Hey Family, turn that TV off!
Ah, sweet summertime, children running about all day playing in the sprinklers, skipping rope in the front street, street hockey in the back lane... what? What do you mean whose children am I talking about? Is the scene in your house more like a bunch of sloths sprawled across your floors and sofas, loafing around watching TV and playing video games? As a child I was playing outside in my neighbourhood rather than watching television or playing my Atari (!) system. Perhaps it is the 24/7 availability of children's programming, state of the art game systems, mind blowing graphics, busy parents, lazy parents, safety issues and whatever else but kids are less active these days and it shows with a growing rate of obesity and diabetes in children. In fact type 2 diabetes was once considered an illness for the aging is now affecting children and young adults at an alarming rate, see some statistics and information here.
Here are some great items that are also made in Canada that will get the kids and their parents playing, creating and having fun!
- Test your slow pitch arm with Pro-Am Sand Bag Game from Buy Canadian First member Bojeux
- Boogie all day long with Bobs and Lolo available from member Organically Hatched
- Hone your putting skills or your slap shot with great products from our member DOM Sports
- Gather all the kids and have a neighborhood baseball game using Combat Youth Baseball Bat - B2YB from member Combat Sports.
For more fantastic summer ideas be sure to check out these creative and talented Canadian bloggers too:
Outdoor Activities
- How to play hopscotch by Quiet Fish
- Butterfly Feeder by Our Big Earth
- Can Stilts from Hudsonny
In the Kitchen
- Rhubarb Juice Concentrate from Bovine Bubbles and Hogwash
- Popcorn Ball from FiveForty
- Perfect Lemonade from Canadian Parent
Arts and Craft
- Stenciled T-Shirts from RikRak
- Secret Fold Note Book from My Hand Bound Books
- Cornstarch Clay Activity from High On craft
There is no excuse Canada to not get kids and grown-ups in motion! Be sure to inquire into the summer activities at your local community centers, parks and pools. Seek adventure and have fun!
PS: In case you still run out of ideas here are hundreds more from author, illustrator and guerilla artist Keri Smith
