7 Outdoor Activities to Do with Kids of All Ages

Image Courtesy of PittsburghMagazine. 

With regulations constantly changing with COVID-19, it’s important to stay on top of things. Let’s face it: We aren’t going back to “normal” anytime soon. This is the new normal. At least for now. While COVID-19 cases are increasing in Alleghany, it is so important to find new ways to stay busy (and healthy). 

Whether we are in the green phase, yellow phase or red phase, there are plenty of outdoor activities to get your rambunctious kiddos moving around. 

Hopefully, these seven ideas will alleviate some of the stress during our global pandemic. 

1. Take a Stroll Along the Water at the Millvale Trail 

If you take a drive to the Millvale Trail and walk along the river, you’ll be joined by joggers, bikers, and others taking a stroll for fresh air. The trail is wide, so there is plenty of space for everyone to social distance. Plus, it’s a great place to people watch! COVID-19 can’t take that away from us. 

2. Support a Local Restaurant with Take Out Food

If you feel comfortable buying take-out food, there are so many options! PghCityPaper has an amazing list of yummy options for different Pittsburgh neighborhoods. It is a great way to support small businesses during these times. Plus, it is an amazing way to still feel connected to your community. 

3. Start a New Gardening Project 

Gardening is a beautiful and rewarding time in the sun. You and the kids will see your hard work blossom, grow, and flourish in a few weeks to a few months. You can start small with a few plants or think big with a raised garden bed. 

If you’re feeling a little rocky with your gardening skills, have no fear. There is an amazing company called RootCause, a full service garden and homesteading organization, that can help you every step of the way. 

This female run company was created by internationally known rapper, singer, activist and entrepreneur Kellee Maize. Root Cause is supported by a group of 20 other female entrepreneurs. Their story is incredibly inspiring and worth supporting. After witnessing empty grocery store shelves due to the COVID-19 chaos, this group of women recognized food as not only a root cause of concern in the crisis, but also as the key to changing many other issues that exist on the planet today. 

They can handle all gardening needs including tasks such as greenhouse construction, medicinal plants gardening, chicken coop set-up and maintenance, beehive set-up and maintenance, and indoor growing facilitation. 

4. Have a Picnic in Highland Park

On a sunny day, there’s nothing better than fresh air and delicious snacks. If you make your way over to Highland Park, you will be graced with beautiful flowers and a total sense of peacefulness. Bring along some savory snacks, a sweet treat, and some drinks to stay hydrated. 

Whether you decide to buy food from the store or restaurant or make it yourself, here is a recipe for a tasty treat for your next picnic: 

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies 

Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon optional
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 cup light brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions 

1. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugars on med-high until pale and fluffy (approx. 3 minutes).
3. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition, and beat on high for 1 minute. Add vanilla.
4. Turn mixer to low and add flour mixture, mix until combined.
5. Add oats and chocolate chips. Mix until just combined.
6. Chill dough in the fridge for an hour (optional, but yields better results).
7. Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
8. Using a small cookie scoop, place cookies on baking sheet 2" apart. I did 11 cookies per sheet.
9. Bake for 10mins or until edges are lightly browned but center is still soft and unset.
10. Cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.
    

5. Go For a Bike Ride 

There are so many amazing trails and bike lanes around the city. Personally, I love going along the Riverfront Trail in the Southside. Along the way, you can take a pit stop at The Color Park, too. It’s located at 1 S 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA with colorful graffiti everywhere. The whole trail will take you from the South Side Marina to the South Shore Riverfront Park.

6. Tie Dye Project 

Grab a few white t-shirts, a tie dye kit, some rubber bands, and your all set. Get creative with your designs. 

Here are a few tie dye pattern ideas: 

• Bull’s-Eye Pattern
• Nebula Design
• Diagonal Stripe Design
• Polka Dot Pattern
• Sunburst Design
• Ringer Design

7. Drive-In Movie Night 

Drive-In movies are COVID-19 friendly and super fun. You can stay in your car or sit outside the car with plenty of space from those around you. Do what makes you the most comfortable! 

There are a few drive in theaters around the Pittsburgh area. Here are a few options: 

Dependable Drive In Theater in Moon Township

• 549 Moon Clinton Rd, Moon Township, PA 15108

Riverside Drive In Theatre in Vandergrift

• 6108, 1114 Lees Lake Ln, Vandergrift, PA 15690

Evergreen Drive-In Theater in Mount Pleasant

• 309 Drive in Ln, Mt Pleasant, PA 15666
  

With all of these drive-in theaters, be sure to check out their websites for their new rules and regulations for COVID-19. Each of one of these locations make the effort to keep you and your loved ones healthy. 

Although life hasn’t felt normal for awhile, it is important to add a dose of normalcy whenever and wherever you can. Being outside, doing fun activities with the kids is a great way to feel sane while also being safe.