Backpacks have been thrown into the closet, pens and pencils have been stowed away until next year, and school is officially out for summer! But, just because the school year has come to an end, doesn’t mean that you have to be cooped up in your house all summer long. Here are some fun, accessible activities and programs to help your kids stay active this summer.
Recreation Centers
One great way to stay active in the summer is to utilize all of the resources available at your local recreation centers! For example, Salt Lake County’s My County Rec Pass is available to all Salt Lake County residents aged 5-18 and provides free access to all of Salt Lake County’s fitness centers, recreation centers, outdoor pools, and other amenities throughout the county. Check with your local recreation centers to see what options are available in your area, and remember to teach your kids about pedestrian safety and the importance of using crosswalks when walking or biking to these centers!
All-Abilities Playgrounds
If you are looking for an activity that is both affordable and accessible, look no further than an all-abilities playground! All-abilities playgrounds are spaces created to help foster the healthy development of children’s physical, social, and cognitive abilities through play. Utah’s Adventure Family has cultivated a list of all-abilities playgrounds throughout Utah from St. George to Logan. Check out their list to find a playground near you. You may even be able to find one close enough to walk, bike or roll to!
Summer Camps
Another option to keep your kids active is to enroll them in some of the many summer camps that are offered here in Utah. The University of Utah has several different youth programs for kids ages 5-17 with options that range from coding and robotics, to pickleball and bouldering, and everything in between! Their summer camps provide so many options to keep your children’s brains and bodies active during their summer break.
Rider’s License
If you’re looking for a way to transport your children to all of these activities, UTA’s Rider’s License is the way to go! The Rider’s License provides unlimited rides for youth, ages 6 to 18 to destinations throughout Salt Lake, Utah, Weber, and Davis counties. Destinations include city libraries and parks, recreation centers, planetariums, aquariums, and so much more! The pass is valid for FrontRunner, TRAX, streetcar, UTA On Demand, and buses. Be sure to take a look at UTA’s website for more information. Remind your children to be mindful of traffic when boarding public transportation and to wait for the bus or train in a safe location away from the road.
So as the summer kicks into full swing, remember that there are still so many ways to stay active this summer. Whether it’s exploring an all-abilities playground, jumping into a fun summer camp, or swimming at your community pool, embrace all of the fun opportunities that summer brings, while prioritizing safety with every step!