MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Spring 2019

SPRING 2019 ML BLUE 25 BACK YARD Try more nature, less tech this summer ELEVATING KIDS words :: Laura Raimondi In his book Last Child in the Woods , Richard Louv writes: “The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.” In our age of ever- expanding technology, we can rely on smartphones and tablets as summertime sitters for the kids. But parents, caregivers and educators need to be aware of the widening gap between young people and nature and the implications on everyone’s health and well-being. We are fortunate to live in a place with unlimited opportunities to experience the outdoors all summer long. As we find ourselves swapping skis for mountain bikes, it’s time to start crafting plans on how to keep the kids entertained and happy all summer. Blue Mountain Resort offers summer activities for all ages, interests and budgets that get kids and adults outside and active. The Village hosts activities throughout the summer including festivals, concerts at the open-air Coca-Cola Village Stage, scavenger hunts, Movies Under the Stars and fireworks. My personal go-to activity with young kids on a hot summer day? The Mill Pond playground and splash pad. Start the day at the playground to let the kids slide, climb, hang, jump, build with sand and shake out their sillies. Once the heat starts to crank up, head on over to the Village fountain and splash pad, located next to the Coca-Cola Village stage, for a cool-down. Basecamp attractions including the Ridge Runner mountain coaster, Cascade putting course, the rock-climbing wall and paddle boating at the Mill Pond always have high entertainment value. Older kids will have a blast on the Timber Challenge High Ropes course, Wind Rider Triple Zips and Apex Bag Jump. Everyone enjoys a trip to the top of the Escarpment, whether it’s a hike up one of Blue’s well-marked trails COURTESY BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT