The kids are out of school, the sun’s out to enjoy, and you’re probably looking for ways to keep everyone busy without screen time or visiting the nearest air-conditioned store. Why not keep the family entertained while also being kind to the planet? Here are 10 ways to build long-lasting memories in your own backyard and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
1. Build a Garden
What’s better than creating a long-term project for you and your kids to enjoy? Not only is gardening a way to keep the kids busy during the summer, but it is also a great way to be sustainable. Whether you plant vegetables, fruits, flowers, or herbs, gardening has multiple advantages. It also teaches kids eco-awareness.
2. Visit a Garden
If gardening is not something that you are ready for yet, Winston-Salem has a variety of gardens for you and your family to enjoy and explore.
Old Salem Gardens and Museums: Charges an entrance fee of $30 for adults and $16 for kids.
Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden: Recommends a donation of $4
Reynolda Gardens: Free entrance
*Bonus: Reynolda Gardens is hosting Naturalist summer camps and Young Explorers this summer.
3. Go to a Farmer’s market
Winston-Salem has a variety of farmers’ markets to choose from. Eating locally and supporting small farms is a great way to engage in sustainability. By going to farmers’ markets for produce, you support fewer food miles and less packaging waste, which decreases carbon emissions. It is also a great opportunity for families to meet the farmers who sell their produce and teach children where the food comes from.
- Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Farmer’s Market: Open every Saturday from 6 am to 1 pm.
- Cobblestone Farmer’s Market: Open every Saturday from 8:30 am to 12 pm.
- Simon’s Farmers Market: Every 2nd, 4th, and 5th Saturday of the month from 9 am to 12 pm.
4. Go Biking
Biking is a fun way to get your exercise in and reduce your carbon footprint. Consider going on some of Winston-Salem’s very best biking trails to keep the little ones entertained and healthy.
- Salem Lake Trail
- Salem Creek Greenway
- Waughtown Connecto Greenway
5. Go Hiking
Another fun way to get exercise with the kids is going on a hike. One way to make it a sustainable, fun, and interactive activity is to pick up trash along the way.
- Pilot Mountain
- Hanging Rock Mountain
6. Pick up trash at a local park
A park cleanup goes beyond beautification; it reduces pollution in the ecosystems, prevents waterway contamination, and it's great at promoting waste awareness and reduction.
7. Go to an outdoor movie night
Instead of going to a movie theatre, keep a low-energy footprint with community-led outdoor movie nights. There are several around Winston-Salem this summer:
- June 20th: Wicked: Harmon Park, Kernersville, at sunset.
- July 11th: Sing 2: Bailey Park, Winston-Salem, at sunset.
- August 8th: Planes: Sportsfield at Crossnore, Winston-Salem, at sunset.
- August 15th: School of Rock: Bailey Park, Winston-Salem, at sunset.
8. Go for a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Show the kids the fun variety that nature has to offer. A scavenger hunt is the perfect way for kids to see just how much is in our own backyard.
9. Go stargazing
A peaceful way to end your day is to set up your blanket and pillows and watch the stars.
10. Have a picnic
Enjoy the outdoors with a family picnic. It's a good way to spend quality time with the family, and it gives kids a chance to get outside and play in Mother Nature.
