I really believe there is nothing more about in childhood than outdoor play. In fact, I think it’s important for everyone, but for kids especially.
It literally helps them grow – both physically and mentally.
Fresh air, sunlight and physical activity all combine to help establish a healthy attitude and a healthy body.
It seems like when my kids spend time outdoors they are better behaved, and overall seem less cranky. They sleep better at night and also eat better.
July is National Park & Recreation Month so it’s the perfect time to talk about the importance of encouraging our kids to get out and play!
We have some great local parks in our town and surrounding areas. We have playgrounds, skate parks, splash pads, fishing ponds, bike trails and so many more great options to help us “get wild” and enjoy the outdoors. I’ve been lucky in that I haven’t had to do too much to encourage my kids to play outside, they really seem to love and thrive on it.
Both of my kids are climbers. If it was designed to be climbed or even resembles something designed to be climbed, they are trying to scale it. They also both love nature. Critters, bugs, fishing. No idea where they get that from (it’s not me) but I am glad that they do like it. I hope that never changes.
Despite our already active outdoor lifestyle, I hope to spend the remaining part of the summer doing even more things outdoors. From the beach to hiking trails, I believe that spending time together outside is good for bonding and helps establish healthy bodies and a healthy mindset when they are older.
Parks are so important for our communities. Parks can help keep obesity rates lower, keep kids safer and add value to the surrounding area. They also help the economy by adding jobs and can lead to decreased mortality rates. And they provide good, clean (well my kids never come home clean from the park, but you know what I mean) fun!
To help you “get wild” this summer, the NRPA (National Recreation and Park Service) has events planned across the country. If you visit their website you can download the official Get Wild Toolkit, take the Get Wild Pledge, and learn how to enter the Get Wild Geocaching Contest.
- The tool kit includes the 2012 Official “Get Wild” Social Media Poster, a customizable calendar, and various graphics.
- After taking the pledge to “Get Wild” in your local park and REC areas this July, you will receive a Facebook badge to proudly display.
- Information on the “Get Wild” Geocaching contest is also available on the website. This includes instructions on how to participate in the real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Explore local park and recreation areas in your community and share your geocaching photos on Facebook to be automatically entered to win one of 5 Magellan GC eXplorist GPS Devices in NRPA’s Get Wild Geocaching Contest.
How will YOU encourage your kids to get wild and spend more time outside?
Check out NRPA on Facebook for more information.
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of National Recreation and Park Association and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
About Kimberly Grabinski
