September 26th is a day dedicated to Family Health and Fitness. It’s a perfect time to gather your family to enjoy the great outdoors. Be a fit and healthy example for your family by trying out some of these activities ideal for crisp fall weather.
Backyard Games
Finally the humidity has lowered, the air is crisp and branches are swaying in the light breeze. Fall is the perfect season to get a breath of fresh air and participate in some outdoor games.
Turn NFL Sundays into more than just watching the pros and start your own touch football game. Whether you’re tossing the football around or sprinting to score a touchdown, involving the whole family in an energetic game of football will improve cardio and hand-eye-coordination, while adding to the anticipation of the big Sunday night game.
The classic game of capture the flag is another energetic game to improve your cardio and bond with family and friends. It’s a fast paced game about defending your own flag, while taking strategic risks to grab the other teams’.
Other outdoor activities can also include flying a kite, throwing a Frisbee or jumping on trampoline; the options are endless when the sun is shining. Regardless of what outdoor game you choose, it will bring the family together to develop teamwork skills, engage in fitness activities and enjoy the fall weather.
Hikes
The vibrant, changing colors of the leaves and breezy weather will inspire hikes through the wondrous outdoors. Explore the shades of autumn by biking, jogging, or walking through local parks or trails as the leaves tumble down and crunch beneath your feet. You can search for trails near you based on location, distances, services and types of terrain through trail-finders online, such as Local Hikes or Gorp.
Once you find your destination, your family will reap the proven benefits of hiking, such as improved bone health, lower chances of depression, and increased muscle strength.
Corn Mazes
The autumn season is known for the bountiful harvest crops and seasonal events at your local family farm. Take your family to a local farm to enjoy fresh produce and navigate your way through a corn maze. Your family will join together to combine logic and exercise to plot a course through a field of golden corn stalks.
The farm hosting the corn maze will more than likely have plentiful harvested produce, such as apples or pumpkins. Invite your family to pick out fresh and healthy food to include in their meals that week. Visiting your local farm will offer your family lively scenery, exercise and fresh food to return home with.
Pumpkin Picking
Spice up your autumn with a visit to a pumpkin patch. Join your family in selecting the biggest, ripest pumpkins to transform into a crafty jack-o-lantern or a delicious, roasted pumpkin seed snack. It’s almost impossible to avoid the fall pumpkin craze, so instead of escaping it, embrace it!
Pumpkin patches usually offer other autumn activities as well, such as hay rides, hay stacks to climb or even petting zoos. Create a family bonding day of activities at your local pumpkin patch.