Jun 17, 2024
School's Out for Summer!
7 Tips for Keeping the Kids Active and Healthy Over the Summer
Hey Marblehead parents! Summer is offically here, and we know we're all looking for ways to keep our kids active and healthy during the break. Living in such a beautiful town gives us plenty of opportunities to make this summer fun and memorable. Here are some tips that have worked for other families in town and we hope they help yours too!
1. Encourage Outdoor Play
We are so lucky to have places like Seaside Park and Devereux Beach right here in Marblehead. Let’s encourage our kids to spend time outdoors playing games, building sandcastles, and just enjoying the fresh air. A few hours at the beach can be a fantastic way for them to stay active.
2. Take Advantage of Marblehead’s Waterfront
Our town’s beautiful waterfront is perfect for a variety of water activities. Encourage your kids to try kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing. The Pleon offers sailing programs for kids by other teens (one of the inspirations for Mentmii!), and renting a kayak or paddleboard for a day on the harbor can be both fun and a great workout.
3. Plan Family Activities
Family activities are a perfect way to stay active together. We love biking along the Marblehead Rail Trail or taking hikes through our scenic coastal trails. Even simple activities like a game of frisbee at Chandler Hovey Park or exploring Fort Sewall can be great fun and good exercise.
4. Visit Local Parks and Recreation Centers
The Marblehead Recreation and Parks Department offers fantastic summer programs for kids. From swimming lessons at the Y pool to various sports leagues and camps, there's always something to keep our kids busy and active. Make sure to check their schedule and sign up early.
5. Enroll in Summer Camps
There are several excellent summer camps around here. Whether it’s a day camp at the YMCA of the North Shore or a specialized camp like the Marblehead School of Ballet, these camps provide structured environments where kids can learn new skills and stay active all summer long.
6. Incorporate Learning with Activity
Why not combine physical activity with a bit of learning? Take the kids to the Marblehead Museum, join a guided walking tour of our historic district, or explore the Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. These activities keep kids’ bodies and minds engaged and are a great way to spend quality family time.
7. Utilize Mentmii Mentors
We created Mentmii as a way to keep the kids busy and to foster community. It connects our kids with local high school mentors for personalized coaching and mentorship in various activities. Whether your child wants to improve their soccer skills, learn a musical instrument, or dive into STEM projects, Mentmii mentors can help keep them active and learning.
Let’s make this summer a season of fun, learning, and activity for our kids. Marblehead has so much to offer, and by taking advantage of these resources, we can ensure our children stay healthy and happy. Here's to a fantastic summer!