Summer is a time to get outside, especially in the Michiana area where much of the year is spent indoors or outdoors with many layers of clothing. Our local communities are filled with beautiful parks, waterways, hiking trails, and more. Some children would spend sunrise to sunset outdoors, marveling at nature’s gifts. While others may need a little more encouragement to get off the couch and lay down their video game controllers. If your child fits into the latter category, here are some tips to get them outside as well as local outdoor events that will have your littles giggling away during their summer break and making the best memories of 2023.
For the Video Game Lovers…
Create an outdoor video game in real life. Set up an obstacle course around your yard complete with special missions. Get creative! Making kids earn screen time by playing outside is a great way to encourage balance in their activities.
Plan a Picnic
The classic outdoor picnic is not a thing of the past. Bring a blanket and pack a lunch of all your children’s favorite foods. Even better, let them help pack the lunch. Even if you opt for a between-meal snack or grab an ice cream treat, it is always more fun to eat it outside.
Cool Off by Getting Wet
Pools, splash pads, rivers, and lakes are abundant in the Michiana area. Even if you opt to stay home, the garden hose can provide hours of fun. If it’s a warm but rainy day, kids can play in the rain if there is no lightning.
Feeling a little low on creativity? No problem! There is a team of community members that have worked hard to plan and host many local events to get kids outdoors and off screens this summer. Check out some of the events happening this June:
14-16 Bremen Firemen’s Festival 6p
Sunnyside Park, Bremen
14 Early Childhood Outdoor Playgroup 10a-11:30a
The Huss Project, Three Rivers
15 Yoga in the Park 6p-7p
Cobus Creek County Park, Elkhart
16 River Walk and Movie in the Park 6:30p-10p
Howard Park, South Bend
16 Summer Chill Concert Series 7p
Kardzhali Park Nibco Pkway, Elkhart
16 Movies in the Park Frozen 2, 7p-9p
Howard Park, South Bend
17 Huss Project Farmers Market 9a-1p
Huss Project, Three Rivers
17 Elkhart Parks and Rec Farmers Market 9a-1p
Kardzhali Park Nibco Pkway, Elkhart
17/24 Urban Garden Farmers Market 10a-1p
1005 Portage Ave, South Bend
17-18 Leeper Park Art Fair 2p-9p
Leeper Park, South Bend
19 Trail Trekkers Bike Hike 1:30p-3p
Abshire Park, Goshen
19 Creature Feature 2:30p-3:30p
Pringle Park, Goshen
19-23 River Oaks Kids Camp
River Oaks Church, Goshen
20 Hiking Club 6p
Ox Bow Park, Goshen
21 Outdoor Playgroup at the Huss Project 10a-11:30a
Huss Project, Three Rivers
21 Yoga in the Park 6p
Cobus Creek, Elkhart
22/29 Kids Music Exploration Class 10:30a-11:20a
Howard Park, South Bend
24 Huss Project Farmers Market 9a-1p
The Huss Project, Three Rivers
24 Curious Conservationists Day Camp 9-3
Potawatomi Zoo, South Bend
24 Elkhart Farmers Market 9a-1p
Kardzhali Park Nibco Pkway, Elkhart
25 Summer Artisan Market 3p-7p
Goshen Farmers Market, Goshen
26-30 Nature Rocks Day Camp 12p-4p
Woodlawn Nature Center, Elkhart
26-28 Nature Explorer Day Camp 9a-1p
Elkhart County Parks and Rec, Goshen
30 Food Truck Rally 11-2
Metz Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Nappanee