You’ve likely never heard someone say that outdoor activities for children are dangerous. In the past decade, an astounding number of studies have indicated the exact opposite. When it comes to outdoor activities that promote children’s overall development, gardening is hard to beat. Whether the garden is in pots on a balcony, in a community plot, or just outside the back door, children who participate in it reap much more than food and flowers.

Gardening Helps Kids Learn to Plan & Organize

There are seasons of the year when certain plants thrive more than others. Others thrive in proximity to a certain plant. Some grow well in rows, while others, such as wildflower seeds, can be scattered. Gardening provides an opportunity to discuss research and planning with your children.

Here are some of the best plants that can get your kid started on their veg patch or flower garden.

Squash, Pumpkin, and Zucchini

These vines grow rapidly, produce big edible blossoms, and resemble extraterrestrial life with their clutching tendrils. Little green thumbs have something to look forward to in the fall with the arrival of winter squash and pumpkins.

Catnip, Citronella, and Cat Grass

Have a cat at home? Plant some cat grass or catnip in a container and position it where your feline companion can enjoy it. Citronella is good for deterring pesky mosquitoes.

Tomatoes

Perhaps everyone’s favorite, as they are simple to cultivate and maintain. Tomatoes thrive in pots and provide delicious fruit throughout the summer. For small hands and mouths, cherry and grape tomatoes are ideal.

Sunflowers

These colorful summer blossoms are fantastic for many reasons: they grow quickly, can reach astonishing heights, and yield hundreds of delectable seeds in the fall that can be roasted or shared with birds and squirrels during the winter.

Vines

Cucumbers, pole beans, and red runner beans are all vines that bloom attractively, attract pollinators, and yield vegetables. In addition, they spiral and twine rapidly upward, making them ideal for confined spaces — even in a container on a balcony!

With the advancement of technology, video games have become more and more impressive with their realism, complex storytelling, and entertaining gameplay. Gaming has become so popular that several titles have their own world cups and professional players.

Nowadays, a vast number of children prefer to spend their free time playing video games with their friends instead of being outdoors playing tag, hide-and-seek, or different types of sports. While this can be worrisome as too much gaming leads to sleep deprivation, attention issues, and poor time management skills, the truth is that some titles are too fun to not enjoy.

Here are four games that kids of all ages will enjoy playing on their computers and are appropriate to play as a family:

1. Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Perfect for Family Nights

Mario Kart is one of the most successful gaming franchises in the world. Developed and published by Nintendo, its eighth installment got enhanced in 2017 and released for Switch. It’s considered to be the ideal family game as children can play it with their friends or their parents. With the ability to support up to four players, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that promises nothing but fun.

2. Sonic Mania – A Great Homage to the Original Game

Sonic Mania was released in 2017 to commemorate the Sonic the Hedgehog series’ 25th anniversary. It follows Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as they venture through 12 levels to defeat their arch-nemesis Doctor Eggman and his army of robotic henchmen. The game is fast-paced, fun, and captivating, which makes it perfect for kids of all ages. It can be played on both computers and gaming consoles. It became the franchises’ highest-rated video game in fifteen years and was praised for its music, presentation, and level of design. Sonic Mania offers its players a great experience that is worth their time.

3. FIFA 22 – The Ultimate Soccer Video Game

Soccer fans of all ages love the FIFA series. Its latest installment is regarded by many to be the best in years. With amazing visuals and lots of playing modes, this game is easy to play alone or with others.

4. Just Dance 2021 – Gaming + Exercise

Purchase Just Dance 2021 to combine gaming with exercise. With an E rating and the ability to support up to six players, this video game will make children of all ages move and groove. It’s easy to play, interactive, and amusing, meaning it guarantees plenty of memorable nights and weekends.

Other video games that kids will enjoy playing are Innersloth Among Us, SIMS 4, the NBA 2K series, Fortnite, and Minecraft. As long as they are played with measure, these fantastic games will bring nothing but smiles and laughter.