Get Your Kids Active For Summer

By: CanadianNanny.ca

12 Great Tips from CanadianNanny.ca

With summer just around the corner, many families and caregivers are wondering how to stay active during the summer, and make use of the nice weather and the chance to be outside. Avoid spending too much time watching TV, using the computer, or playing video games, get out of the heat, and GET ACTIVE! The following tips have been provided by nannies registered on CanadianNanny.ca.

1. VISIT A POOL OR WATER PARK: Stay cool on those hot summer days and get kids active in the pool. Whether it is just a leisurely swim, playing in the spray of the water park, or organizing a game of water polo, it's easy to stay active without getting too hot.

2. VISIT A LOCAL BEACH OR LAKE: Take advantage of the rays and natural beauty of your area and go swimming. Pack a picnic lunch, bring some water toys and a blanket to lounge on and you can enjoy a day in the sun or water.

3. GO ON A TREASURE HUNT: Create your own treasures and take turns finding each others, or make a list of things to find at the beach/park. Alternatively, if you have a handheld GPS device, you may like the newest craze of finding treasure placed by others, called Geocaching. For info, go to www.geocaching.com.

4. PUT ON A PLAY: Gather your friends and dress-up clothes and put on a play. Get everyone involved, practice, then invite others to watch the production. This will get those creative juices flowing and bring out the stars among us.

5. BUILT A FORT: Go find some blankets, outdoor furniture, boxes, and other fort-like structures and build a fort to play in. Maybe you can use your fort as a stage or prop for your play, or have fun dismantling it at the end of the day.

6. BE A CHERRY-PICKER: Some communities have a program where you can volunteer to pick fruit for someone, helping them to keep their yards clean and getting to enjoy your pickings. Follow up this activity by baking a pie or making some jam!

7. PLAY ANY TRADITIONAL GAME: Hide and go seek, Duck Duck Goose, Red Light Green Light, Tag - these are classics that everyone enjoys, plus gets everyone moving.

8. ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION: Instead of driving to the local pool, lake, or park, take your bike, scooter, rollerblades, or walk. Or just explore a new trail in the city. It's a great way to see things from a different light, easy on the environment, and gets you active.

9. TAKE PART IN LOCAL EVENTS: Check your city's website or other local resources to find out what's happening. Summer is prime time for outdoor festivals and activities, so get out and take part, it'll be fun and you might learn something!

10. GO FLY A KITE: Pick a park, grab your favourite kite and some friends and fly a kite on a breezy day. A great way to get some exercise on a cooler day, with the breeze to cool you down when you need it. Pack some snacks or a lunch and turn it into a picnic at the park!

11. VISIT LOCAL NATURE PARKS: Take in some nature education by letting local park rangers teach you about nature. Many cities have designated park-lands with educational programs, especially during the summer, that are great for families.

12. RAINY DAY?: Throw on the raingear and grab your umbrellas and turn a boring rainy inside-day to an adventure hunting puddles! Take the kids to a local park or take a walk around the block and jump, run, kick every puddle you see. Lots of fun for all ages when the excitement takes away the rainy day blues.

CanadianNanny.ca is Canada's online resource to help parents and nannies connect. CanadianNanny.ca provides parents with the ability to meet nannies that are seeking employment in their neighbourhood. The parent is able to contact as many nannies as they like without incurring fees, other than the subscription fee. CanadianNanny.ca specializes in part-time and full-time, live-in and live-out nannies.