Although getting into the great outdoors during the warmers months is an Aussie family pastime, not all summertime habits are good ones. Avoiding lifestyle decisions that have potentially negative consequences – for big and little people, isn’t always easy but with a bit of planning and a commitment to maximise health and wellbeing it is possible.
Top tips to guilt-free summer fun:
1. Head beach or poolside
The beach is one of nature’s biggest playgrounds and if you live near the coast it can be a great way for the entire family to enjoy a fun, active day out. If not, or the beach isn’t for you, opt for a council or even a friend’s pool – many of the same ideas and benefits can be applied.
Although pulling up a towel and relaxing under the beach umbrella while watching the kids is great time out for Mum and Dad, getting up to do 30 or so minutes of more lively activity will not only burn calories but it will make you feel more energetic and also sets a good example. But if you need inspiring here’s a few ideas:
- Water (non) resistance - many beaches have rock pools that are ideal for adults to use for lap swimming and kids just learning how.
- Grab a body or surfboard - helping the kids catch a few waves can, with a little effort, be good, light-hearted exercise. Using foam rather than a fibreglass surfboard is a great and safe alternative for learners, while stand up paddleboards for adults are ideal to hone upper body strength. For competent swimmers, bodysurfing is another excellent workout option.
- Walk it in - taking a walk along the beach rather than staying sedentary can be an enjoyable way to spend time. Why not attempt an exploration-based family walk – looking for crabs or shells etc on the way
Get organised - pack active equipment like Frisbees and balls along with buckets and spades. But if out during the peak UV periods of the day, be sure to take precautions from the sun and bring along hats, sunscreen, your beach umbrealla and a sun tent for the kids.
2. BBQ - minus snags, beer and crisps
Summer is barbeque central but that does not have to mean every weekend fatty sausages, crisps and beer are on the menu. Contemporary barbeque etiquette has changed and meals like grilled fish and chicken, chilli prawns - even roasts cooked in the barbeque, all served up with summer salads are acceptable and healthy barbeque fare options. For kids, although sausages are often popular, try different meal ideas like chicken kebabs, steak cut into “fingers” and mixed raw vegetable crudities served up with garlic yogurt or humus dip for snacks.
3. Evening adventures
Daylight savings can sometimes be tricky but for memorable adventures the lingering evening light should be embraced. Why not ear mark an afternoon once a month in summer to do something special with the kids? Try, for example, to pack up a picnic dinner and go into the city to see the sights. Cities by night are often magical places for young children so just walking the streets and talking about buildings and places can be a real eye opener. Older children may enjoy a visit to a local museum or art gallery and, during holiday periods, many major cities host special events open to the public – like the Sydney Festival hosted every January and packed full of family-friendly events and activities.
4. Fruit frenzy
Nothing says summer days and nights like delicious seasonal summer fruits like watermelon, pineapple, mango, banana and papaya. The good news is that fruit is so versatile:
Mango smoothies – mango, natural yogurt and milk with optional ice and honey mixed in a blender is a sure fire breakfast or snack idea
- Watermelon pops – roughly chop up a watermelon removing seeds and rind and place it with the juice of half a lemon and a spoonful of castor sugar in a blender. Put the mixture into ice block moulds and freeze overnight. Additional fruit or herbs such as pineapple and mint can be added to make different flavours.
- Healthy banana spilt – using a vintage inspired banana spilt bowl cut a banana in half lengthways and cover it with pouring custard or vanilla yogurt and indulge!
- For some ‘guilt free’ icecream ideas click here.
5. Alfresco bath time
Often when it’s hot, the last thing kids want is a warm bath or shower inside. But taking the experience outdoors may, due to novelty value, be a different story. It might also get a little messy but it’s only water! If looking to channel childhood use a backyard hose or sprinkler as a replacement shower - keeping in mind any water restrictions that may be in place. For young children (under strict adult supervision) using an oversized bucket with lukewarm soapy water and some bath toys may be a more appropriate and fun way to freshen up before bedtime and hopefully to go to sleep happy and cool.