Hudson Valley Parent

Get out and stay out! ENCOURAGING YOUR KIDS TO GET OUTDOORS By BARBARA ALLEN " I t's September and the weather can be beautiful in our region. The Hudson Valley is ripe with outdoor offerings strong enough to woo even the most reluctant of children into the fresh air. Although your kids may be busy with their afterschool activities, it can be fun to plan activities as a family. My kids have learned that although I have the luxury of working from home that does not mean I am available to be their entertainment director. While I am at work, non-emergency interruptions and pleas for amusement are met with a list of extra chores to choose from. It's amazing how quickly they get inspired to climb trees, ride their bikes or do pretty much anything other than chores. When my work is done and my own restlessness has me looking for outdoor fun I, too, can sometimes use some advice on the Hudson Valley's offerings. With a little help 28 Hudson Valley Parent from two Hudson Valley moms, I found plenty of inspiration. Start with the web A visit to websites like MyFamilyTripPlanner.com and the Hudson Valley Tourism website offer a comprehensive overview of options. A special kids' section is dedicated to a range of activities so broad it defies the possibility of not having at least one choice your child will happily unplug for. Examples of great outdoor activities found on the web your kids will enjoy include: Mini-golf Hiking trails Paintball War reenactments Simply put, for kids who already love the outdoors and are in search of activities, as well as for parents of children who may be lessenthusiastic about fresh air, the Hudson Valley contains enough options for everyone. I know our family enjoys the bike trails. September 2013 Ask your daycare provider for help Are you a working parent, worried about your child spending the too much time indoors while in daycare? Relax! There are options for your child, too. Ask your daycare provider if the kids get outside as much as the weather permits or will they be inside for most of the day? Encouraging children to be outdoors from an early age can instill an appreciation for it that will carry into their adult lives. Lisa Pesola, a mother of two from Pine Bush, runs her daycare, Fort Discovery, from her home. "Basically anything that we want to teach our kids can be done outside," says Pesola. "The whole foundation of respect, compassion, empathy are right outside in nature if you just slow down and let them observe and enjoy it." Lessons to be learned Lessons can be taught on the

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