Bayhealth doc suggests summer bucket list for families

As the school year ends across Delaware, many families are probably wondering how to occupy their children’s time.

Bayhealth Family Medicine Physician Resident Samantha Ginder, DO, created a summer bucket list that your family can check off this summer while also staying within a budget.

Here are eight ways for your family to stay active this summer and create lasting memories:

___ 1. Visit local parks or a state park you’ve never experienced. Getting out in nature will ensure you get plenty of Vitamin D, which strengthens your immune system, boosts your mood, aids in weight loss, lowers blood pressure and more. Doing physical activities like walking, kayaking or biking helps strengthen bones.

___ 2. Take up a new outdoor hobby. Fishing, kayaking and hiking are hobbies that can usually be done as a family. If someone in your family has experience in a certain sport or hobby, it’s an opportunity for them to share what they are passionate about.

___ 3. Plant a garden and share with others. Starting a family garden will teach your child how to create something from scratch and reap the rewards. Learn about what plants grow well in your area and your type of soil. Go to the store together to buy seeds or plants, and plant them together as a family. You’ll be able to watch something you created together grow and thrive. You can even share what you grow with neighbors, co-workers, food pantries and family.

___ 4. Create a scavenger hunt. This is a fun way to incorporate electronic devices into outdoor time. Plan the hunt in your backyard or at your favorite park. Have a list of items each person must photograph and see who can find them first.

___ 5. Start a family book club. Make reading fun. You can read the same book, or everyone can read separately and share what they read at a family dinner. You could also create a competition for most books read and give a prize to the winner, like getting to choose a restaurant for dinner.

___ 6. Put a puzzle together. The puzzles can be as easy or complex as you like. Spend an evening putting the entire puzzle together or keep it out so family members can work on it over time.

___ 7. Try a new recipe. Look online and let everyone pick a recipe they’d like to try. Shop for ingredients together and create the dish. If you decide to start a family garden, select a recipe that incorporates something you grew.

___ 8. Have weekly game nights. Playing board games brings fun and a bit of friendly competition. If you don’t have board games, many thrift stores have aisles of them for just a few dollars. If your family tends to be too competitive, try playing a game that requires you to work together as a team.

Ginder encourages families to add to this bucket list, and also to recognize when they need to rest and recharge. Planning too many activities can feel overwhelming for children and parents. Remember that spending quality time together – no matter where you are – is what matters most.