With the extreme heat lately, it has been hard to think about going outside and doing anything except jumping in a pool. It's a shame because there are so many fun things to take advantage of in the region. With the temperatures cooling off a bit and a few weeks left before school starts, now is the perfect time to plan some end-of-summer adventures.
According to the National Wildlife Federation, childhood has moved indoors during the past two decades. The average American boy or girl spends just 4 to 7 minutes in unstructured outdoor play each day, and more than 7 hours each day in front of an electronic screen. Children are out of shape, tuned out and stressed out because they're missing something essential to their health and development: connection to the natural world.
An ongoing research project, called Child of Our Time, is following the growth of 25 children from birth to adulthood. They have documented some interesting findings about children who play outside.
One of the benefits of playing outside is children laugh more. This is good because laughter is a stress reliever and it helps stimulate the immune system.
Another benefit of outside play is better health. Researchers found children who engage in outside play have the potential to have stronger bones and muscles from activities like running and jumping. They also get vitamin D just from the sun. When children are active, they are less likely to battle obesity and more likely to do well in school.
Additional studies show children who play outside are more likely to be adventurous and open to new experiences. They tend to be better at making friends and have longer attention spans. Outdoor play fuels the imagination and teaches children how to be resourceful by creating their own entertainment.
What are you waiting for? Put the iPhone down, pull your kids away from game devices and head outside for some adventure. Experience the benefits an active lifestyle can bring while making some great memories.
If you are short on ideas, here are a few to get started:
• Ride bikes through Chickamauga Battlefield.
• Visit Chattanooga Zoo.
• Drive up to Raccoon Mountain and hike around the mountaintop.
• If you are brave and your children are old enough, check out the zip line at Ruby Falls.
• Grab some cardboard boxes and go sledding down the hill at Renaissance Park.
• Teach your children how to play kick the can, hopscotch and freeze tag.
• Experience the climbing wall, kayaks or paddle boards on the river.
• Create your own Summer Olympics. Get neighborhood kids and parents involved. Sack races, an egg toss, threelegged races and the wheel-barrow race are excellent backyard events.
• Take your teens whitewater rafting.
• Walk the Walnut Street Bridge.
Playing outside with your children is not only great exercise, it is a fantastic opportunity to bond as a family. If this is new for your family, your kids may balk at first, but once they experience the fun, they won't want to stop. Are you up for the challenge?
Julie Baumgardner is the president and executive director of First Things First. Her email is julieb@first things.org.