The Washington Post recently ran a story with some great suggestions on inexpensive ways to get kids outdoors and moving! Here are a few of my favorite tips:
1. Take advantage of county, state and national park systems! Many offer guided hikes, canoe trips and fun places to explore.
2. Pack a picnic lunch and head out to the beach or a park. Get everyone playing together then enjoy a healthy picnic together.
3. Try geocashiing! Get clues online at geocashing.com to find hidden treasures left by ordinary folks, sometimes in out-of-the-way places, sometimes in plain view!
4. Go to a pick-your-own farm. Check out pickyourown.org for farms close by!
While on the road, every family has to stop for bathroom breaks, snacks and time to stretch their legs. In this week’s show, Priority Health and Meijer showed us how pit stops can also be a time for health and wellness.
Prepacking health snacks in a cooler is much healthier than swinging through the local drive-thru. Some easy snacks include baggies full of raw veggies, fruit, chex mix, granola bars, juice boxes and bottled water. Stop at a local park or rest area and create or own picnic. Or, if you’re in a rush, you don’t even need to stop to have these treats.
Long roadtrips can meet antsy kids in the car. Even if it is just a stop for gas, the family should get out of the car and do some stretches. If you have more time at a park or rest area, toss a frisbee or volleyball back and forth, jumprope or even play some paddle ball. If you do this three times during the day or ten minutes each, that is thirty minutes of exercise you’re getting while on the road.
Is your family prepared to take a vacation? Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of packing, families can forget some important items. Here are a few medical travel tips from Dr. Bill Stratbucker of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
1. Families need to be prepared, so think about all the things your child may need at home and make sure to pack them. Essentials include any medications your child takes. Make sure the prescription is filled and if you might run out, visit your doctor ahead of time for a refill.
2. Another important thing to remember is emergency contact numbers. You should have a list of your regular doctors as well as physicians in the area you are visiting. If you need help locating someone in the area you’re visiting, your child’s pediatrician should be able to help. This is especially important if your child has a pre-existing medical condition.
Your local library is a great resource for entertaining kids on long car trips. Here are some things that you can check out for free at your local library before hitting the road.
Books
Books on tape or CD
Games
Puzzle books
Adventure packs that contain a themed book, book on CD, game and video
DVD’s
Music on tape or CD
Tell us how you keep your kids entertained while on the road? We’d love to hear from you!
Here are a few tips from Fifth Third Bank that will help you enjoy a family vacation without breaking the bank!
1. Pre-planning is one of the best ways to save. Map out your trip, research your destination, know where you’re going and what you’re going to do while you’re there. Once you have that planned out get online and look for coupons and discounts at attractions and restaurants. Many museums and zoos offer family free days, try to plan your visit around those days if they’re available.
2. Dine out less and bring snacks for the car. Another way to save cash is to visit a grocery store once you get to your destination and make your meals. When going out for a nice meal, go for lunch instead of dinner because prices are lower and lunch is more casual for kids.
With the price of gas on the rise, more West Michigan travelers are going to be looking for deals, discounts and special savings this summer. If you’re planning a “staycation” in West Michigan….check out gas travel incentives at www.wmta.org.
“Park Parties are in full swing and they are amazing! I love seeing all the kids and families having fun together and enjoy all sorts of FREE food, free activities and free fun! See the action for yourself, we have wonderful photos from each party posted here on this site under "Park Party". Feel free to post your photos there too!”
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