Summer is gone, but so are many of the pandemic restrictions. While the world is yet very far from returning to its usual self, it does not mean you and the kids cannot enjoy yourselves. It may not still be beach time where you live, so what to do with the little ones to seize the last warm days before the fall officially settles in full? Here are three outdoor activities to do with the kids that are perfect for this time of the year!
1. Cycling
Cycling is the definition of outdoor fun, summer vacation time, and correct social distancing. The best thing about cycling is that you can have your kids and their bikes out in the afternoon, after classes, as there is still enough light but not warm enough to exhaust the little ones. Moreover, you can turn it into a family tradition every weekend. Just as you spent your time indoors doing arts and crafts activities for kids, you can turn cycling into family quality time.
If your kids are new to bike riding or became a bit rusty after an entire summer spent indoors, teaching them road safety is the first thing to do. Riding a bike in traffic means exposure to many risks you should be wary of and know how to deal with, especially if the children are young and lack their older siblings or friends’ experience. How and why to wear protective gear and the minimal to-do tasks in case of a bike accident should be the first riding lessons your kids receive before jumping on their their bikes alone or together with you.
Keep in mind that the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration advises parents to keep children under the age of ten away from bicycle rides on the streets. It is hard to put such recommendations into practice; all parents know it. What we can do is accompany the youngest ones on their rides, learn how to prevent bike accidents, and manage them correctly in case they occur.
Other than that, cycling is an excellent exercise that improves physical condition, fine-tunes cognitive skills (motor ones, attention, multitasking, etc.), and entertains friendship & socialization. There is no better time for cycling than early fall for the entire family!
2. Kids Yoga in the Backyard or the Park
It may sound crazy, but hear this out! Yoga is an excellent activity for kids and adults alike. You don’t need to invest in anything more than just comfy mats for the little ones. If mommy already practices Yoga, all she has to do is start slowly. First, turn the entire Yoga practice into a game or a challenge for the children! Teach them beginner positions, explain them about balance and posture, help them understand how the body and mind work together.
According to Harvard scientists, Yoga and mindfulness improve both physical and mental health in children aged 6 to 12. The practice increases muscular strength and endurance, balance, aerobic capacity, focus, memory, and self-esteem. Studies show that in school-age children, Yoga and mindfulness correlate positively with academic performance, classroom behavior, and anxiety/stress reduction.
Overall, Yoga for kids is not a fad. National surveys indicate that more and more parents and children practice Yoga with excellent physical, psychological, emotional, and behavioral results. Do not pretend surprise when you hear in a couple of years that Yoga proves useful in alleviating ADHD symptoms, as well!
The best part of early fall Yoga in the park is that we can all take our mats and resume practice inside the house when the weather gets cold.
3. Mini Golf
Most mini golf courses reopened and established strict health rules, so all families are safe while they have the fun of their lives. Since social distancing regulations still apply, you might need to book your session a couple of days or weeks in advance.
However, mini golf is the perfect early fall activity for kids. It is not too hot, not too cold for them to feel any discomfort and break their concentration. Even your adolescents will love a day out with the family to enjoy the lovely weather and show the little ones a trick or two.
If you think mini golf is just some outdoor sporty fun, you are wrong. It is one of the most complex physical and psychological activities for children, training their bodies and their minds like no other.
Mini golf creates continuous challenges for the players while training them the art and skill of patience. Here are some other benefits you might consider:
- The activity itself is an excellent cardio exercise.
- It improves eye-hand coordination, attention and focus, memory, math, and physics knowledge and skills.
- Also a competitive game, it encourages socialization and the assertive expression of emotions.
Overall, it is such a popular activity that doctors, NGOs, and disability experts recommend mini-golf for all children, including the ones in wheelchairs.
As parents, we can all take a breather, challenge our little ones to a mean competition, watch them have fun, and put all our worries aside for at least a cozy autumn afternoon!
Bottom Line
If you have the means and space, you could also organize a scavenger hunt in the park or engage in some bat & ball games in dedicated areas or even your backyard. What other early fall activities would you recommend for kids besides cycling, mini-golf, and Yoga? Are your kids in favor of other outdoor challenges? Let’s brainstorm them!