If you’re one of those parents who is tired of watching your kid’s butt’s be plastered to the sofa dabbling in virtual worlds, it might be up to you to get them up, outside and experiencing some real-life fun. If it’s a beautiful day, all that much better. You don’t need cash and shouldn’t have to take a long drive if you head out to your local park and enjoy the activities to be had there.
5 Family Fun Activities You Can Do at the Park
Whether your local park has a few pieces of equipment, some green space, or even if it’s one of our protected, expansive national parks, you and your family can take advantage of the nearest recreation area. You can use the following tips and suggestions to get your pack off the couch and out into nature and the great beyond.
Everyday Classic Playground Activities
Hit up your local playground with your littlest ones but challenge them to entertain all of the equipment. Swing on the swings, climb the rope contests, see-saws, monkey bars, mini-climbing walls. Just be sure to pack some sunscreen if you plan to make it an all-day affair. And don’t forget the high-energy snacks and ice-packed refreshments. Your children will be building physical strength and endurance, dexterity and agility, confidence and social skills and enjoying every minute of it.
Picnic on the Green Space
Can you ever really be too old or too young for a picnic? Absolutely not. Pack up your basket and a blanket and head to the grassy park lawn nearest you. You could also load up a backpack and hike to the perfect spot with your family. Beach nearby? There may not be a more soothing place to enjoy a picnic than nearby the lull of the ocean. Regardless where you choose to law down your blanket, your family will create fond memories having an out-of-the-ordinary outside meal!
Ball Games
Most parks have a space where you can play a variety of ball games. Basketball hoops, baseball diamonds, soccer fields and more. Just ask your family which ball games they are interested in, grab up a workable ball and head off to the park. Sometimes if you just show up with a ball, you can easily find enough players to enjoy a pick-up game.
Learn about Nature
If you’re looking for a great place for an outdoor school class, one of our nations National Parks would make an excellent setting. Our national and state parks are usually filled with wildlife because of their protected status. In these parks you can expose your family to the wonders of nature about plant and animal species native to your environment. Take along a camera to document interesting elements that you can bring back home, hook up to Google, and learn more about for the next outing and lesson.
Family Reunion
Even if you do not want to throw a full-on, multi-generational family reunion at the local park, you can always throw together a quick reunion for family members in the immediate area. Parks are wonderful venues for family reunions and in some locations you may even gain access to a covered pavilion or grilling areas on a first-come, first-serve basis. After the meal is over, the young members can enjoy playground equipment while the older folks enjoy reminiscing through family memories.
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