Sunny skies and warmer temperatures mean it’s time for less screentime and more green time. And not just for the kids! Summer is the perfect excuse for the entire family to set aside their electronic devices and get plugged into mother nature.

Back in 2005, author Richard Louv coined the term “nature-deficit disorder.” It’s based on the idea that children are spending less time outdoors than ever before and experiencing negative consequences to their physical and social wellbeing as a result. Nature-deficit disorder isn’t recognized by most medical institutions. However, there’s plenty of research to show that spending time outdoors plays a key role in keeping our bodies and minds healthy.

Increased immunity, better sleep, more exercise and less anxiety are just a few of the benefits to spending time in nature. But for families, perhaps the most important benefit to be gleaned is the quality of time spent together during outdoor family time in contrast to at-home family time, which doesn’t always include a lot of interaction. Fortunately for Fredericksburg families, the area provides an array of outdoor adventures to keep summer fun and interesting.

Braehead Farm

This family owned and operated farm and market is the last of its kind in the city of Fredericksburg and is open daily year-round. Families can pick their own produce and enjoy a picnic at the Braehead Farm Market. The PlayGrounds offers a play barn with hay, swings and slides, sand piles, a corn pit, farm animals and more!

Fire pits are available to rent for $55 and come with a picnic table, firewood, and help to start/extinguish the fire.

Fredericksburg Golf Academy

The entire family can learn to golf together at Fredericksburg Golf Academy. They offer adult and junior lessons as well as group lessons for beginners and experienced players. Their 18-acre, 34-stall range (New Post Golf Range) strives to provide a family-friendly environment, therefore there is a dress code – shirts, pants/appropriate shorts required. Dixon Park

In addition to an outdoor swimming pool, a playground and a roller hockey rink, Dixon Park features a 10-station interactive Fit Trail. The trail was designed to work five areas of fitness—muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance and body composition.

Each station is simple enough for beginners and includes instructions for use. Exercises include pull-ups, sit-ups and various stretches.

Dixon Park

In addition to an outdoor swimming pool, a playground and a roller hockey rink, Dixon Park features a 10-station interactive Fit Trail. The trail was designed to work five areas of fitness—muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance and body composition.

Each station is simple enough for beginners and includes instructions for use. Exercises include pull-ups, sit-ups and various stretches.

Fun Land

This indoor/outdoor amusement park consists of zip lines, video games, miniature golf, rides, a batting cage, go karts, bowling and more! Families can purchase a day pass for a single day admission or a yearly membership, which includes exclusive perks and discounts.

Check out their website for special events, like Bottomless FUN FriDAY, when wristbands get you unlimited pizza and soda every Friday evening from 5 pm – 8 pm.

Virginia Outdoor Center

Cool off on the Rappahannock with Virginia Outdoor Center’s tubing and canoe/kayak trips. Tubing trips take about 45 minutes, but visitors can experience the adventure over and over again with a $25 all-day pass. The minimum age requirement for this excursion is 6. Lifejackets are required and proper aquatic footwear is highly recommended (absolutely no flip flops).

Canoe/kayak trips are open to families with children of all ages. There are several trip options, ranging in difficulty and length of time. Lessons are available.