You want the kids to go outside and play? Why not make it significantly easier by planning something that can be both fun and engaging? Whether it feels like it or not, spring is right around the corner. When the snow and ice melt, there are probably several projects waiting for you to tend to. Enlisting the kids can be a great way to get them out of the house and help you get some projects done this spring. Below are 5 outdoor projects that can be tackled as a family.
Make a Rope Swing for a Backyard Tree
Why not turn that beautiful big limb on your favorite tree an excellent launching spot for a tree swing? Take little ones to Home Depot or other home project stores and have them help pick out and cut the large rope you will need to create the swing. This can lead to hours of fun and a great lesson on handiwork for the kids.
Set Up a Trampoline
What kids doesn’t enjoy jumping over and over on a trampoline in theirs or a friend’s back yard? You may purchase a backyard trampoline from Sam’s Club or other big box stores with delivery right to your door step. After unpacking the contents, kids ca help with the layout and prep to begin putting the trampoline together. You can even get a little adventurous and make it a sunken in tramp by digging a large hole in your backyard. You can give the kids this job as it will sure to build character!
Volunteer Work
Your community needs you. Why not investigate how you and your family can help and put some time in outside to make your community an even better place? You will be amazed at how much difference you can make in even just an hour or two. Why not simply take some (green/eco-friendly) trash bags to a local park and see how much trash you can pick up in an hour? Even little kids can help by holding and positioning the bag to stay open while older kids and adults fill the bag. Little ones can also tie and close the bags. This is a great way to teach the importance of community and volunteering at an early age.
Composting
Why not let this be the summer you begin a compost heap or bin? Composting is quite simple and can become second nature, just like recycling. With a little education and organization, kids can even be in charge of the composting process. Kids will be sure to enjoy family projects and they also feel good about treating our earth with respect.
A Small Garden
Use the compost that you just made with the kids and make a lush garden bed. You can’t beat the feeling of plucking a home grown tomato off a vine in your very own backyard and using it in a tasty salsa. Try gardening with the family! You might be surprised what you are capable of producing! Fill your apron with fresh produce to make an evening’s salad. Start small (in space and ideas) and expand over the years as you gain more confidence and knowledge about what grows best where you are. Getting the whole family is a breeze as you can have more eyes on the garden and hopefully a great harvest.
Working together as a family in the great outdoors can not only bring a family closer but can be a lot of fun! If there are some projects that might need a little more help than the kids can provide, you can be sure to contact the professionals at JR’s Tree and Landscape service. Try some of the projects listed above this spring and summer for lasting investment in the environment and in your very own family.
Meghan Belnap –
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.
