Stay Active

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Well, hey y'all. Hope y'all are having a good day
and welcome. I'm certainly having a good day today. I
had a lot of good things going on in my
life and my family, and that's one thing that I
kind of want to talk about today, not me and
my family because I'd probably end up boring you guys death.

(00:20):
Maybe I do that anyway, I don't know. But today
we want to talk about unplugging the family. Family unplugged,
so to speak, and I'm talking about from technology and
being inside and watching the TV and all that kind
of stuff is what I want to do. So I
want to explore ways to strengthen family bonds, spark a

(00:42):
little joy, and make lifelong memories. So today I want
to dive in to the magic and I really do
think it becomes magic of outdoor activities for families during
the summer. So it doesn't have to be during the summer,
but I'm talking about nice weather activity. So you could
be on vacation in some nice warm place in the

(01:04):
winter and just some things to do outside. So whether
you're stay at home or heading out on vacation, summer
is the perfect time to embrace the outdoors from backyard
adventures to hiking and national parks. All these moments bring
families closer together while providing endless fun and relaxation. So

(01:25):
we're going to cover today some exciting outdoor activities for families,
whether you're at home or on vacation, benefits of spending
time outside together, and we'll have some tips on making
the most of your summer adventures. So let's just jump
right in. There's something magical about being outside. It is.

(01:47):
You got to admit that. It just is. There is
It's just a special feeling of being outside. So here's
just a few reasons why outdoor activities are fantastic for families.
Than's family bonds, whether you're exploring a new trail or
playing a game in the backyard at outdoor activities encourage teamwork,

(02:08):
communication and quality time. So we're not you know, one
of us isn't have our face and the screen, the
other one watching the news, one's upstairs, you know, headphones
on listening to music. You know, you got to leave
that behind sometimes, and this is what I'm talking about.

(02:29):
So being outside together, you know, it just encourages so
many great things. You know, whether you're exploring a new
trail or playing a game in the backyard. Like I said,
it just encourages teamwork and communication and quality time. And
that's what we're looking for as a family, and that's
something that we don't always get and we do have

(02:51):
to plan it and work for a little bit. Encourage
encourages a healthy lifestyles. So fresh air and physical activity
are great for everyone, specially kids. Outdoor play boost physical
health and helps burn off energy in a fun way.
Promotes mental well being. Spending time in nature reduces stress

(03:12):
and improves mood for both kids and adults. That is
a fact. Stimulate creativity and imagination. Outdoor play allows children
to explore and vent and connect with nature in ways
that screen time simply can't replicate, like building forts, you know,

(03:33):
playing some kind of chase game, things that obviously just
can't do on a phone or a screen. Builds lifelong memories.
Summer is where some of the best family stories are made. Campfires,
beach days, road trips, they all leave lasting impressions. Here's
some outdoor activities for families at home. If you stay

(03:56):
at home this summer, you don't need to go far
to have fun here. Simple but exciting outdoor activities for families.
Backyard camping. I used to do this all the time.
My dad would help me set up, and he'd pretend
like he was going to sleep out there all night.
You know, about eight thirty he was back in bed,
but I'd stay outside, set up a tent, grab sleeping bags,

(04:17):
and enjoy a night under the stars, ad s'mores, ghost stories,
a telescope for stargazing. I mean, make it really cool
and special. I do it yourself. Water park, diy or
water park. So we used to do this all the time,
create your own wonderland with sprinklers, slipping slides, water balloon fights.

(04:38):
I mean, if we didn't have a slipping slide, we'd
go and get like the plastic tarps or just plastic
rolls of plastic. I don't even know where my parents
got this stuff, and it would be like six feet
wide and they would just unroll that. We had a
couple of little terraced areas in the backyard, you know,

(05:00):
just going down and be like jumps and stuff, and
that was just absolutely amazing. Sprinklers were always a big,
a big deal. And don't forget the water balloons. Outdoor
movie night, hang up a sheet, grab a projector and
watch your favorite family movie under the stars. We used
to do this with my kids. And also we would
have you know, the kids friends come over and their parents.

(05:24):
Lots of times just come over and we would just
all hang out together and watch it, watch a good movie.
Sorry about that. We've got to turn that off. Do
that right now. Even professionals like me have a little blunder,
so you know. And in the in the winter at

(05:45):
Christmas time, it was always polar express who always you know,
that was a great a great time too. I know
that's not you know. We live in the in South Carolina,
so sometimes at Christmas you got some pretty warm nights.
That was always fun. Gardening together, plant flowers, vegetables, herbs.
Family kids love getting their hands dirty and they'll feel

(06:07):
proud watching their garden grow. Treasure hunts create a scavenger
hunt with clues and prizes. This activity keeps everyone active
and engaged. Bike rides in nature walks, explore local parks, trails,
and even your neighborhood. Turn it to an adventure by
identifying flowers, insects, and birds along the way. I mean,

(06:29):
just there's so many cool things that you can do.
Just exploring your own neighborhood. I mean things that you
see that your kids see. You know, you can like
role play some cool games. Just there's so much to do.
You just got to get out there and do it.
Outdoor activities on vacation, all right, So you're planning the

(06:52):
summer getaway, getaway. There are countless outdoor activities that families
can enjoy together. Here's some vacation friendly ideas. Beach days,
of course, build sand castles, collect seashells, try boogie boarding.
Don't forget to pack a frisbee or beach volleyball for

(07:12):
extra fun. Teacher kids how to play botchy ball, spike ball.
There's so many things to do at the beach other
than just lay out in the sun, and that's always
kind of cool too, but just be together. National Parks Adventures.
The US is home to breathtaking national parks like Yellowstone,
the Grand Canyon, Yosemite. These parks offer hiking, wildlife watching,

(07:36):
and awe inspiring landscapes. We took our kids to Wyoming
and then we went to the Grand Teaton National Park
and Jackson Hole in that whole area. And this was
just a couple of years ago. In the summer and
it was absolutely amazing. We had an absolute blast. Hiking

(07:58):
and hanging out together is really neat camping trips. Pitch
a tent in the mountains, by a lake or in
a forest, enjoy activities like fishing, kayaking, and evening camping
with marshmallows. You know, you can't beat that. Everybody loves
to roast of marshmallows. Theme parks with outdoor areas. While

(08:19):
amusement parks are fun, look for ones with outdoor attractions
like water parks, zoos or botanical gardens to go along
with you know, the rides and the inside stuff. Lakes
and rivers. Rent paddle boards, canoes, kayaks for a fun
day on the water. Many lakes also have picnic areas,

(08:40):
hiking trails and swimming spots also, or you know, rent
a pontoon boat which is pretty easy to navigate at
a local marina and at one of your lakes. I
grew up on a lake. There's nothing easier and more
fun than just than simple boating on the lake or
being in the lake where we live. Now. We deal

(09:00):
with currents, we deal with ocean, We deal with all that,
and it is so much harder. Is beautiful, but so
much harder to boat around the Charleston, South Carolina area
than in a lake. Just remember that explore local landmarks,
whether it's a lighthouse, a waterfall, or a scenic overlook.

(09:22):
Every region has outdoor gyms waiting to be discovered, and
get out of the car and go explore them. My
dad used to take me up to the mountains, my
sister and I and we drive all through these curvy
roads in the mountains, getting just about, you know, car sick,
and it's all I want to do is get out
and climb a mountain, you know, climb up a hill,
do something. It ain't never stop. We're just driving and looking,

(09:44):
and I'm like, oh, that's I wish that we had
a chance to do that over and we could stop
and do some things. That's he was awesome dad. That's
one thing he could have done a little bit different.
To make the most of your your family summer adventures,
here are some helpful tips. Plan ahead, research activities and locations,

(10:06):
and make reservations if needed, especially for popular spots like
national parks. Seriously make reservations, particularly if you have a
larger family you want to get to a restaurant even
a restaurant that you don't think you're going to need
restaurants for. We often travel with my brother and sister
in law. They have three kids. We have three kids,
so suddenly it's a party of ten. Right. You got

(10:27):
to plan ahead for that. Pack essentials, sunscreen, snacks, and
a first aid kit or a must you know for
any outings. Dress for the weather, check ahead, see what
the weather is going to be like that day as well.
You know know what the region's weather is going to
be like before you leave, so you have the right clothes, lightweight,

(10:50):
breathable clothing and hats for sunny days, layers and rain
gear for cooler and unpredictable weather. Don't forget sunglasses. Encourage teamwork.
Involve the kids in planning from pick from picking activities
to packing. This makes them more excited and invested in

(11:12):
the experience and they look forward to it even more
and enjoy it more once they get into it unplugged,
leave the screens behind and focus on being present with
your family. Enough said. Be flexible. Sometimes the best moments
come from unplanned detours or spontaneous ideas. Go with the flow, relax,

(11:33):
enjoy the ride. It's so much easier than being just
like rigid and uptight and full of anxiety. Highlighting special
trails and destinations. So here's a few outdoor destinations across
the US that are perfect for families. Acadia National Park.
It's in Maine. It's known for its stunning coastal views
and family friendly trails like Jordan Pond Path. Great Smoky

(11:58):
Mountains Tennessee, North Carolina, ideal for wildlife spotting, waterfalls, easy
hike hikes like the Laurel Falls Trail. San Diego Beach, California,
from Lahola to a Cove to a Coronado Beach. San
Diego offers family friendly, family friendly spots with beautiful waters

(12:19):
and soft sands. Minnesota's Chain of Lakes perfect for kayaking, canoeing,
and fishing. Definitely summertime here, right. Families can also bike
around the trails and connecting the lakes. Yellowstone National Park.
I mean enough, said, guys. There's hot springs, bison sidings.
Yellowstone offers an endless wonder for kids and adults. And

(12:41):
who knows, you know you may see the Duttons Central Park,
New York City. Even in the middle of a bustling city,
families can enjoy picnics, paddle boating, and exploring the zoo.
Benefits of family time outdoors. The benefits of spending time
outdoor together as a family goes beyond just having fun.

(13:02):
And here's why it's so important. It builds stronger connections.
Shared experiences create memories that bring families closer together. Think
about it. It's true teaches important values. Actor activities teach
kids about teamwork, patience, and respect for nature and others.
Encourages active lifestyles. Regular outdoor play helps set the foundation

(13:28):
for a lifetime of good health. Boost confidence in My
cat just came to the room. This has just been
a nightmare here, but I'm enjoying it. A boost confidence.
Whether it's climbing a hill, catching a fish, or pitching
a tent. Kids can gain confidence through accomplishment, and you
can help them get there. So so many great things
that we can do. You know, Summer is the perfect

(13:50):
season to step outside, explore, and make memories that will
last a lifetime, whether you're enjoying a simple backyard barbecue
or high king a scenic trail on vacation and outdoor
adventures brings families together like nothing else, and that's what
an exclamation point from me. That's all I got today.
I hope that that this was informational for families. So parents,

(14:14):
this is like a launching point for you to start
making some plans and get outside and and enjoy your family.
I will talk to you next time. God bless