When people get the downtime they want, they sometimes can’t figure out what to do with it. Some address boredom by turning on the TV and seeing what’s good on Netflix. Others chat with their friends over the phone or on Facebook.
Instead of doing indoor activities and staying at home all day long, consider spending time outdoors with your family. Various studies associate benefits with spending time outside. A study published in the journal Environmental Research found that outdoor activities may help minimize cortisol levels — hormones that produce stress.
Image by Fabricio Macedo FGMsp
Don’t let precious seconds pass without spending quality time with the family. Here are nine suggestions to help you bond with your family and beat boredom in the process.
1.Go Fishing
Fishing isn’t just about catching fish. This activity serves as an opportunity to practice patience, enjoy the great outdoors, learn new skills, and discover a few things about fish species. You could visit your nearby pond or lake, or book a deep sea fishing charter boat to catch fish on the local reefs. So, get out there on the water and reel in a big one.
2. Paddle on the Lake
Other than fishing, you could go paddling with the little ones. Rent a kayak or canoe along with a few sets of paddles and hit the lake with your children. Do this activity during the fall, as there’s not much traffic in the water. What’s more, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the autumn leaves.
3. Pitch a Tent and Camp Outside
On your next family vacation, head to a wilderness area (or your backyard), throw up a tent, and go camp under the stars. You can build a small bonfire and huddle around as one family. Then, sing songs and cook delicious camp snacks, such as s’mores and hotdogs. Your little ones will surely appreciate the experience of falling asleep outdoors, regardless of how far you are from your living room.
4. Start a Garden in Your Backyard
Planting vegetable or flower seeds in your garden and watching them come to life can be satisfying. As a family, pick a variety of plants. Then, work as a team to till the soil in your yard and plant the seedlings.
Growing a garden is more than just an entertaining and fulfilling activity. It’s a great way to teach responsibility to children of all ages. What’s more, you can eat the produce you grow in your garden. You could harvest the vegetables and use them as ingredients to make a healthy veggie dish.
5. Go on a Hike
Depending on the hiking abilities of each family member, choose a trail near your area and go on a morning or afternoon stroll. If everyone is new to hiking, pick a trail with a short distance and a flat terrain. When everyone becomes accustomed to this activity, look for more challenging trails. Remember to pack healthy snacks and plenty of water in your hikes.
6. Take a Stroll Around the Neighborhood
If hiking isn’t your thing, you could arrange a weekly walk around the block in your neighborhood. Get everyone into the habit of taking a stroll. This encourages family bonding and allows everyone to get the exercise they need to stay fit and healthy.
7. Set up an Outdoor Trampoline
Trampoline jumping is a fun activity that will get your blood pumping. Your little ones will surely love tumbling and bouncing on the big elastic circle. Get ready for squeals of joy and giggles when you perform funny exhibitions and flips.
8. Play Sports with Your Kids
If you have a large family, head to the nearest park or field, and play a friendly game of soccer or baseball with your children. You could do a parents-versus-kids event to make the sports game more exciting. You could amp up the fun by handing out prizes in various categories, such as the winning team, the most valuable player of the game, and the best team spirit. After the game, head to the park bench and serve up a big, delicious potluck meal.
9. Fly a Kite
Flying kites is a fun activity, whether you live in urban sprawl, by the sea, or in a farm country. Pair up the children by age and encourage them to build and decorate a kite. Then, help them get their kites off the ground and soaring high in the sky.
Try these nine outdoor activities to beat boredom and bond with your family. The time you spend with your children in these activities is something you’ll surely cherish regardless of how old you get.
