Well hello weekend….and what a beautiful weekend it is! What is on your agenda? Laundry, housework, cleaning the garage, paying bills? Put all of these chores aside, if only for a while, and get outside!!!
It’s Good For Your Health!
Everyone “knows” it’s good for your health to get outside. Why is it that so often we simply “forget” just how good it actually is for us?
- Vitamin D boosts your mood AND your immune system
- Nature helps lower cortisol levels and reduce stress
- Natural environments improve mood
- Nature helps improve memory and attention
- Fresh air increases your energy level
It’s Good For Your Family!
Whether you plan a day trip or a weekend getaway, hiking creates wonderful family memories for years to come. It’s just a bonus that it also provides so many health benefits. Sit and think for a moment…how long has it been since you decided to do an impromptu family fun day? The unplanned activities are many times some of the best!
Do you find yourself always going to the same one or two parks? I am sad to admit that we have not taken advantage of all of the amazing places available to us, some less than a half hour away! I don’t know if I would call it a bucket list, but I decided that our family needs to branch out and try some new spots. Included below is a small list of some of the parks of various sizes that have hiking trails as well as other amenities.
- Broad Ripple Park
- Brookside Park
- Brown County State Park
- Clifty Falls
- Eagle Creek
- Fort Harrison State Park
- Holliday Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- McCormick’s Creek
- Mounds State Park
- Pokagon State Park
- Shades Park
- Spring Mills Sate Park
- Turkey Run State Park
Let’s Talk Food!
I absolutely love the ideas that sweetcharli.com shares here…Creative picnic lunch ideas….CLICK HERE!
Sandwich kebobs, apple sandwiches and banana rollups…sounds delish!
Lilluna.com also has some fun and healthy ideas…Check out these easy picnic lunch ideas!
Lots of protein and veggies!
Extra Activities For When You Get Outside!
Hiking and picnicking definitely make for a fun-filled day, but since we are on a roll, let’s add some extra fun. Why not add in a little scavenger hunt for the kids? Print out as many copies as you need of the activity sheet I created to help enjoy the day further. Download and print outdoor scavenger hunt!
So get outside…and don’t forget to take pictures of this fun-filled day! I would love for you to share other parks your family goes to so we can add them to the list! Happy Weekend!!!!
