3 things to do on your next family outing

3 things to do on your next family outing

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SALT LAKE CITY — Although Friday saw another snowstorm, spring is right around the corner. Hopefully, soon we’ll closet the heavy jackets and snow boots and venture outside without the need for gloves.

For many families, the warmer weather signals a ramping up for the sports of the season — soccer, baseball, lacrosse, rugby. However, organized sports aren't the only way to stay active and enjoy the warm weather.

Research shows that participating in recreational and outdoor activities as a family has several benefits.

A study published in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation reported that participating in recreational and outdoor activities has positive effects on family communication and cooperation. The researchers also found a direct correlation between regular involvement in recreational activities and a family’s ability to overcome a crisis. They noted a higher level of resilience and unity among families involved in physical leisure activities.

Here are three not-so-typical recreational activities to plan for your next family outing.

Recreational sports for the family

If fostering teamwork and cooperation is your goal, these activities are the perfect fit, and they usually come with a healthy dose of laughter and a side of exercise.

Kickball

Some old-school activities refuse to go out of style.

Kickball is first on our list because it caters to any style of play, is easy to organize and requires no equipment other than a ball. Kickball is the perfect family activity for:

  • The family that needs an easy impromptu activity
  • Neighborhood families organizing a get-to-know-your-neighbors weekend
  • A group of families, friends or church members looking for a regular weekly activity
Want to win the most-awesome-idea-ever award? Organize a unique kickball game like bubble soccer. Check Bubble Soccer USA for bookings in Utah.

Disc (or frisbee) golf

If flinging an aerodynamic object as hard as you can toward a target 50-100 yards away sounds like a peaceful family outing, then this is one to try. Scored the same as regular golf, the object of the game is to get your frisbee to the disc pole (or basket) in the fewest number of throws.

Disc golf is easy to adapt to any age and skill level. Plus, as the game progresses, technique and accuracy improve. Like kickball, disc golf requires minimal equipment and little preplanning.

Utah boasts over 65 public courses, so you’re bound to find one in your area. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it.

Pickleball

A cross between tennis, badminton and Ping-Pong, this high-energy activity is one of the fastest growing sports around.

The funky paddles are smaller than tennis racquets and larger than Ping-Pong paddles, which make them kid-friendly in weight and a larger surface for making contact with the ball. The rules are straightforward and four people play at a time.

Not sure if there are pickleball courts near you? Well, there’s an app for that. Yes, pickleball is so popular that a developer created an iOS app to help fans locate the nearest place to play.

And don’t worry if you’re not an iPhone owner. Utah’s Pickleball Association offers a list of locations (indoor and outdoor) across the state.

With our busy schedules, it’s so easy to fall into a rut of doing the same family activities over and over. Get away from the usual this spring and summer by trying something new and different with your family.

Of course, these are only a few of the many wonderful activities to try in Utah. What’s your favorite off-the-beaten-path adventure? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments below.


Vicki is a regular contributor to Live Naturally, Spectrum Retirement, and Re/Max Above magazines. She also blogs for an SEO and content marketing firm. A mentor and closet karaoke queen, she lives in CO with her husband, 4 kids, and labradoodle, Cle

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