Dear Parents,

Spring has sprung in the foothills, bringing warmer weather and creating a natural outdoor playground for families. It’s time to break winter habits of more sedentary activities and get outside.

Unfortunately, the habitual use of “screens” during the colder months often become the easiest form of entertainment for children. Computers, video games and TV are so accessible to children that they may automatically choose them in spare time rather than putting energy into more creative and active forms of play.

Many children have lost a natural attraction to outside adventures. Not only do today’s busy families have less discretionary time for just playing, but children also seem to be losing the skill of choosing creative ways to entertain themselves. Due in part to safety issues, parents are not able to allow children to roam freely in the great outdoors to explore Tom Sawyer-type adventures without supervision.

Parents can take the initiative in looking for ways to expose their children to various natural settings. Encouraging children to enjoy the beauties of nature not only teaches them to appreciate life’s simple pleasures but also provides opportunities for healthy exercise, learning about the extraordinary wonders of nature, and sharing all this in the context of family fun.

Spring is a good time for families to start “unplugging” from the screen and to reverse old habits. Parents can help their children by setting limits on screen time and carefully planning more creative activities that can replace it. With community sports events moving outside, families can enjoy being involved in and observing sports together. Weekends also provide opportunities to plan family times that are more active and healthier for all.

So, move your family into the great outdoors and absorb the spring beauty that surrounds us. Expose your children to the secrets of the mountains and the sea. Let them explore nature creatively and exhaust themselves in the fresh air. Allow time and provide opportunity for nature to sink into your child’s soul.

TRY THIS:

1. Have a spring picnic — an early evening dinner picnic or a Saturday morning breakfast picnic in the park. Listen for birds.

2. Take the whole family for an invigorating walk in Descanso Gardens and enjoy the terrific tulips. Have lunch in the outdoor eating area.

3. Research hikes in the local mountains. Choose an easy one that the children can enjoy. Pack some sandwiches to take along. Sing hiking songs.

4. Do some spring cleaning on the family bikes. Take a family bike ride around town or along the beach walk in Santa Monica.

5. Head to a park on a Sunday afternoon. Lacy Park in San Marino has play equipment, lots of grassy space to play ball, and a walkway for skateboards and bikes.

6. Go to the L.A. Zoo. Give each family member a disposable camera to take pictures of their favorite animals.

7. Walk to your favorite restaurant for Saturday breakfast, or to the park for a family soccer game.

8. Plant a family garden. Prepare the soil, choose seeds together, and designate jobs to family members. Grow lettuce and family spirit at the same time.