Ah, summer—the season of sunshine, laughter and endless adventures for the little ones. We can’t believe it’s finally here! Actually, we can. We’ve been counting the days, and your family probably has been, too.
But now that it’s here, you might be thinking to yourself, “Hmm…what comes next?”
That’s a very, VERY valid question. You’ve got all this extra daylight to burn (the same goes for your kids’ energy), so what are you going to do with it? And how can you make sure that your little ones stay active and healthy throughout?
The answer is pretty simple, at least if you ask Nikki Barkhaus (RN), owner and practitioner of Wholistic Health Center here in Altoona. Her advice would be the following: encourage them to get out and play in Altoona’s great(er) outdoors!
Besides being a lot of fun, playing in the sun has all sorts of remarkable health benefits for kids, from promoting physical fitness to boosting the production of vitamin D in their bodies, a key “ingredient” of health and wellness.
Fortunately, Altoona offers a treasure trove of fantastic outdoor amenities that are great for kids of all ages, interests and abilities. Here are some of Nikki’s favorites…
1. Enabling Garden
A two-acre patch of paradise filled with beautiful flowers, fascinating sculptures, a meditative water feature and more, Altoona’s Enabling Garden is a wonderful place for children to soak up the sun and let their imaginations run wild!
The Enabling Garden, true to its name, was created to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy it. It incorporates creative and inclusive design elements, such as raised beds and vertical wall gardens, making it accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
2. Prairie Heritage Park
Located right next to the Enabling Garden, Prairie Heritage Park offers even MORE green space for your kids to explore! Following along the walking path that meanders throughout the park, you’ll be immersed in a beautifully restored wetland that serves as a habitat for diverse plants and animals native to Central Iowa. Oh yeah, there’s also a huge splash pad if your family is looking for a fun way to beat the heat!
3. “Kindness Garden” at Greenway Park
As you stroll along the walking path at Altoona’s Greenway Park, you’ll notice a small garden filled with all sorts of pleasant surprises—colorfully painted rocks adorned with messages of hope and positivity! The “Kindness Garden” was started in 2020 by Altoona resident Jane Ryan, who wanted to bring some joy to our community to help offset the emotional strain of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Three years later, the garden has continued to evolve into something even more beautiful, with residents and visitors alike even contributing their own rocks!
4. Altoona Skate Park:
If your little ones are skateboard or scooter enthusiasts, the Altoona Skate Park is the perfect spot to let their wheels roll. They’ll have a blast honing their skills, mastering new tricks and making new friends in this safe and fun environment. And did we mention that it’s right next door to the Altoona Aquatics Park?
5. Neighborhood Fishing Ponds:
There are a handful of great spots to take your kids fishing in Altoona. Take Spring Creek Park, for example. It’s home to two huge fishing ponds and is equipped with a boat ramp that will open later this summer!
A fun and engaging outdoor activity, fishing not only fosters patience and perseverance but also provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations and shared memories. Give it a try with your kids, and who knows, they might reel in a big catch!
Bonus Suggestion: Try Making Your Own Bug Spray
Nikki suggests making your own homemade bug spray to help your kids stay safe and comfortable during their outdoor adventures. Protecting your children’s delicate skin is crucial, and natural alternatives can do the trick while avoiding harsh chemicals.
Here’s her recipe:
- ½ cup witch hazel
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 40 drops essential oils (a mix of eucalyptus, lemongrass, citronella, tea tree or rosemary)
- One 8-ounce glass spray bottle
All you have to do is add the ingredients into the bottle and shake it well to mix everything up. That’s it! It’s safe and clean to spray all over your body, but be sure to avoid getting it in your eyes and mouth (just like you would with other types of bug spray).
Have a Great Time Laughing, Playing & Growing Together!
Well, what are you waiting for? You’ve got your whole summer ahead of you, and Altoona is the perfect place to spend it with your little ones. Get out there and start exploring!
Special thanks to the City of Altoona for sponsoring “Off the Beaten Path”, and to Nikki Barkhaus, RN for contributing so much helpful information in this edition!
