Play With Sidewalk Chalk…and Water
Chalk art combined with water is a simple idea that combines three things kids love most – water, drawing and imagination. Simply make a chalk drawing on a sidewalk or other "natural canvas," then add some water with a watering can. As the water mixes with the chalk, draw over the changing picture to create something new. This can be repeated as many times as you like for a perpetual art project that's unending!
Plant Something
Planting seeds and nurturing them as they grow is great outdoor activity for everyone. The best seeds to plant in May are cucumbers, summer squash, carrots and watermelon. Try some eco-friendly seed starters, such as tin cans, egg boxes or half a grapefruit peel. And don't limit yourself to just planting seeds. You can also spend family time planting flowers or even a tree.
Visit a Farmer's Market
For families who enjoy eating healthy but don't necessarily have a green thumb, a Farmer's Market is a fun way to spend weekend mornings in the warmer months. This is a great place to pick out fruits, veggies and other goodies as a family. It's also a great way to talk to you children about real foods that grow from the ground and why these are healthy.
Feed the Ducks
Head to the park, lake or pond and take some bread along so you and your family can feed the ducks. Be sure to look for "No Feed" signs, and don't get too close!
Run a Relay Race
Activities that involve running, hopping and jumping will get your heart pumping and your adrenaline rushing the way that only outdoor games can. Set up a good old-fashioned potato sack race, using sacks, laundry bags or large pillow cases. One player at a time, each team puts both feet into the sack to hop around a designated marker and back to tag the next person on their team. The first team to have every player complete the race wins!
With longer days, shorter nights and warmer weather, there's only one thing to do – get out as a family and enjoy it.
This article first appeared in the May 2015 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
