As summer approaches, there’s no better opportunity to get outside and spend more time enjoying nature, sunshine, and family-friendly adventures. Outdoor activities not only offer a break from screen time but also promote physical health, mental wellness, and family bonding. Whether you’re planning a hike, a beach day, or simply spending more time at the park, these tips will help you make the most of the great outdoors this summer.
Hiking and sports have always been really hard for my daughter. She has a motor processing disorder and has some mobility challenges. After years of therapy, we discovered that the best way for her to get stronger and improve her motor skills was to do regular things with friends and family. Going hiking is something we love to do as a family. Even though hikes are often challenging for her, she loves to spend time outdoors exploring, bird watching and sharing time with family. That is why we encourage her and support her so she can accomplish those difficult tasks and realize that she can do things that are hard.
Tips for Spending More Time Outdoors this Summer
Add outdoor time to your summer schedule
Including outdoor activities in your summer schedule is essential for making them a regular part of your routine. With warmer weather, longer days, and kids out of school, the possibilities are endless. Setting aside a specific time each day or week dedicated to outdoor activities ensures everyone has something to look forward to. For example, we’re lucky to have hiking trails nearby, so every morning after breakfast, we head out for a short hike. Starting the day with fresh air and exercise helps everyone stay energized and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Be prepared
Whether you’re going on a day hike, heading to the beach, or planning a picnic in the park, being prepared is crucial. Having a dedicated backpack for outdoor essentials makes it easier to grab and go. Here’s a list of what we like to pack:
- Water to stay hydrated throughout your adventure.
- Snacks like granola bars, trail mix, and fresh fruit for quick, energy-boosting bites.
- First-aid essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and bug bite treatment.
- Sunscreen for protection from the sun—apply it about 30 minutes before heading outdoors and bring extra for reapplication.
- Bug spray to keep insects at bay, especially if you’re headed to wooded areas.
- Unique custom koozies to keep drinks cool and easy to identify.
Being prepared allows you to be spontaneous with outdoor time—whether it’s a last-minute picnic or an impromptu hike. Keeping these items handy can help you make the most of the time you have outside without needing to rush back for something you forgot.
Get kids involvedFrom the backyard and the park to the local beach or lake, there are always lots of ways to get closer to nature. Encouraging kids to come up with their own idea for activities and places to explores keeps them curious and excited about spending more time outdoors. We created a butterfly garden together and planted native plants in your backyard that attract local birds and pollinators. Incorporating natural stone pavers into your backyard can create inviting paths and play areas, further fueling their imagination and outdoor adventures.
Outdoor time is even more enjoyable when kids feel engaged and excited. Get your children involved by letting them suggest ideas for places to explore or activities to try. This not only gives them a sense of ownership but also helps develop their sense of adventure. When kids come up with their own outdoor activity ideas—like choosing a new hiking trail or suggesting a fun game to play in the park—they’ll be more enthusiastic about heading outside.
Make Outdoor Time Fun with Engaging Activities
Outdoor time can be a lot of fun, especially when you mix in different types of activities to keep things interesting. Here are some ideas:
- Nature scavenger hunts: Create a list of items to find, like different types of leaves, rocks, or flowers. Scavenger hunts are a great way to teach kids about local flora and fauna while keeping them entertained.
- Birdwatching: Grab a pair of binoculars and head to a local park to spot various bird species. It’s fun, educational, and gets kids excited about wildlife.
- Sports and games: Whether it’s soccer, frisbee, or a game of tag, playing sports outdoors is an excellent way for kids to burn energy and practice teamwork.
- Camping and stargazing: If you’re able to spend an evening outdoors, consider a camping trip, even if it’s just in your backyard. Stargazing can add an extra layer of wonder, especially for younger kids.
Mixing up different activities, from hiking and camping to kayaking and beach days, keeps outdoor time interesting for everyone and allows kids to develop new skills and interests.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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I wish it were easier to spend time outdoors in Los Angeles but… It’s just not appetizing here. Sure, we can go on walks but then we are left with the exhaust in our faces – ha! There are hiking trails and whatnot too, but it takes a long time to get to them, thus I find myself unmotivated when I get there. I am a girl from Wyoming who appreciates the outdoors – so LOS ANGELES is so vastly different from what I am used to.
Everything you need to spend time away from home in complete safety and thinking that I will spend a day in nature better than I do!
As much as I’m outside you’d think I’d be using bug spray lol. Thank you for reminding me to get some, I’m always getting bit by mosquitoes where I’m from due the late afternoons when the sun goes down.
yesssss!!! I love the outdoors! I can’t wait for Summer to start, soon…Great tips, thanks a lot.
This summer our family too has decided to spend at least two hours outdoors. It is good for our physical fitness. We are regularly going to park, we play there and do brisk walk for few minutes. Thank you for the list of the things to carry. And I didn’t know about Johnson’s new campaign. I am excited about it. We are regular users of Johnson’s.
Love your tips. I need to make more outdoor time for me and children.
Quite a cool post. During setting out for somewhere, we often forget essentials we should be having in our carry-on luggage. These tips are going to help if we can remember.
I love your outdoor essentials! I too never go out without my go-to ointments and patches just to make sure nothing can spoil out time.