Summertime and the livin’ is easy.
Well, things today may not be quite the same as they were when Ella Fitzgerald covered the song over fifty years ago, but everything does seem better in the summer months.
In an age where nothing is free and money is tight, the young and the broke are left to wonder what exactly to do during the time they have free. Especially in cities around the country with no beach access and overcrowded public pools, finding a good time outdoors can be especially challenging.
A sun lover myself, I make it a mission to spend as much time as possible in the summer soaking up the rays and enjoying the beauty of nature. It wasn’t until a recent move to Seattle, however, that I discovered the beauty of public parks.
Coming from a small town in Connecticut, our parks were limited to a couple of playgrounds scattered near the elementary schools in the area. These don’t offer a whole lot of opportunity to the over-eight crowd, especially not the over-eighteen crowd who are childless and searching for a fun, low-cost afternoon.
Bigger cities, as I was pleased to find out, offer a much wider variety of public parks that are a perfect place to lounge on a blanket or take a hike through the woods. While not all cities have the luxury of having beautiful weather year round, the summer months make parks that much more attractive and have given me a real appreciation for the plethora of activities one can do while spending the afternoon outdoors.
While there are countless activities a person can do in a park that fit their interests and tastes, I have composed a list of ten reasons to get out and visit your local park. The rest and whether you take advantage your parks is up to you!
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Save some money: whether you’re a college student working a summer job or a parent looking to cut back on spending during the summer months, hitting the parks is usually as cost-friendly as you make it. Many parks are free to visit and enjoy.
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Escape from technology: with the constant bombardment of e-mails and text messages, it’s hard to remember a time when you could escape it all and relax in the outdoors. While it is your choice whether to bring along a cell phone, taking a stroll around a park device-free can be a relaxing way to spend an hour or two.
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Enjoy nature: If you’re a bird enthusiast, avid hiker, or just want to see some pretty flowers, parks offer a great way to see the flora and fauna of where you live in your own backyard.
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Have an old-fashioned picnic: grab a couple of friends, pack a basket with some cold cuts, some cold drinks, and a blanket and head out for an afternoon full of good food and laughs.
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Exercise away from the gym: belonging to a local fitness club is great, but every once and a while it’s nice to exercise outdoors. Most parks offer hiking or running trails for the most serious of athletes or people just looking for an easy walk through the woods.
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Go for a dip: although not as prevalent as walking trails, many parks are also home to pools and lakes for the public to use. They are typically well-maintained and come staffed with lifeguards that are an extra set of eyes to watch the youngsters while they splash away.
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Paint a picture: many famous artists painted nature scenes and where better to find the perfect landscape than a park? Bring a sketchpad, easel, or any other tool you might want, set up and let your inner Picasso run wild.
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Swing: release your younger spirit and have a few pumps on a swing. Most parks have playgrounds and, at the very least, a swing set for you to use and enjoy.
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Play catch: grab your partner of choice (whether it be a friend, your kids, or your dog) and play a game of catch in the park. ** Before you bring your dog, make sure the park is pet friendly. A simple check of the parks website should alert you to the park’s rules on animals.
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Catch up on some reading: find a tree or shady spot and engross yourself in the latest novel of your choice. You’ll be enjoying the weather and enriching your mind (even if you aren’t reading Jane Austen).
Ready to hit the park? Here’s a website where you can find a list of parks in Seattle.
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