According to an article written by the AAA State of Play, “a study published by the University of Arizona suggests that almost half of all playground equipment is contaminated with potentially illness-inducing bacteria.
While swinging on monkey bars, coasting down slides, and enjoying other recreational equipment, children are exposed to the urine, blood, saliva, sweat, and mucus of others who've used the equipment before them.
These facts make playground equipment twice as big of a biohazard as public restrooms.”
Many playgrounds around town have been blocked off with caution tape. Yet, people have noticed that there are still families choosing to ignore the warning and use the equipment.
With Covid-19 cases still increasing, we need to find safe alternatives. Today, my two boys and I went on a nature walk. They played hopscotch, climbed a tree, looked for animals, and raced each other to our next stop.
20 Fun Ways To Have Fun Outside
- Bike ride
- Scavenger hunt
- Nature bingo
- Photo safari
- Hide and Seek
- Build a fort with natural materials
- Picnic
- Geocaching
- Art Walk/Ride: Walk or drive around and see how many murals you can find.
- Wash the car
- Obstacle courses
- Film a home movie
- Work in the garden
- Make a fairy garden with toys on hand.
- Go on a bear hunt! Many families are putting bears in their windows for kids to walk or drive around and find. I have also seen rainbows and chalk art.
- Make a bird feeder
- Make and fly a kite
- Go old school – Play Red Light, Green Light, Follow the Leader, Red Rover
- Water play
- Read under a tree or in your favorite outdoor spot
We know staying inside is hard. The weather has been beautiful. Use these safe alternatives for now, and, hopefully, we can all start enjoying our normal activities soon! Stay safe and healthy!
