Summer is here and it’s a perfect time to spend with family and friends outside! There is also no better time to be more active and improve our health in fun and easy ways. Things I look for when choosing ideal summer activities include time outside, time with family and friends, brain-body movement and engagement, increased heart rate, life skills, and of course fun!
Below are my top 10 chiropractor approved summer activities:
Walking and Hiking – Walking is one of the most underrated exercises for both physical and mental health. Whether it's a short walk after dinner or a longer hike on weekends, getting outside, especially in the morning, sets a positive tone for the day. Exposure to early sunshine also helps regulate your sleep cycle, promoting better rest at night.
Swimming – Whether it's at a lake or pool, I love being in the water. It keeps you cool, helps you stay active, and brings a sense of calm and healing to both mind and body!
Biking – Get out and explore new bike paths as a family. Biking is a great way to learn balance and build leg strength for kiddos too.
Trampoline – Honestly, I used to be against trampolines due to injury risks. But since getting one for our daughter Nova last year, I've become a big advocate, as long as they're used safely. Nova spends hours jumping outside, which is fantastic. Jumping is also great for the brain proprioceptively. To be honest, I was sore after my first week with the trampoline, but it's been a bonus for us parents to join in and jump too!
Gardening / Farmer’s markets – I put these in the same category even though they are a bit different. Gardening is an awesome way to be a part of the food process while getting time outside and in the dirt. Farmer’s markets are fun to walk around and meet local farmers and businesses. Both of these help our kids realize where our food comes from and not just something that shows up at home or the supermarket.
Camping – I love camping and it has become something Nova and I look forward to. Being outside without the luxuries of home and technology, all the while exploring and being active can be really refreshing. To settle in for a fire and sleep under the stars at the end of the day can be a great way to top off the night. If you can’t get out for a long weekend somewhere you can always camp out in the backyard. Nova and I have great memories in the backyard tent too!
Painting Rocks – Get outside, explore and find cool rocks to bring home and paint. We put them in our garden and flower beds. They can make great gifts for families and friends. It helps our kiddos get outside and explore while engaging the artsy side of the brain.
Fishing – I love fishing! One of the main reasons I like to fish is because I can do something I love with Nova. There’s something about being able to hold a live animal and then release it back into the wild. Fishing allows you to teach your kids patience and the art of being still while still exploring fun places in nature.
Scavenger Hunts – These are great for neighborhood friends to get out and explore looking for different aspects of nature such as specific trees, Insects, etc. Scavenger hunts promote movement, brain firing, and a bit of healthy competition.
Outdoor Sports – These could include anything from baseball and volleyball to catch and tag. Every kid should experience being sweaty, tired, and searching for the nearest spigot at the end of a neighborhood game. Promoting movement and exercise that is also fun helps build healthy habits for the future.
I’m sure there are many other fun outdoor activities that we all should be doing and I’d love to hear them! Let us know some of your favorite activities to do as a family!
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