With fall right around the corner, it is almost time for cooler nights and shorter days. I’m about ready to let go of summer but before I do, there are some outdoor things that I still want to with the kids (or sneak out and do alone!). Here are 30 ways to enjoy the outdoors before the weather turns too cool. Spend as much time as possible (that is left before we get rolling with school again) outside with these ideas:
1 – Visit your favorite park or trail and pick up litter.
2 – Go to a beach and spend a day enjoying the sun.
3 – If you have a garden, spend time pulling weeds and harvesting crops together. If you don’t, consider volunteering at a local community garden for an excuse to get your hands dirty.
4 – Gear up and go on a hike together. Bring plenty of snacks and water to refuel!
5 – Find a warm summer night, lay out a blanket, and watch the stars. See who can spot the most constellations or glimpse the first shooting star.
6 – Strap on your helmets and ride your bikes together.
7 – Make a few sandwiches, pack some of your favorite snacks, and enjoy a picnic in your favorite park – or in your own backyard.
8 – Explore a national park. These beautiful areas have been preserved for your enjoyment – don’t take them for granted!
9 – Rent canoes or kayaks and paddle around your nearest lake, pond or stream.
10 – Get a birdwatching book and see what species you can spot in your neighborhood.
11 – See if you can find a local berry farm and spend a morning harvesting fresh blueberries, blackberries or raspberries.
12 – Load the tent, the gear and the kids in the car and spend a night camping in the wilderness. If you aren’t too keen on the idea of sleeping outdoors, rent a cabin at your nearest campground.
13 – Find a farm that offers tours and take the family to see where their food comes from. Some farms offer pick-your-own crops, animal meet-and-greets and other attractions to make the experience even more exciting for the little ones.
14 – Go horseback riding. Sign the family up for a lesson or seek out a local ranch that offers slow rides along well-traveled trails.
15 – If you’re up for a little adventure, head to your nearest river and seek out a whitewater rafting expedition. Slip on your wetsuit, strap on your life jacket and hang on for the ride!
16 – Set up a slip-and-slide in your backyard and see who goes the farthest!
17 – Fill up a bunch of water balloons and have an all-out battle in the backyard.
18 – Visit a petting zoo. Meet goats, ponies, pigs and other friendly farmyard critters.
19 – Find a local wildlife retreat or nature preserve in your area and spend a day among nature.
20 – Pack the rods, bait and tackle and take the family to your favorite fishing hole.
21 – Walk the dog! If you don’t own a dog, volunteer to walk a neighbor’s dog.
22 – Play disc golf! If you haven’t played, it’s exactly what it sounds like – golf played with discs (or frisbees) instead of balls. It’s a ton of fun for the whole family!
23 – Race go-karts at a local course or adventure park.
24 – Play flashlight tag in the backyard once the sun goes down!
25 – Build an obstacle course in your backyard. Whether you prefer a Ninja Warrior style challenge or something simpler, your whole family can have fun racing each other through to see who wins.
25 – Head to the community pool and go for a swim!
26 – If your family is up for adventure, head to the mountains and sign up for rock climbing lessons.
27 – Check out a parade. Lots of small towns hold parades each summer to celebrate the 4th of July and other holidays. Show up early to get the best spot!
28 – Find an outdoor concert to enjoy. Bands perform at local street fairs, festivals and farmers markets when the weather is nice. From rock to blues, you’re sure to find a band the whole family will enjoy.
29 – Play catch. Sometimes, it’s good to get back to basics.
30 – If you live in an area with fireflies, wait for dusk and catch and release a few.
I am absolutely sure that there are more than just these 30 ways to enjoy the outdoors. So pick something you love and head outdoors before the weather requires you to stay inside more. Breathe in the good outside air and make some memories with the kiddos.
In His Grace,
Callie
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