Summer Fun: Staying Active

Summertime was always something my friends and I eagerly awaited as kids, but now as a parent, there can sometimes be mixed feelings. It’s great to have your kids home and see them enjoying themselves, but it can also be a considerable undertaking to keep everyone active all summer. Staying active strengthens our immune systems, boosts brainpower, and keeps us physically fit. Keeping active as a family brings you closer together, sets an example to your children to prioritize their health, and even improves social and emotional management skills. To help you stay active this summer, refer back to the following ideas this summer.

1. Park workouts. Our many parks here in Monterey aren’t just for the kiddos. Turn park outings into an outdoor gym by getting a workout in while playing with your kids. Get a game of tag going, do squats between pushes on the swing or bring your jump rope and challenge your older kids to a friendly competition.
2. Summer Saturday family workouts. Want to exercise with a professional sports trainer? Join Coach Cater at his gym, Alpha Project, in Salinas. ”Working in the fitness industry, I have always prioritized staying in shape and living a healthy lifestyle. Out of necessity, I created a family class on Saturday mornings for my clients, where kids have fun working on athletic fundamentals while the parents train hard under the same roof.” Paul Cater, Owner at ALPHA Project, Salinas, and father to a 16-month-old. http://alphasportscience.com/
3. Hiking. Even as a regular area hiker, you’ll surely find new trails to explore from Monterey’s nearly endless options. Head inland for all the rolling hills and inclines at Garland Ranch and Toro Park or take in those outstanding ocean views at Point Lobos and Big Sur. Get more information on each trail at www.seemonterey.com/things-to-do/attractions/hikes/
4. Head to the beach with your fur family. Many of us look for ways to include our fur-babies in family fun and being active outdoors is usually a great way to do so. We love the sandy, dog-friendly haven that is Carmel Beach. Fill a day with a picnic, walk, and beach play with the entire family.
5. Explore the water at Lover’s Point. Lover’s Point has some of the calmest water conditions in the area, perfect for exploring the ocean with your family. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards and snorkeling gear from Adventure’s by the Sea located on the beach. Guided tours and lessons are offered for a fun family adventure this summer! You can learn more about these options at https://adventuresbythesea.com/lovers-point/
6. Pre-dinner family run. Exercising as a family is a total win-win. It might sound simple, but sometimes simple is just what’s needed! Grab your stroller and your crew and enjoy the temperate weather and beautiful scenery just about anywhere in the Monterey Bay, whether outside your front door, on the Coastal Recreation Trail, or through the many paths of Ft. Ord. “When schedules are tight, and dinner/bath/bedtime is approaching, a family run not only gets our three year old outside and away from his beloved screens (even if he’s just along for the ride), but also gives mom and dad a chance to catch up and do something for ourselves. It’s a good way for us to squeeze in some quick exercise while also setting an example of an active lifestyle for our kiddos: Kattie Stong, Owner of Stroller Strong Moms, Monterey. You and your whole family can join Kattie at Track Attack every Wednesday at about 5:15 PM on the PG Middle School track. Check them out at www.strollerstrongmoms.com/monterey/
7. Splash-Splash. The Carmel Valley Community Youth Center, located in one of the warmer parts of Monterey County, is a good option for your summer pool fun. Swimmers have lifeguard-supervised access to the entire pool and the diving board. The pool is open 7 days a week, 12-5 pm and is open on the 4th of July. The daily entry fee is just $8 for non-members.  Learn more at www.cvcyc.org/aquatics.
8. Go for a bike ride. Bring younger kids along in a chariot and let older kids ride alongside Mom and Dad when you hit the bike trails this summer. We love the Ft. Ord Beach Trail for its stunning scenery and lighter crowds. Or, hop on the Coastal Recreation Trail where you can rent a family-sized surrey and stop along the way for a bite to eat with your crew.

Busy moms and dads can take advantage of their kid’s lighter summer schedule and share a favorite activity or try something new together as a family. It doesn’t have to be fancy, whatever you enjoy, take the opportunity to slow down and share in some fun, fit family time.