Once the school bell rings (and the workday ends), it should be all about fresh air and sunshine to balance out the hours lost to sterile workspaces and artificial light. So we’re bringing you the facts and inspo you need to plan more family fun under the sun. But before anyone heads outside, make sure to lather up using Bare Republic’s adventure-proof, worry-free sunscreen. It’s our go-to for healthy sun protection that contains healthy ingredients safe for parents, kids, and the environment. Nature makes us happier, healthier humans. Studies show that spending time outside is associated with better mental health, improved mood3, heightened immunity4, and higher-quality sleep3. Plus, most of the time that we’re outside we’re doing something physically active, so tack on the advantages of regular movement. We recommend going out when the sun’s up so you can also harness the sunshine’s circadian-supporting, vitamin D-boosting benefits—safely and covered in sunscreen of course! With a lightweight feel and cleaner ingredients, Bare Republic goes on easy so you can focus on all that summer fun. Go for a walk. Whether you make a point to walk home from school or set out as soon as you pull in, an afternoon walk is the perfect way to connect with your child and help them to unwind after a long day in the classroom—all while taking in the natural surroundings. Create a natural scavenger hunt. Look for pine cones, acorns, wildflowers, and other outdoor items and make it a competition by tallying up who found the most. Introduce your kids to some of your favorite childhood games. Some of our favorites include hopscotch, four square, red rover, red light green light, and kickball. Take a trip to the farmers market. Make this a weekly activity that both parent and child can benefit from. It’s a great opportunity to sneak in a little nutritional education and get them more interested in the food they eat by letting them pick something new to try each trip. Host a lemonade stand. A favorite pastime, this is a great way for kids to learn about money and marketing, as well as an opportunity to exercise their social skills. Just make sure to monitor them and keep plenty of Bare Republic sunscreen and water on hand for consistent sun protection and hydration! Have a picnic. Set up a blanket on the grass and offer their afternoon snack outside. While eating, encourage them to interact with their surroundings by identifying shapes in the clouds or playing I-spy. Tend to the garden. Gardening helps to teach kids responsibility. If they are in charge of watering the plants, they learn to treat living things with care. If it’s a fruit, veggie, or herb garden, they’ll also get to experience the satisfaction and gratitude that comes with harvesting. Ryan is passionate about holistic health, fitness, and spiritually-centered living. She loves using her knowledge and personal experience to help others improve their well-being. When she’s not working or studying, Ryan can be found traveling to new places, snuggling her dog, or experimenting with gluten free, vegan baking.