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Float The River

Relax. Take it slow and enjoy nature. In the age of technology and constant stimulation, it’s more important than ever to find ways to get kids outdoors and connect with nature. One great way to do this is to take them for a float down the river on an innertube. Find your next float on Outly.com.

  • Exercise. Floating may seem like a passive activity, but it actually requires a lot of core strength and balance.
  • De-stress. The gentle motion of the water can be very calming, and it can help to take your mind off of your worries.
  • Bond with your kids. There’s nothing quite like spending time together in nature, away from the distractions of everyday life.
  • Teach your kids about the environment. By exploring the river, your kids can learn about the different plants and animals that live there.
  • Create lasting memories. A day spent floating down the river is sure to be a memory that your kids will cherish for years to come.

Keep in Mind:

  • Make sure the kids know how to swim. Wear life jackets. Most parks require it.
  • Choose a safe river or stream. Nothing beyond class 1 rapids for an innertube. Google the ecoli levels before you head out, particularly after hard rains or during prolonged dry spells.
  • Wear sunscreen and hats. This will help to protect you and your kids from the sun.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks. You’ll want to stay hydrated and energized on your float.
  • Be prepared for the unexpected. Pack a first-aid kit and a change of clothes, just in case.

Climb A Tree

Letting Kids Climb Trees: A Simple Joy with Profound Benefits

In today’s world of structured activities and digital playgrounds, it’s easy to forget the simple joys of childhood. One such joy, often missed in our modern age, is the thrill of climbing trees. While some parents may view it as a risky activity, the benefits of letting kids climb trees far outweigh the risks.

Physical Development:

Climbing trees is a fantastic way for kids to develop their gross motor skills. It helps them build strength, coordination, and balance. As they navigate different branches and heights, they develop spatial awareness and proprioception, which is the body’s sense of its own position and movement.

Emotional and Cognitive Development:

The challenge and accomplishment of climbing a tree can do wonders for a child’s self-confidence. It fosters a sense of adventure and independence, teaching them to overcome obstacles and assess risks. Additionally, the quiet contemplation found in the treetops can be a valuable tool for developing focus and problem-solving skills.

Social Development:

Climbing trees is often a shared experience, encouraging collaboration and teamwork. Kids learn to communicate effectively, support each other, and share resources. This builds strong social bonds and creates lasting memories.

Connection with Nature:

Climbing trees allows kids to interact with the natural world in a meaningful way. They learn to appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature, fostering a sense of wonder and respect for the environment.

Tips for Safe Tree Climbing:

  • Supervise young children closely.
  • Choose appropriate trees. Look for healthy trees with strong branches.
  • Start low and go slow.
  • Teach children how to climb safely. This includes using proper foot placement staying close to the trunk.
  • Provide appropriate footwear. Sneakers, hiking boots, or barefoot!
  • Set clear boundaries. Establish rules about climbing heights and acceptable risk-taking.

By allowing kids to climb trees, we are giving them the gift of a childhood filled with adventure, discovery, and personal growth. So next time you see a child eyeing a tree, encourage them to climb!

Ride Bikes

The Value of Riding Bikes with Kids

Physical Health:

  • Promotes cardiovascular health: Cycling is a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your overall fitness.
  • Builds strength and endurance: Riding strengthens muscles, improves coordination, and boosts balance.
  • Fights fatness: With a growing problem of obesity among children, cycling offers a fun and engaging way to get them moving.

Mental Health:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety: Exercise is a well-known stress reliever, and cycling is no exception.
  • Boosts self-confidence: Mastering the skill of riding a bike and navigating the world on two wheels can give kids a sense of accomplishment and independence.
  • Improves mood: Cycling releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood-boosters, leading to feelings of happiness and well-being.

Family Bonding:

    • Creates shared experiences: Cycling together provides an opportunity to create lasting memories as a family.
    • Encourages communication: Riding side-by-side allows for conversations and bonding that might not happen otherwise.
    • Teaches valuable life lessons: Cycling can help kids learn about responsibility, safety, and respect for the environment.

Tips for getting started:

  • Don’t Use Training Wheels! Instead, run alongside with a strap loosely under their arms so that they balance all on their own but if they start to fall you can catch them.
  • Make it fun: Keep things light and enjoyable by incorporating games, music, or storytelling into your rides.
  • Lead by example: Show your kids that you enjoy cycling too, and they’re more likely to follow suit.

With its numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, family bonding, and the environment, riding bikes with your kids is an activity that shouldn’t be missed. So grab your helmets, hop on your bikes, and explore the world together!

Trash Bag Balloons

Use a heat gun or hair dryer to inflate a shopping bag or trash bag. Make it a competition to see who’s will travel the farthest! Great lesson in thermodynamics!

Traditional Chinese Lantern:

Grab some cheap paper ones off amazon – they’ll fly far and are mostly environmentally friendly and fire safe. Just don’t launch in high winds and don’t be dumb.

Make it Meaningful:

For children with anxiety, worries, on something weighing heavily on their heart, have them write something about it, draw a picture, or just make a mark on the lantern to represent their worries if they don’t want to disclose it in front of their siblings. When the lantern flies away, their troubles fly with it, or so you encourage. In the same way you can lift prayers up to God, or sail a message to loved ones far far away.

To spur imaginations, you might make up fun scenarios about who will see your lantern and where it will go. Maybe it will fly to Alaska, and be used to warm an igloo, or maybe it will make friends with a dragon but then the dragon ‘furps’ (farts and burps at the same time) which makes him accidentally snort fire and burns it down and it crash lands on fire ants who ironically do not like fire… Take turns adding to the story.

Drivers Ed

Next time you’re on an old country road or long farmhouse driveway, let the kids have a go at the wheel. Pure bliss, bonding, and self confidence boosting.

MEANINGFUL DISCUSSION:

Hitting Your Goals: It’s not just about giving it gas, you’ve got to keep your eye on the road, make constant course corrections, and know when to hit the brakes. You play it right and you make your destination. Lose focus for too long and you’ll land in the ditch.

Motivation: There’s a lot of power in this truck, but if it runs out of gas then its just heavy wagon. What fuels you, and how can you fill your tank when your running on empty?

Go Karts

FYI for serious speed, look for an outdoor track. Many offer karts that can reach speeds of 60 mph! Jr. karts for kids 5+ can be regulated to 15 mph. They even offer day camps!

Go-karts are not just a fun activity for kids; they can also provide valuable socioemotional benefits. When kids drive go-karts, they have the opportunity to:

  • Build confidence: Driving a go-kart gives kids a sense of accomplishment and mastery. They learn to control a vehicle and navigate a course, which can boost their self-esteem and confidence.
  • Develop problem-solving skills: Go-karting requires kids to think quickly and make decisions on the fly. They need to be able to assess the situation, plan their route, and react to changes in the environment. These skills can be applied to other areas of life, such as academics and social interactions.
  • Improve spatial awareness: Go-karting helps kids develop their spatial awareness. They need to be able to judge distances and angles, and to understand how their actions affect the movement of the kart. This can improve their coordination and balance, and it can also help them excel in other sports and activities.
  • Learn about sportsmanship: Go-karting is a competitive activity, but it also teaches kids about sportsmanship. They learn to win and lose gracefully, and to respect their competitors.
  • Bond with friends and family: Go-karting is a great way for kids to bond with friends and family. It’s a fun and exciting activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

In addition to the benefits listed above, go-karting can also help kids:

  • Relieve stress: The physical activity of go-karting can help kids release pent-up energy and reduce stress.
  • Improve mood: The excitement and challenge of go-karting can boost kids’ mood and leave them feeling happy and energized.
  • Stay active: Go-karting is a great way for kids to get exercise. It’s a fun and engaging activity that can help them stay active and healthy.

Overall, letting kids drive go-karts is a great way to promote their socioemotional development. It’s a fun and rewarding activity that can provide a wealth of benefits. Just stay safe and don’t do dumb things like remove the speed governor. Or do… just be a good parent.

Hot Air Balloon

Give your kids a thrill and a dose of a new perspective by flying high up in a hot air balloon! Not just for out west – there are balloon pilots all over the country. Give it a google and maybe work it in to the next road trip.

Soaring High with Smiles: The Socioemotional Benefits of Taking Kids on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

For children, the world is a vast and wondrous place, full of possibilities waiting to be explored. But sometimes, their perspectives are limited by the familiar ground beneath their feet. Taking them on a hot air balloon ride can be more than just an exciting adventure; it can be a transformative experience with profound socioemotional benefits.

1. Fostering a Sense of Wonder and Curiosity:

As the balloon gently lifts off the ground, children are immediately transported to a new world. The familiar landscape shrinks beneath them, revealing a breathtaking panorama of rolling hills, meandering rivers, and distant horizons. This shift in perspective ignites a sense of wonder and curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions about the world around them and fostering a deeper appreciation for its beauty.

2. Cultivating Courage and Resilience:

While the initial excitement of the ascent is undeniable, some children may experience fear or anxiety at the prospect of being suspended high above the ground. However, with gentle encouragement and support, they can overcome these challenges and develop courage and resilience. The successful completion of the hot air balloon ride can serve as a powerful symbol of their ability to face challenges and overcome obstacles.

3. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem:

The accomplishment of participating in a hot air balloon ride can significantly boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Learning about the science and technology behind ballooning, observing the world from a unique vantage point, and overcoming any anxieties they may have experienced, all contribute to a feeling of competence and pride in their own abilities.

4. Strengthening Family Bonds and Creating Lasting Memories:

A hot air balloon ride is a unique and unforgettable experience that families can share together. The shared thrill of the ascent, the awe-inspiring views, and the peaceful tranquility of the flight create a strong bond and foster lasting memories that can be cherished for years to come.

5. Promoting Environmental Awareness and Appreciation:

From the air, children gain a new perspective on the environment. They witness the interconnectedness of ecosystems, the impact of human activities on the landscape, and the beauty of the natural world. This unique perspective can inspire a sense of environmental awareness and a commitment to protecting the planet for future generations.

Exploding Lake

Toss a 100 gram (not more!) chunk of sodium metal far into a pond or lake clear of people or animals and you will see (and hear) a huge explosion as it reacts with the water. Watch some YouTube videos before you get your hands dirty with this one.

Why it matters:

Awe and wonder: watch your child’s mouth drop as they witness the power of science. It just may set them on a path of educational and scientific discovery.

Dangerous flirtation: Show your children where the boundary line is. Demonstrate cautious handling. Define the scenario, the safety concerns, and any mitigation efforts (there are no people, animals, or secondary ignition sources nearby, and we are wearing safety glasses).

Bonding: The fear, the awe, the realization that danger was close but that their father kept them safe, will all be etched into their memories.

Fire Rain

Using a stick, hold a plastic milk jug (the frosted translucent ones marked HDPE plastic) over the fire. As the plastic burns, flaming drips will sound and look just like a Star Wars photon cannon. A heavy duty black trash bag (must be made of high density polyethylene) wrapped tightly around the stick will produce the same effect, which is a great option since you will likely need some trash bags at the campsite anyway. Try tying a few knots in it to burn at different rates.

Is it meaningful?

Its more about dudes hanging out around a campfire making Star War’s noises than anything else. But sure, there’s some science in there too as the plastic chemically transforms into hydrocarbon vapor.

Army Navy Store

Before your next excursion swing into your local Army/Navy Surplus store for the most dad-centric gear you never knew you wanted so badly. Every boy needs a trip to the local Army Navy Surplus Supply. It will kickstart an eagerness to get outdoors and explore.

Also… best place to find a trunk for your kid’s overnight summer camp.