When you have young kids, nothing beats spending time outside. It’s a great way to get a little exercise, and also give kids a chance to burn off a little energy. Not only is this a lot of fun, it also helps ensure that they’ll be happy later in the day.
While going to the park may seem like a simple thing, we’ve put together a few tips to help you make the most of it. In this day of the Covid-19 Pandemic, let’s get through this together. Please use all precautions to help prevent the spread of this disease so everyone can enjoy a day at the park in the future. Here is some CDC Covid-19 info just to be informed and prepared for your day at the park.
Pick The Right Park
Not all parks are created equally. Some are large and others are small. Some have paved areas and paths, and others are grassy plots of land. Beyond the park itself, you might think about what the scene will look like when you arrive. Are you looking for one that typically has a big crowd, where your kids might find someone else to play with? Or, are you looking for something a little more calm and serene?
A lot of parks have bonus features like grilling areas and attached playgrounds. These sorts of things can really enhance the experience. Depending on how long you’re planning on staying, they can be a big plus.
Bring Some Toys
While going to the park can set the stage for a really fun day, it doesn’t hurt to add a few toys into the mix. If the park you’re going to has paved areas, you might bring some rollers skates or scooters along with you. Given all of the space to run around, walkie talkies can be a great way for kids to have fun as well.
Then there are your classics. Bringing a ball or a frisbee to toss around can be a blast. You might even bring a kite and teach your kids to make it fly.
Take A Few Safety Precautions
While a trip to the park is mostly about having fun, it is a good idea to make sure you stay safe. As much as you might be tempted to break out a good book or spend a little quality time with your phone while the kids run around, you’re much better off keeping an eye on them.
I.C.O.E. Bracelets are a really good idea as well. These bracelets can be custom engraved with your emergency contact numbers. Fun designs, allergies, and other medical information can also be engraved. That way, if anything does happen, at least medical professionals and others will have the information they need to take action. And if your child wanders off, they can show the bracelet’s emergency contact numbers to be reunited.
A Little Food Goes A Long Way
Bringing a little food does a couple of things. It enhances the overall experience for starters. But, it also acts as a sort of insurance. The last thing you want is to arrive at the park, only to realize that the kids are hungry.
If you’re planning on spending a few hours or more at the park, pack some food and drinks. Some light snacks can go a long way. Or, you can take things a step further with a full picnic or even a BBQ if the park has a grill.
Author Bio: Ryan Howard runs Smart Parent Advice, a site that provides parenting advice for moms and dads. Ryan writes about all of the different ups and downs of parenting, provides solutions to common challenges, and reviews products that parents need to purchase for babies and toddlers.