainage ditch for irrigation water.  But with the park area being literally deserted, we set out to put our rafts on the water.

  So, don’t be picky! Don’t think you have to spend the day at the lake for some good outdoor time.  See what opportunities are literally in your backyard!

I’ve been thinking about the importance of getting outside after seeing an article in the paper on Sunday.  And also, checking out the book from our library titled:   Last Child in the Woods, Saving our children from Nature Deficit Disorder, by Richard Louv.  Such a great book! He explores the psychological and social problems associated with children NOT being outside!

The newspaper article also pointed to a website where you can Sign the pledge with the National Wildlife association, and they will email you a "Summer Survival Guide" full of things to do outside.

From the Deseret News article:

Equally important is what the outdoors can do for the mind, she says. "We cite research that shows that the attention span is increased in kids who spend a lot of time outdoors." … Research that shows outdoor activities can help reduce stress, can encourage social behaviors. And let’s not forget that it’s fun.

Plus: 52 Great Outdoor Activities

This is the perfect weekend to get outside and celebrate Independence Day!  Happy 4th of July to all in The United States!!