Spring is here, which means that people are starting to get outside more...and starting to send their children outside more! Nature Find is a great site to find outdoor activities in your area. Just type in your zip code for a full list of locations. This is great for enjoying a picnic, taking a walk, camping, or fishing with your family.
You can also go to presidentschallenge.org to register your family to get fit in the 2009 National President's Challenge: Be Active Your Way in May. From May 1 to July 24, certificates will be awarded for 30 to 60 minutes of exercise at least five times a week. Combine this with Nature Find and you have a fun way to keep yourself and your family healthy and occupied this spring and summer.
Gardening can also be a wonderful way to get your children involved outside in a way that will benefit them on many levels. Biology, sorting, counting, and geometry are only a few of the cognitive benefits of gardening. Socially, it's a great way to build relationships with each other and it's quite a workout too! It can also be a great way to relax and relieve stress. Let your kids get creative by creating their own plant markers or building and painting their own small trellises. They will feel proud of their accomplishments as the garden grows, and you can enjoy the fresh produce and beautiful flowers! Everybody wins!
*Some ideas for this post came from Family Fun magazine. Enjoy some of these great ideas and more at FamilyFun.com.
The MetroParks have great programs for families as well. And the ones in Columbus are usually free.
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