I am so relived that Spring is here. Thankfully the Winter wasn’t so bad this past season, but I do have a bit of “cabin fever” from being couped up all day.
I love being able to get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine with my family. We tend to visit the parks frequently and love go on picnics.
One of our favorite places to go is Bear Mountain State Park, here in New York. It’s only about 15 minutes away from where we live. Whenever we go to Bear Mountain we make a day out of it.
Usually when we first arrive we find a nice shady spot near the lake to enjoy our picnic lunch. We keep meaning to barbecue there but we have yet to do it. We normally just stop at our favorite deli and pick up sandwiches and chips.
After a yummy picnic lunch we like to walk across the street to the park zoo. It’s FREE most of the year. During the summer months they as for a $1 donation for each adult and .5o per child. You can’t beat those prices. It’s not a huge zoo but it does have a lot of animals that are found in our region including bears, otters, coyotes, turkey vultures and even a gorgeous American Eagle.
After we get back from the zoo we like to take a leisurely walk around the lake. I’m not exactly sure how many miles it is, but it is a lot.
At the end of the trail around the lake you can find paddle boats that you can rent. Of course my kids can’t pass up the opportunity to go out on the water for a little bit. There is also a playground there that they used to love to play on when they were little.
I think going to Bear Mountain serves several purposes. It provides my family with fresh air and exercise and it’s a great way to hold on to that special bond we have with one another. While we are enjoying lunch or walking around the lake it’s always a great time to re-connect with one another. We don’t even allow the kids to bring their cell phones or iPods because we want them to be “present” in our conversations.
We’re not the only ones who feel that healthy living and family activities are important. There is a nationwide program called Together Counts that inspires people to be active and live a healthy lifestyle.
I like that Together Counts feels strongly finding balance. For example, balancing out the amount of calories you consume with the amount of calories you burn with activities and exercise. Plus we all need to eat in moderation.
This is a first of it’s kind coalition that has brought together more than 195 retailers, beverage and food manufacturers, restaurants, insurance companies, trade associations, sporting goods and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as professional sports organizations.
Together Counts wants families to eat better and get active together.
If you would like to learn more about Together Counts visit www.TogetherCounts.com. They ar also on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/TogetherCounts) and Pinterest (Pinterest.com/TogetherCounts).
Together Counts is also holding a fun sweepstakes on their Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/TogetherCounts). The sweeps is in honor of their first anniversary. Some of the awesome prizes include George Foreman Grills, Gift Card and memberships to Anytime Fitness.
In addition to the sweepstakes you can also join Together Together to help celebrate Child Nutrition Month with a special Twitter Party. The party will be held on April 3, 2012 at 8:00 – 9:00 PM (EST). There will be prizes too ($50 gift cards!). For more information or to RSVP please vist http://resourcefulmommy.com/8856/together-counts-twitter-party.
What kinds of activities do you and your family to together? How do you, as a family, stay healthy and active? I would love for you to share your personal stories, tips or suggestions.
Kimberly
*This is a compensated post. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and are not influenced in any way.
January Jones says
great quick read, i’m looking for things to keep my small family active this summer i will have to use some of your tips !