Growing up in Michigan, summer was always my favorite season. I loved the sunny days and warmer temps. But my favorite part of summer was long daylight hours. I played outdoors with the neighborhood kids for hours after dinner. One of the games we played was Kick the Can. We also played Hide-and-Go Seek, Red Rover, Freeze Tag and Dodge Ball.

Are those days gone? Maybe. In my growing-up years, it was safe to play outside with no adults. We were free to roam the neighborhood and play with whomever was out and about. We played in large backyards and vacant lots. We rode our bikes for several blocks to find friends who lived a little farther away. I even had a light on my bike in case it got dark before I made it home. The good ol’ days!

It’s sad that today’s children don’t have that same freedom due to safety concerns. But that doesn’t mean they can’t have some outdoor fun during the summer months. Water parks, playgrounds, and organized sports allow children hours of healthy, physical, out- door activities. Kids still want to play—and they need to play! It’s just that the boundaries have changed.

Yesterday, June 20, was the summer solstice for 2016. It’s the day of the year with the most daylight hours. The days will now get shorter, but there will still be plenty of after dinner hours to play outside.

How will you enjoy the extra daylight hours of summer?

Crystal