Get up, get out, get healthy this summer
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It's summertime and the living is easy. But don't take it too easy; it's also a great time to get out and get active.
Unfortunately, many children are not active enough, even in the summer. Parents need to get involved and encourage their kids to incorporate exercise into their routine.
Wendy Kane, a registered dietitian at the Backus Diabetes Management Center, said kids need to get outside and play, go for walks or ride bikes.
"Physical activity is important to help offset the excess calorie intake," Ms. Kane said. "We all eat out more often and don't always make the right food choices. It is important to get kids moving and burn off those extra calories. Get outside and play and get away from the television and video games."
She said there are many places, such as state parks, that offer hiking trails to go for an hour or an afternoon.
"Another great place is the Air Line Trail. You can ride bikes or walk and it is really pretty, with a lot of scenic views of the rivers," she said. The south section of the Air Line Rail Trail starts in East Hampton and ends in Willimantic, and is more developed than the north section, which goes from Willimantic to Thompson. The southern section is about 23 miles long, with hikes of different lengths for all ages.
"Something that I've done with my daughter is sign up for the fun runs," she said. Older kids can do the 2- and 3-mile runs, while younger children can walk the 1-mile fun runs at different area races. "I did it last year when my daughter was 5. It makes it more exciting for them. They get to run through the crowd and get a medal."
Older kids can sign up for town sports teams and look for activities through their local parks and recreation department.
Check out our list of fun spots to visit this summer.
The Connecticut College Arboretum, New London
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Take a free tour of the Connecticut College Arboretum on Sunday afternoons, through October. "It is beautiful to hike and walk around the pond," said Shirley Sholes, director of the Mary Allen Ross Child Care Center at Backus Hospital. The Arboretum is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset with a self- guided tour brochure located at the main entrance to the Native Plant Collection. Established in 1931, the Arboretum now includes 750 acres of preserved open space in New London and Waterford. Free tours of different areas of the arboretum are offered at 2 p.m. on Sundays through the summer. Call 439-5020 for further information or go to www.conncoll.edu/ccrec/greennet/arbo
Ocean Beach, New London
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You can visit the beach during the day, check out the nature trail, picnic area, playground and free "sprayground" at Ocean Beach in New London. On Monday nights, see classic cars at Cruise Night, and kids can ride the arcade rides for $1.01 and parking is free. There is also a miniature golf course. Starting June 21, Tuesday and Thursday nights there will be a classic children's movie on the beach. Show begins at sundown and there is a charge of $5 per car. For more information, go to www.ocean-beach-park.com
Mohegan Park, Norwich
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Whether you like to play basketball, want to have a picnic or go swimming, Mohegan Park fits the bill and offers more. With a playground, fishing and beach area, you can cool off on a hot summer day, after hiking on the extensive trails throughout the park. For those with a slower pace, visit the Rose Garden on Rockwell Street. Featuring 1,500 rose bushes, with 120 varieties, you will see how the Rose of New England got its name.
Pachaug State Forest, various towns
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Try out the adventure of letterboxing at Pachaug State Forest in North Stonington. The largest forest in the Connecticut state forest system, it includes 27,000 acres in Voluntown, Griswold, Plainfield, Sterling, North Stonington and Preston. The state forest letterbox is off the blue trail near the summit of High Ledge Lookout in North Stonington. The hike is approximately 2 miles round trip, over hilly, rocky terrain that includes one steep stretch of trail.Ê Estimated time for round trip is one-and-half hours.
For more about letterboxing and other sites in the state go to: www.ct2go.com/connecticut-letterbox.htm
Harkness Park, Waterford
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Many families enjoy visiting Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. A popular spot for kite-flying or playing Frisbee, there is also a mansion and unique gardens at the park. It is open year-round and visitors are welcome until sundown. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, there is a parking fee. For more information, go to www.harkness.org
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Mystic
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Along with a wildlife sanctuary, the nature center offers eight miles of hiking trails in its 300-acre preserve. Visitors can learn more about birds, plants and animals by visiting the education center and the habitats. Several species of hawks and owls live in outdoor flight enclosures on the sanctuary, so you may spot a Peregrine falcon or a Great Horned owl. For more information call 536-1216 or go to www.dpnc.org
Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence
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For a day trip, head to Providence and visit the elephants and polar bears at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. The zoo is updating many of its habitats with a $35 million capital improvement plan. Visit the animals of Madagascar, the Marco Polo Trail, Australia and more. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for ages 3-12, $8 for seniors, and free for under 3 and zoo members. Parking is free. For more information, call (401) 785-3510 or go to www.rwpzoo.org
Devil's Hopyard, Salem
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Take your fishing pole and a picnic lunch and head to Devil's Hopyard in Salem. There are hiking trails and camping is allowed at the 860-acre state park. The centerpiece of the park is Chapman Falls, where the water tumbles more than 60 feet over rocks. There is a splash pool at the base of the falls, going into Eight Mile River, which flows through the picnic area. For more information, go to www.friendsctstateparks.org/parks/devils_hopyard.htm
The Dinosaur Place, Montville
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Go back to the days of dinosaurs at The Dinosaur Place. Encounter more than 25 life-sized dinosaurs on a one-mile trail of easy walking and romp in Monty's playground (open now 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through last weekend in October, Father's Day to Labor Day opens 9 a.m.). Cool off in New England's largest Splashpad which has more than 30 dinosaur-themed water features (open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Father's Day to Labor Day). Kids can also pan for "gold," dig for "gems" or learn about fossils in the Bone Zone. For more information on prices and special events, go to www.thedinosaurplace.com or call 443-4367.
Eastern Point Beach, Groton
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For a quiet beach day, head to Eastern Point Beach in Groton, where the Thames River meets Long Island Sound. There is fishing, swimming, basketball courts and a playground. There is a parking fee. For more information, call the Groton Parks and Recreation Department at 446-4128.