by Samantha J. Adkins

Created on: May 08, 2009

Many of the best old-fashioned family fun times are those spent outside. There are so many benefits of spending time together in nature, including exercise, Vitamin D, great light for family photos and encouraging ecological awareness. Here are some great old-fashioned ideas for all four seasons.

SPRING

It is the season children and parents long for after months of bundling up, being cold and getting cabin fever. Spring can be a challenge with its temperamental weather, but with careful attention to appropriate clothing, spring can be the perfect time for an old-fashioned family time.

Jumping in puddles is the first activity which comes to mind. Children love to put on bright colored rain pants, coats and boots and who can resist the urge to make a giant splash! Be sure to get out your camera, when you aren't dodging large drops of water.

Another great spring memory-builder is going to a nature conservatory or park. Watch the snow melt, the birds return and the ice break up on the water. Pack some hot chocolate if it's a chilly day and have older children write or draw their discoveries in a nature journal.

SUMMER

Summer is often an ideal time for family adventures. Great weather, holiday time, and the opening of seasonal attractions naturally provide families with many choices. Consider these old-fashioned activities as opposed to an expensive, sugar-filled day at a theme park.

Camping takes careful planning an a van full of gear, but children love the chance to live outdoors and will likely remember camping trips for years or even a lifetime. Start easy with a night or two at a nearby campsite. If the children get sick or there is a thunderstorm, you can quickly pack up and head home if necessary. As children get older, they can help with packing and planning the trip, learning important critical thinking and organizational skills. Vary your camping destinations to include visiting a national park, camping in the desert or in the mountains. If you are confident in your canoeing skills, try canoeing to a camp sight on a lake.

Spend the day at the beach. Avoid costly and unhealthy foods by packing your own old-fashioned picnic. Load up the car with lots of beach activities like balls, Frisbees, books, cards, floating toys and don't forget the sunscreen.

AUTUMN

The fall is a fabulous time to visit a local pumpkin patch. Forget buying your pumpkin at the local grocery story and check the internet or your local newspaper for nearby

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>