3 Alfresco Activities To Inspire More Family Time This Summer

We know that when you have kids, spontaneity is rarely an option. So we did the planning for you by putting together a few of our favorite outdoor activities, as well as the prep work needed to keep kids busy and parents happy. Just make sure to lather everyone up with plenty of sunscreen before diving into your summer itinerary. And for a family-favorite sunscreen that's thoughtfully formulated, environmentally conscious, and doesn't leave you with that greasy, cakey feeling, make sure you're stocked up on Bare Republic. 

But instead of dwelling on the past, take this as an opportunity to inspire more alfresco adventures moving forward. Challenge yourself to make this summer the summer of outdoor everything—outdoor dining, outdoor workouts, outdoor parties, etc. And because we know that kids make any challenge a bit more—ahem—challenging, we've come up with some pro tips for navigating a few activities that the whole family will love.

Our second tip is to map out some fun family activities for the hike. Challenging your kids to locate outdoor items such as specific types of flowers, leaves, insects, etc., will keep them engaged and excited about what's to come. Another activity that's good for the planet and your afternoon is a trash hunt. Equip your kids with a trash bag (and an optional pick-up stick) and encourage them to seek out trash along the way, promising a reward for whoever collects the most. 

Call up your friends and get everyone together for a good old-fashioned cookout. The key to a successful BBQ is to have your yard ready with an array of games to keep the youngsters occupied while the adults grill, sip, and socialize. Be warned, though, you may lose a few adults to the heat of the competition. Here's a bit of inspo for your yard game lineup: 

Grab plenty of blankets, pillows, and a few lanterns or twinkly lights, and organize a cozy area for your picnic and movie viewing. Once the sun goes down and everyone is finished eating, give your kiddos a Mason jar to catch lightning bugs while you clean up and reset for the movie. While optional, a post-dinner s'mores station is highly encouraged—but a large bowl of popcorn is a welcome alternative. 

It's hard to get ourselves outside in the winter—we get it; we hibernate too. But the cold months are officially behind us and the fresh air and sunlight await. Let this summer be filled with grass stains, wetsuits, backyard burgers, and the delicious smell of Bare Republic sunscreen. When your kids are sleeping like little angels after a day in the sun, we can almost guarantee you won't be regretting the bit of extra planning that went into it… And if you feel like celebrating with an adult beverage on the back porch, so be it.