Nothing beats an active childhood summer
Frank Sorise
| 3 min read
With great weather upon us here in Michigan and your child’s summer vacation right around the corner, it is a great time to get outside and be active. According to Michigan.gov, one in three children living in Michigan ages 10-17 are considered obese or overweight. That is enough to fill Ford Field to capacity, seven times. Overall obesity in the United States in children ages 6 to 19 has risen steadily every year since 1976. Children’s obesity rates ages 6 to 11 rose from 6.5% to 18.8% from 1976 to 2010, and rates in children 12 to 19 grew from 5% to 18.2% in that same time frame according to the American Heart Association’s website.
This summer Michiganders should be making sure their kids are active and eating right. There are plenty of places in Michigan to be active and have fun, while also spending some quality time with your children.
Belle Isle, Detroit. This 982-acre park located off of Jefferson just before you get downtown has over five miles of shoreline drive which is great for biking, jogging, or taking the dog for a stroll. There is also a beach with a water park located on the island, which could make for a fun and active day spent with your family. Also, the park has a newly renovated playscape which assures safety standards and is even designed to be accessible for those physically challenged.
St. Clair Metropark, 16 mile road/Jefferson. This 750-acre peninsula, extending into Lake St. Clair also provides plenty of shoreline, seven miles to be exact, along with 1,600 feet of boardwalk along the lake. This park contains barrier free nature trails that are woodchip base that explore a wetland in the park’s interior. The park also has a par-3 golf course which is perfect for kids, especially those just starting out.
Canoeing the AuSabul, Grayling. With all the great waters around us in this great peninsula, why not take advantage and be active all in one? Canoeing the AuSabul River in Grayling is a great wait to spend time with your family and burn off that last ice cream you bought your child from the ice cream man. Bookings and rentals can be made here.
These are just a few suggestions amongst many activities that are available to do in Michigan this summer. In addition to being active, make sure your kids are eating right and staying hydrated at all times. While technology is great these days, nothing beats an active childhood summer and fun in the sun.
Where are you planning on taking your kids for some fun in the sun this summer?
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Photo credit: uffizi.chu
