Family Time
Active ‘Spring-Kids’
Patrice Jones, contributing editor
Our kids have braved the winter storms and the frigid temperatures of the fall season. They’ve had to play indoors, with teachers and parents master-minding interesting ways to keep their little minds inspired and bodies moving. Now that springtime has finally arrived, children are free to play outdoors, explore the beautiful flowers that sprout from the earth and participate in outdoor field trips with parents, teachers and friends.
As parents, we’re busy with work, the kid’s activities, household tasks, church ministries; not to mention the inevitable springtime yard work. Who has time to research safe outdoor activities for the kids? Why not just send them outside to play? Why not just let them stay indoors and play video games? Well, there are a few reasons why we must make time. Our children need the rejuvenating Vitamin D from the sunlight and their minds are like little sponges. The same way they soak up the rays of the sun, they soak up exposure to new and exciting things everyday. In addition, their bodies need to be kept healthy and active. Get them outside and get them moving!
While not every child will be able to experience the historical White House Easter Egg Roll in our nation’s capital, there are numerous ways to engage children’s minds and bodies. Here are a few activities parents and teachers can partake in with the kids to help them to “Spring into Spring”:
The U.S. Botanical Gardens
Established in 1820, this awesome living plant museum reopened in December 2001 after a 4- year renovation. Located on the National Mall, across from the U.S. Capitol, it is filled with exotic plants and statues created from recycled material from around the nation. The kids will be amazed at the colors of nature and the ability of the human mind to reuse materials once though to be garbage. Best of all, it’s FREE!
http://www.usbg.gov/your-visit/index.cfm
Kite-Flying
We can be so creative with this particular activity. Your kids can either purchase their kite, OR they can make their own unique kite. In making their own kite, they’re able to express themselves and delve into their originality and uniqueness. In Washington, DC, there are many places to fly kites down on the National Mall. However, no matter where you are located, there is always an available open space at local parks or maybe even in your neighborhood. Not only will the children have a fantastic time, but it is an opportunity for the kids and adults to get a great cardio workout. Running with a kite can break a pretty good sweat!
Kids Fun Run
Kids Fun Runs are forming all around the United States. It’s a great way to get kids moving. Do you have a cell phone or computer? Just ‘Google’ “Kids Fun Run” in your area and be sure to talk with your kids about how they want to help others, as each Kids Fun Run will benefit a meaningful cause. Encourage them to choose the cause as an way of teaching them social responsibility. And in the process, they will also work up a good sweat.
Visiting the Museums
Now that the weather is absolutely beautiful, grab a map of your city, pack a backpack of snacks for the kids, put your sneakers on and visit your local museums. If your city has public transit, hop the bus or train. The kids will enjoy peering out the windows and you will get in a pretty good workout. Most museums are free, however, some have a cover charge. Do your homework beforehand to avoid surprises. Here is a link that lists museums throughout the United States. Just click on your state: http://www.museumstuff.com/museums/usa.php.
Put down your cell phone, log off your computer, stop text messaging, leave work AT work and REALLY engage with the children. They need our undivided attention. The spring season is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation. Take this time to reconnect with the little minds that will lead us into the future. “Spring into Spring with the children”!
