Water, Water, Water! Fun Activities To Try With Your Family
Let’s talk about the warm weather that we are having! The sun is shining down, the spring showers are ending and summer is near! This means vacation to camp sites, lakes, beaches, and even a staycation to the pool in the backyard! If you are looking for highly effective activities for your family, then get in the water!
Throughout the year we walk, run, and jump on hard surfaces. We deal with gravity pushing us down onto the Earth’s surface, which makes our joints compress together. In contrast, water is naturally buoyant. When we complete activities, such as swimming, water aerobics, and even playing a round of Marco Polo, our joints decompress and we almost feel weightless. The activity is low-impact and great for any child or adult who suffers from degenerative conditions or joint pain. Water has also been shown to increase blood circulation and reduce blood pressure.
If your family heads out to the lake, river, or ocean for some family fun, why not give canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, boogie boarding, and even standup paddle boarding a try. When participating in these activities, you and your family will address the following:
- Physical Strength
- Endurance
- Coordination
- Balance
- Sensory exploration
- Play skills
- Social skills
- Enhance mental health
- Reduce risk of cardiovascular disease
- Prevention of excess fat gain
The most important area that you will address is creating new memories with your family! If you are interested in water activities for your family, then look no further than the Cuyahoga Valley National Park! Last summer/fall I discovered the Hinckley Lake Boathouse in Hinckley, Ohio and attempted standup paddle boarding for the first time. At this location you can bring your own watercraft, rent kayaks, paddle boards, row boats, pontoons, canoes, etc. Please remember safety first and always wear appropriately fitted life vests when in or on the water.
-Brittany Stout, MOT, OTR/L