Do you need ideas for activities to do with kids? Tried and true suggestions that real moms actually do? Here they are! We’re asking families to share their favorites, to help you find yours.
If you’re on social media I’m sure you’ve noticed the #1000HoursOutside hashtag. It’s inspired thousands of families to make an effort to spend more time outside throughout the year. The movement is a perfect match to LittleGuide’s mission to help families get out the house and have fun together. During this time of social distancing, finding ways to have fun in your backyard is extra helpful. It’s personally motivated me to take the kids outside for at least a little playtime even on rainy or snowy days. Those are all the reasons I reached out to Ginny (a fellow metro Detroit mom!) for our #MomLife series and am so excited that she was willing to share her favorites with us.
Meet Ginny
Hi I’m Ginny, founder of 1000 Hours Outside. 1000 Hours Outside is a challenge for families to match nature time with average American kid screen time over a given year. The average American child spends over 1,000 hours a year on screened devices and yet only gets 4-7 minute of free play outside daily. Learn more here and download a free tracker sheet here! I have five kids ages three to 11. I was born and raised in Metro-Detroit and we currently live just outside of the Ann Arbor area. Here are some of my favorite things and places.
Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:
- Family hikes
- Homemade playdough
- Bonfires and s’mores
Favorite Places To Go:
- Pinckney State Recreation Area
- Proud Lake State Recreation Area
- Island Lake State Recreation Area
- Kensington Metropark
Favorite Bedtime Stories:
- The Seven Silly Eaters by Marla Frazee
- Just Go to Bed by Mercer Mayer
- Over & Under the Pond by Kate Messner
Favorite Recipes:
Best Park/Playground: Kensington Metropark
We love Kensington Metropark because they offer so much and it’s a great place to visit year round. From nature trails, to paddle boats, to sled hills, to fishing, to farm animals – there’s something for everyone!
Best Movie/Television Show: Running Wild with Bear Grylls
This show is educational and entertaining! It’s a reality wilderness survival skills show starring Bear Grylls, a British former SAS serviceman, survival instructor and honorary lieutenant-colonel.
Best Life-Saver: Straw and Hay Bales
You can find these from a local farmer. Straw and hay bales can be set up in all sorts of formatations and provides hours of fun in the yard as kids create, climb and jump!
Best Summer Destination: Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center (Belleville)
I actually lifeguarded here long before it was a family aquatic center. It used to be a pool with a diving well and a slide. The aquatic center is a huge step-up with three slides, a lazy river, a zero-depth entry pool, and a water playground!