With the pollen (mostly) swept away and allergy season coming to an end, the summer sun invites everyone outside. Depending on where you live, getting time outdoors can be difficult. Especially when life is full of a million other concerns, like getting dinner ready, finishing work on time, and finding childcare when school is out, getting outdoors might be an afterthought. Here are a few ideas to consider if you or your family have some time on your hands. For kids, see how many of these Summer Activities with Broc they can check off the list.
Urban
In cities, getting outside is often just part of daily life. If you take the bus or train to work or school, you likely have to walk to get to your stop. You may pass by a park or playground on your way as well, a great spot for kids to burn off some of their extra energy. Sometimes the sidewalks are cracked or the playground is not clean, and that may stop you and your family from heading outdoors. If something feels unsafe for your kids, trust your judgment. Think beyond your immediate streets though. If you know your bus routes already, you may be able to bring your kids along for a ride on one of your days off to explore a different part of town. In most places, kids can ride public transit for free. Check locally to be sure. This way, the kids get physical activity walking to the bus stop and you get the sense of relief that they are playing in a safe space wherever your destination is. You can even try out a museum or zoo and get discounted rates with the EBT Card to Culture program. The goal is simply to get yourself moving around outside in whatever way fits your lifestyle.
Rural
In rural environments, sidewalks may be less present and cars may drive by quicker. This too can feel unsafe, especially if you want to take your kids out. You can again explore the EBT Card to Culture option to see if there are outdoor zoos or other cultural institutions to visit. You can also check out farmers’ markets, farm stands, and maybe even a pick-your-own farm. Many of these places accept SNAP and HIP benefits and are an easy way to explore the world outside. Kids can even try a scavenger hunt at the market—it keeps them active and they can learn a lot about fruits and veggies.
Group Housing
Living in congregate housing may limit time outdoors, but it is still possible. If your housing site has a patio, use it when you can. Try some chair yoga or other light stretching. Gentle movements in the sun can do wonders for both the body and mind. You can also see if there are community gardens in your area—some spaces will create raised beds that are wheelchair accessible, allowing more people to try out gardening.
Getting outside does more than just open up opportunities for physical activity. Fresh air, access to green space, and the warm sun have been shown to improve mental health. If you are able to take a walk around your neighborhood or let your kids run off their energy at the playground, that is a great bonus. Know that simply being outside can give your mind a break and reduce stress, which can impact your health in many ways.
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