I was provided a complimentary kit from The Outsideologist Project and compensation for this article, but all opinions are my own.
The weather is warming up, the sun is shining brighter and the flowers are blooming! Spring is a welcomed treat after the cold harsh winter. It is a time to get back outside and enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer. But is it really that simple? So many families are finding it harder to encourage their children to get outside and play. Kids have TVs, devices, video games, and so many things to entice them to stay inside. When they do get outside, what are they going to do? Maybe they get bored and aren't even sure how to enjoy nature anymore.
I am teaming up with Claritin®, who is determined to help make it easier to get the kids outside and having fun. The Outsideologist Project is meant to help families get their kids outside for just one extra hour per week, and to foster a love of nature. This passion project really speaks to my soul because I know I always feel so much better after spending some time outside, reconnecting with nature, and feeling that sunshine on my face. Science has even proven this through studies that spending time outside promotes happiness, creativity, confidence, responsibility and can even reduce stress. These are all things families need these days especially with the difficult year that everyone has been having.
Here are my top 10 favorite ways to spend an extra hour outside with your family:
1. Head to a new-to-you park
We have so many places we can get out and stretch our legs and enjoy a nature walk! My favorite local ones are Avalon Preserve in Stony Brook, Frank Melville in Setauket, and Prosser Pines in Middle Island.
Avalon Preserve has a lot of interesting details for the kids to enjoy such as the boardwalk, the steps, the labyrinth, the sphere, ponds, flowers, and skylab.
Frank Melville is another favorite because you can walk around the pond there as well as head onto some trails into the woods. We see a lot of animals here such as turtles, swans, ducks, and rabbits.
Prosser Pines is interesting to walk through because it is in the Long Island Pine Barrens. This pine tree forest has a few teepees that people have made from the pines over the years that make for a great backdrop for photos or extra fun for the kids to play with.
All three of these parks are pet-friendly, so don't forget to bring Fido! Check out my parks guide for more suggestions.
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Prosser Pines, Middle Island |
2. Head to a new-to-you playground
Every child I know has a favorite playground and there is something comforting about knowing a place so well. But a new playground can really be exciting and mix things up as all of them seem to be a bit different from each other. The three main local favorite playgrounds are Rocketship Park, Heritage Park, and Diamond in the Pines. But have you ever been to the Barlett Pond playground, Ridge Community Park or Firemen's Park? Barlett Pond playground is relatively new in the last couple of years. Along with the playground, there is Barlett Pond, an old schoolhouse building, a veterans memorial, Little Free Library, and a nature walk. Firemen's Park is currently under construction and we are getting a brand new playground. I can't wait to see what that is going to look like! Check out the playground guide for all the options in the area.
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Bartlett Pond Park, Middle Island |
3. Feed the ducks
This is something that my kids always look forward to each time we do it. We like to get cracked corn from Agway Port Jefferson and head to Avalon Preserve to the duck pond. There are so many different birds - swans, ducks, pigeons, and geese. The cracked corn is great for them to digest. This beautiful pond is right next to Stony Brook village, so once you are done feeding the ducks, check out the shops and restaurants nearby or venture into the preserve on one of their many nature trails. We also like to grab some bread and head down to Cedar Beach and feed the seagulls. They are always very eager and grateful!
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Cedar Beach, Mt Sinai | Avalon Park Preserve, Stony Brook | Cedar Beach, Mt Sinai |
4. Head to the beach
I know it is not yet swimming weather, but you can still go and enjoy a nearby beach. I like to bring some sand toys for my kids and they dig moats and make castles. We also like to throw rocks and see how far we each can throw them in a contest. Vitamin sea is just what the doctor ordered. Make sure to bring an extra coat and don't make the same mistake that I did on our last trip. Even though the days are getting warmer, it can still get chilly on the water's edge. Some beaches like Cedar Beach and West Meadow Beach have a playground and nature trail to enjoy as well.
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5. Make a garden
This can really be a fun and creative activity as a family. Either you can plant flowers, a vegetable garden, a tree, or even just a fairy garden or rock garden! Make a trip to one of our many garden centers in the area and let your kids help plan what to grow together as a family. Maybe if they see a new vegetable being grown that they helped plant, water, and grow it will help encourage them to try it. Don't have a green thumb? No problem - create a rock garden or a fairy garden! Having the kids help you create and maintain whatever garden you imagine will create a sense of pride and accomplishment once it is harvesting time.
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6. Grab binoculars and go bird watching or stargazing
There are so many beautiful birds out right now. I love watching the blue jays, cardinals, robins, and more. Go on a nature walk, or just walk around your neighborhood and see how many different types of birds you can spot! Once the sun goes down on a warm night, bring a blanket outside and gaze at all the different stars and planets. SkyView is the perfect app to help tell you what you are seeing! We also have a wonderful park that is in the Hamptons called Elizabeth A Morton Preserve where you can feed the birds and chipmunks out of your own hands!
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My backyard | Elizabeth A Morton Preserve, Sag Harbor | Cupsogue County Park, Westhampton |
7. Go camping in your own backyard or have a firepit
Last Father's Day, we decided to go camping - in our own backyard! We made a fire, set up a tent, and played games outside like Twister and hide and seek. Tell some stories around your campfire or take turns and see where the story takes you! Don't forget the marshmallows!
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8. Go to a farm or petting zoo
Our part of Long Island has so many different opportunities to interact with the animals! My local favorites are Benner's Farm and the Suffolk County Farm. Benner's Farm has amazing workshops, classes, and camps that really help your child reconnect and interact with nature. The Suffolk County Farm is free and open to the public and allows you to come and see their many animals (although animal food is extra). Children and adults alike love to see all of the spring babies on the farm such as lambs, kids, calves, and more!
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The Suffolk County Farm |
9. Make a picnic and head outdoors
Make a homemade picnic or pick up something from one of our local restaurants and head out to the beach or the park. My two favorite local spots to have a picnic are Cedar Beach or Harborfront Park. This allows your family to be outside and enjoy the surroundings while you are there. Perhaps something will spark their interest to continue the adventure past mealtime.
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10. Walk around a village
Port Jefferson Village, Stony Brook Village, and the Shoppes at East Wind are three local spots where it is nice to walk around. Take the time to browse around the shops, enjoy the nearby parks, and support some local businesses. While in Port Jefferson, make sure to see the boats in the dock and walk out on the pier in Harborfront Park. At the Shoppes, the kids can enjoy the carousel.
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The Shoppes at East Wind, Wading River | Harborfront Park, Port Jefferson Village | Port Jefferson Village |
Want to join me in getting outside for an extra hour? I am giving away one special kit from Claritin® and the Outsideologist Project that is sure to inspire your next adventure!
*GIVEAWAY* Enter to win an Outsideologist Project Kit!
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Enter to win an Outsideologist Project Kit, from the makers of Claritin®. Each kit includes items to inspire your child’s outdoor exploration as well as samples of Children’s and Adult’s Claritin® so Outsideologists of all ages can get the powerful, non-drowsy allergy relief they need to embrace the wonders of the outdoors. Use as directed.
Click HERE to enter!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the United States who are at least 18 years of age at time of entry. Sweepstakes commences at 12:00AM ET on 7/16/21 and ends at 11:59PM ET on 8/16/21. Subject to Official Rules at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OKoHGMu9cg8htJrFilAV4UN8ydyvRki5mBEdRKfXLrs/edit. For prize descriptions see Official Rules.
