Getting kids to play outside can be a challenge when exciting technology and cool gadgets are beckoning inside. With summer in full swing, it’s important to get your kids out of the house and outside—where they can be active, have fun, and just be kids! Next time you struggle to pry your kids away from their various screens, try encouraging them to play some of these fun outdoor games.

Image via http://stuff-4kids.com

1. Slippery slip n’ slide fun. Water activities are always a good choice for summer. And it’s easy to make your own slip n’ slide. Simply lay out a tarp, spray it down with water, and let the hose continue to run on top of the makeshift slide. Now all you have to do is take turns sliding across the tarp in this slippery and exciting game.
2. Tag—you’re it! Spice up the classic game of tag or hide and seek by playing flashlight tag. Best played after the sun goes down, this alteration to the classic game is a fun way to get your kids moving. The person who is “it” is given a flashlight and counts while the other kids hide. Players are found when the person who is “it” shines the flashlight at them.
3. Overcome obstacles. Do something the whole family can enjoy! Test everyone’s skills and prowess by creating a simple obstacle course right in your backyard. The person who gets through the course the fastest wins.  
4. Explore nature. Want something that will keep the kids occupied for a while? A nature scavenger hunt is simple and easy to create. Think of some outside items that could go on the list and then let the kinds run around and search for them.
5. Some classic fun. Want a simple way to have fun outside? You can’t go wrong with the classic outdoor games we all used to play as children. Hula hooping, hopscotching, and playing horseshoes are all simple, fun ways to get your children active and outside.

No matter what activities you choose to do with your family this summer, you can make the experience even more enjoyable with GeoPalz’s colorful and fun pedometers for kids. Whatever creative character your child picks, GeoPalz offers entertaining and exciting options you crave to get kids outside and active this summer.

What are some fun outdoor games you play with your kids? Please share in the comments below! 

Although we celebrate our fathers and grandfathers all year long, we’d especially like to pay tribute to the wonderful dads this Father’s Day. There’s nothing like playtime with dad, building a playhouse in the backyard, or grilling out for a BBQ.

Image via http://thehowtomommy.com

 Try these five fun ways to celebrate Dad this Father’s Day:

1. Go on a hike. Take time out of your busy schedule, and spend time outdoors with dad. Map out trails at your favorite National Park or even take a long walk through the neighborhood. Dad will appreciate the family time!
2. Make a craft. Crafting isn’t just for moms and daughters. Find a special way to tell your dad how much you care by decorating a picture frame, building a fort, or creating matching shirts.
3. Play active videogames. Challenge your dad to a videogame match on Wii Fit or Xbox Kinect. No matter who wins, the whole family will have fun playing along.
4. Go fishing. Grab your bait and tackle and spend some quality time by the lake or pond. You can swap stories about life and see who catches the big fish.
5. Play his favorite sport. Take your dad to the batting cages or his favorite golf course for a day filled of active sports and friendly competition.

It’s no secret that the mission of GeoPalz is to further healthy lifestyles for children and their families by encouraging increased physical activity and all around healthier choices for each member of the family.

Recently, many parenting outlets have shown their enthusiasm for the latest GeoPalz product, iBitz. Check out some of our favorite recent pieces of coverage, praising the GeoPalz mission.

Bay Area Parent – Gadgets for Get Up and Go 

“The iBitz is connected to a mobile app. The child’s physical activity helps power a GeoBotz character, which needs to be nurtured with food and water, inside the app. For $49.99, parents can also join in the fitness fun. Their iBitz is tied to the Unity adult app, which tracks activity, calories burned and weight. It also gives the parents the ability to see the entire family’s physical activity.”

Washington Parent – Advice and Reviews for Parents of Young Children

 “GeoPalz gives other computer games a run for their money-literally. In an effort to get children to put down their computer games and get outside, GeoPalz creators designed child-friendly pedometers that track daily physical activity. Kids earn points based on their overall steps. At the end of the day, they go online to cash in their points to win prizes, awards and online game time. “

Mom.me – Tech for Tykes: 11 great tech buys for your kids    

“Tech is also moving toward better discipline practices for children. “It’s sort of what edutainment was,” says Raskin. “It’s digital training with rewards ranging from game points to short movies.” And no more sitting around the TV with a controller. GeoPalz come in cute designs that you clip on to track movement, challenging kids to run, jump and walk more—winning prizes along the way.”       

Time to play: Review of GeoPalz Pedometer from GeoPalz

“GeoPalz’s message of ‘Walk to Win’ motivates kids and families to get active. The GeoPalz pedometer and website is easy for kids to use. Kids can choose the GeoPalz pedometer that most reflects their personality. They’ll like wearing the pedometer around, knowing that they’re earning points that they can redeem for cool prizes.”

Learn more about how you can continue to encourage your family to get active with GeoPalz and iBitz! Make sure to browse the blog for articles on how to improve your family wellness.