Five Reasons to Hike This Spring

We know spring weather is hit-or-miss.  Here are five reasons to check your 10 day forecast and schedule in spring outdoor time for the days when you're not buried in snow or rain.

1.  Building endurance.

Just like how our bodies begin to atrophy after missing the gym, our children don't have as much stamina after a winter inside.  We want to get in some good summer hiking but in order to be prepared we use the spring to get little bodies ready.

2. Building a base layer of color.

There is controversy regarding sun exposure.  Regardless of the debates there is a lot of research showing that the body needs vitamin D from the sun - so I don't want my kids slathered in sunscreen 100% of the time.  If we wait until the summer to head outside, the kids have to be completely covered in sunblock or they risk sunburns.  When we begin our outside time early in the year the kids build up a small base layer of color - making it safer for their skin to absorb at least a little vitamin D throughout the summer months.

3.  You will see the most amazing of things!

Flowers are blooming.  Buds are budding.  Animals are having sweet, adorable little babies.  Bugs are appearing.  And the foliage is still thin enough to see through the trees.  You can easily get to the often unaccessible areas that in other seasons are poison-ivy or snow covered. 

4. Is there anything more exciting to a child than puddle jumping?

Children and puddles are like opposite ends of a magnet.  Puddle jumping is such a simplistic childhood joy.  Since kids grow up so quickly, let's remember to schedule in some time to play in the rain and splash in a few puddles.  Make it a family activity by playing "Follow the Leader"!

5.  It's warmer than you think and your family could always use some fresh air.

40 degrees and some sunshine will feel like Tahiti.  Head outside and enjoy the spring!  Soak up all the educational, social, developmental, and physical health benefits time outside playtime provides.  Foster connection, memories and playfulness within your family unit - even if it is still just a tad chilly.