Play On: Thanksgiving Edition

22nd November, 2011 - Posted by - No Comments

Let’s admit it, the season of elastic waistbands is upon us. But it’s also the time to gather with family and friends — so why not get moving and play together?!

This long weekend, why not…

Sign-up for a local Turkey Trot run/walk. Even if you aren’t in optimal shape, walking a 5 K is doable. Or, walk a nearby Rails to Trails route.
Set up a family chalk walk. Send the kids out with sidewalk chalk and have them draw a line path around the neighborhood. They can make squiggly lines, zig-zags, or have you going in circles! Then, just follow the lines to family fun!
Take a animal tracking hike. Lots of areas have had rain or even snow, which is perfect weather to look for tracks. The beach is also a great place to look for tracks. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, or deer — you never know what you might find! What to add a story into the activity? Read: Big Tracks, Little Tracks: Following Animal Prints (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 1) For older children, check out this great tracking activity from Nature Skills.Com.

It doesn’t matter what you do — just get outside and play! It’s good for body, mind and spirit.

Happy Thanksgiving! – Bethe

 photo credit: timomcd

Bethe Almeras, MS, is the HSBS Education & Outreach Director. A long time educator and play advocate, she is passionate about outdoor play and connecting children with nature. In her free time Bethe writes a blog, The Grass Stain Guru, and can often be found playing outside and enjoying Mother Nature. She is particularly fond of chatting with squirrels.