Spring break is finally here! That’s great if you are a kid but can be worrisome if you need to find kid friendly activities to keep them active and entertained. It’s important to keep your kids up and active as much as possible, so it’s good to have a plan in your back pocket. Here at NAMCO, we live the summer mindset year-round and have a few ideas to help keep kids active this spring and summer.

  1. Sports!

Spring and summer are the best time to grab your friends for your favorite sports. As the temperature rise, there are more options and more places to play. Basketball, baseball, wiffleball, and flag football are terrific activities to play outside.

Basketball: As the winter turns to spring, organized basketball may end, but it’s still a great time to play. Kids can emulate their favorite players like Steph Curry, James Harden and LeBron James. Kids of all ages can pretend they are making the game winning shot in the driveway for the next few months. Pre-dinner HORSE games can involve the whole family and can work up an appetite as well.

Baseball or wiffleball: Opening day is the perfect time to break out the glove for a catch in the yard.  Little League will be starting and the smell of peanuts and popcorn will soon fill the weekend air. Children everywhere want to play in Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium, so why not make a pretend stadium in your yard? Make sure to be careful with baseballs, and play with a tennis ball instead if they are playing close to the house.

Flag or touch Football: If you have a big backyard or live near a park, you are in the perfect area to have host a fun game of football. All the neighborhood kids and friends from school can get together and run around. Just make sure everyone is being safe! 

  1. Yard Games

Yard games are great for everyone because there are so many different types of games that children and adults of all ages can play. Croquet, bocce, badminton and volleyball are all great yard games that fit any energy level.

Croquet and Bocce: An afternoon picnic staple, these games are great for young kids that tag along with grandparents. Croquet, which falls under the assembly required game, may not be right for everyone. But bocce is like backyard shuffle board and only requires a little space to play.

Badminton and Volleyball: Badminton and volleyball games can be played at different levels. If your family wants a relaxing game to unwind, then a quick game of badminton works great. If your family wants some competition, a little family volleyball tournament is perfect! All you need is a net and a fun group of people.

Frisbee: For younger kids, frisbee is perfect to let them run and chase all over the yard. For the seasoned veteran, it can be good to get some exercise and teach the younger crowd a few tricks of the trade. Plus, if you have a dog, they can get in on the fun as well! 

  1. Biking and Skating

Speaking of another timeless outdoor activity: bike riding. Nowadays, there are many types of related activities, such as, rollerblading, roller skating and skateboarding. During the summer and any school vacation, parking lots are empty. For younger children, it is important to find safe areas to bike and skate to avoid unnecessary risks.  Always ensure kids have the appropriate safety attire as well.

Biking around the neighborhood or in the local school parking lot can consume kids’ attention. These environments are safe and provide lots of fun-filled exercise during the day. And as skating increases in popularity, there may even be a skate park in your neighborhood. These parks require the proper safety equipment but are likely suited for kids that have a larger interest in skating. Some parks may even have indoor facilities, so skating could even be an option if it rains.

  1. Lemonade Stand

The neighborhood lemonade stand may be a lost art but can provide some fun and a unique learning experience. As a kid’s activity, the lemonade stand also teaches some useful life lessons about working hard. Although not every stand will experience similar results, the dream is important. Kids can earn a little spending money and see the value of hard work. Even if all sales are due to a cute kid on the corner, the experience will be a worthwhile day outside and off the couch. And if all else fails, then everyone can enjoy some delicious lemonade with dinner.

  1. Arts and Crafts

Kids are creative, so why not make an arts and crafts day? There are a variety of easy and easy to clean ways to encourage creativity this summer.

  • Sidewalk or Patio Chalk Drawings
  • Outdoor Painting Party with Old Canvas or Cardboard
  • Painting Gardening Pots

These are great ways to explore kids’ creative side. Working with washable chalk or paint reduces waste and makes clean up easy! To save the art, simply take a picture and let the rain or a hose wash it away for a new canvas tomorrow. As the summer wears on, then you can have a summer collection of their work.

  1. Gardening

Spring break is the perfect time to start thinking about planting a garden this summer. Gardening is a great family activity because parents and children can make work together and contribute to the family garden. For older children, then the garden helps teach care and nurture. The garden only yields fruits and vegetables with patience and attention. For younger children, weeding can help occupy the busy little ones. Weeds will be constant, but often grow in the same area. Kids can unload some energy removing unwanted weeds.  When their focus is gone, they can return to chasing butterflies in the backyard. This can be a family activity that creates amazing food for summer grilling as well. 

  1. Swimming

Last but CERTAINLY not least, our favorite activity! Summer simply would not be complete without some swimming. If you don’t have a pool, there is always the local community pool. But more likely, some friends or family members have a pool and encourage everyone to come over for some fun. Don’t let these opportunities pass and be sure to enjoy fun in the sun with some pool time!

There are tons of activities to stay active and off the couch this summer. Summer is only three months long, so enjoy every minute of it! Now is the time to start planning those fun activities for your family to enjoy together.

 

What are your favorite summer activities to stay off the couch?  Please join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook to find out more exciting activities!