In today's day and age it's imperative that parents take control of how much time their children are allowed to use electronics. Although it's fine to allow youngsters to watch some TV or play a few video games each day, families should also try to get outside and enjoy
outdoor play. TheDailyGreen.com recently listed a few ways parents may be able to entice their children to breathe in some fresh air, and many of the activities are enjoyable for the entire family.
Camp out in the backyard The weather is starting to turn colder in most regions around the nation, so parents may either need to set up the tent soon, or wait on this activity until spring. Camping is one of America's pastimes and kids are sure to enjoy checking out the stars and hanging out by the fire for a few hours. For this event, parents will need to get a few tents, flashlights or lanterns, blankets and snacks like s'mores that the kids can roast by the fire.
Make art using nature Another great activity is making art projects using items found in nature. Try drying out flowers to make potpourri or even specialty cards that the kids can be proud of. Colorful leaves collected during fall can be used to create pressed leaves. For this activity, start by taking the leaves and placing them between two pieces of wax paper, the news outlet reports. Next, stick the papers in the pages of a big book and wait a few weeks for them to get pressed. Making leaf prints is also fun and easy. For this project, ink up a leaf using paints and a sponge and then press the leaf onto paper for a gorgeous painting.
Take a night hike Since the leaves fall off the trees in autumn, it can be a great time for families to venture out on a night hike, as they'll be able to see much more. It may be best to trek outside during a full or almost full moon as the bright white glow helps to light up the path. During the trek, have the kids listen to different sounds in order to teach them about nocturnal insects and animals.
Not only will these walks help
healthy kids connect with the environment, but they will also help them get the 60 minutes of daily exercise as recommended by the Let's Move! initiative. Children can also burn calories by climbing
commercial playground equipment or by going for bike rides.