Being active everyday is an important part of staying healthy. Warmer weather can motivate us to get outside to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. A fun way to stay active is to spend some time in the great outdoors, enjoying nature. Here are a few ideas to try this season:
Pulling weeds - Okay, so not everyone likes to pull weeds but some people find it rewarding and enjoyable! You can get a sense of
accomplishment when you see a weedy garden bed go from messy to marvelous! Younger kids enjoy this activity too. Show them how to pull from the root! Have kids lower their bodies by bending their knees into a squatting position and then POPPING UP like a WEED!
Plan a garden - Planting a garden can inspire family members to try new foods and eat more fruits and vegetables. A healthy bonus is the physical exercise and exposure to fresh air and sunshine that comes with it. Check out this Planning Your Garden blog to learn how to get started. Take a stroll together around the yard or the space you are considering for your garden.
Planting seeds - Along with garden planning, you will want to think about what you want to grow. One fun idea is to Grow Your Own Carrots. This blog will provide guidance on how to get started. Every step involved in planning, planting, watering, thinning and harvesting the food you grow will involve physical activity and exercise. Practice making room for your carrots to grow by digging holes into the dirt using a small shovel or large spoon.
Watering a garden - Wow! You’ve been busy. Now that you have pulled some weeds, planned a garden and planted some seeds, it’s time to water them and watch them grow! This Gardening Series Blog on Watering will give you some tips on how to properly water your garden to help things grow. Filling watering cans and carrying them is a great way to stay active and build some muscles. Try lifting a full watering can as high as you can and then lowering it. Can you do it ten times? Do a few extra lifts each time you water your garden and you’ll find you get stronger each time.
Taking a nature walk - Nature walks can bring lots of joy and excitement. Take the kids along and ask them to point out what they see. What
flowers are in bloom? Can anyone name them? How many colors can be seen? Do you notice any bugs, butterflies or bees? Walking in the neighborhood or your community is a great idea but you can also plan a trip to a nearby park. This Maryland state parks page will help you plan your trip.
Rainy day activity - We’ve been enjoying lots of fun and activity outdoors. So, what are we going to do on rainy days? Let’s get creative and think about what is going on outside. Do you ever wonder how much rain is coming down from the sky? Can we measure it? Before it rains (or right when it starts) try placing a few large pots or bowls on a sidewalk, deck or in the yard. When it has finished raining, check to see how much water has been collected in the pot or bowl. And, once you have collected your rainwater data, have a little fun by splashing around in any puddles you can find. If you aren’t a fan of getting wet, try an indoor activity like building a fort or creating an indoor obstacle course.
