How To Make The Most Of Your Child's Summer! #SummertimePlay

It's no secret that summer vacation is the pinnacle of any childhood. Waiting out those long months in the classroom, anticipating the freedom of sleeping in past 6 a.m. and playing outside until the street lamps come on. Perhaps even a family vacation or camping trip. At least, that's how I remember summer vacation. It seems though that kids these days would rather stay indoors playing video games or watching television. Indeed, a little electronics never hurt anyone but today's generation takes it to the extreme.

So what is a parent to do? How do we combat the seemingly endless array of video games, cell phones and mind-numbing television? The answer might not be as complex as one would think - playgrounds. Yes, that's right, good old-fashion playgrounds are making quite the comeback. Though you can still find the classic jungle-gym with slide and swing-set style playground that we had as kids, today's parks are taking it a step further. Adding cool new accessories like megaphone pipes, appropriately sized rock climbing walls, and in some cases even water features!

Our youngest, Adam, absolutely loves spending time at our local playground. Even though he's not in school at the moment, he still likes to plan ahead for the upcoming football season by spending as much time as he can running, climbing and making the most of a good workout. Him and his father often take a break from working hard to toss the football back and forth through a small opening at the top of a slide. This simple little drill helps him work on his accuracy and coordination while getting to show off his (almost perfect) spiral! Adam is very proud of the progress he's made in just a short amount of time thanks to all the hard work he puts in at the playground!

International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) and the Voice of Play want to promote activities and ideas that get kids – and parents – outside. What better way to do this than by celebrating the beginning of summer with a trip to the local playground? So I challenge you to join us by getting your children outdoors to enjoy all the great features your local community playground has to offer! For more information about IPEMA and The Voice of Play, visit IPEMA.org.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Voice of Play, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.