Remember the joy of running barefoot in the grass and spending hours having fun in the warm summer air? The first Saturday of every month is Play Outside Day and we’ve complied some family-friendly ideas to help you recreate that same joyful experience and keep the outside activities going all summer long.
- Make your own rules. If “playing outside” means grabbing a stack of books and sitting in a shady spot to read the day away, do it! It’s about changing up your normal routine, getting outside and doing something you love — whatever that may be.
- Chalk your walk. Grab some sidewalk chalk at your local dollar store and get creative on your driveway or sidewalk. There are tons of clever things you can do with chalk, from writing positive messages for passersby, to creating backdrops for creative photoshoots.
- Play mini golf in your own backyard. Set up a mini golf course using household objects (even pool noodles) and spend the day practicing your putt.
- Take it easy. Try yoga in the shade, or do a guided walking meditation in nature and enjoy the relaxing benefits of these mindfulness practices.
- Literally play! Games like Drip Drip Splash, Capture the Firefly and other flashlight games, Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe, and Sponge Bullseye are fun for kids (and adults!) of all ages.
- Build something. Bird lovers, try making a small birdfeeder or garden lovers, how about a DIY planter for your fall mums?
- Go camping at home. Set up a campsite right in your own backyard. Even if you don’t have real camping gear, you can use sheets to make a fun “tent” to hang out in during the day using sheets and some rope. It’s the perfect spot to read, play or snooze.
- Watch movies after dark. If you have access to a projector and amp, you can host a backyard movie night for a crowd. But if all you have is a laptop or smartphone, that makes for a cozy viewing party too! Stream a family favorite — and bring blankets and comfy seats so you’ll be warm and cozy. Don’t forget the popcorn!
They say the days are long, but the years are short, so make the most of the time you have together and enjoy making new summer memories — and maybe even a new tradition.
420054 CAN/US (08/21)
