April showers brings May... activities? While April was busy raining down on us, May was anxiously awaiting to come and bring us some of the greatest joys when it comes to getting out of the house. The colder weather from that weird spring/winter hybrid that April presents gives us an excuse to stay inside, cuddle up, and binge watch that show you've been hearing so much about. Don't get me wrong--I love days and weekends like this. But even those that prefer the indoors such as myself need to step outside of the house and discover exciting things about the world around me. 

May allows us to do this. The weather is a little more clear, a little more sunny, and the days are a little bit longer. Below will be some of the best activities you can be doing by yourself or with your friends and family. 

Get outside, walk, and look around

If you find yourself having a tough time encouraging any lazy bones in your body to get up off the couch, the easiest thing to do is simply to get outside and walk around. It's as simple as that. You can spice things up by driving yourself somewhere to walk. It doesn't matter where you go! Your neighborhood, a park, a field, parking lots where you work--just get out there, walk, and take in all the sights. Although, do be sure to avoid heavy traffic areas, naturally. 

Here's a little trip about yours truly: when you're walking, don't make it a goal to get to a certain destination. This kicks in some weird competitive drive in me where my walk is entirely focused on getting to the end of it. Which is... well, silly. The best walks I take are with my wife, where we slow down and really take in everything we see. We smell and feel the air. We say hi to other walkers. Our only goal is to step outside and be outside. It's nice. 

Make a goal to go on a walk sometime soon. Sunday mornings or any evening as the sun begins to go down are big hits in my book. 

Make up a game to play with your family 

Nothing gets your kids (or husband) more excited to be outside than by playing some games. You know what's even cooler than playing a game that already exists? Creating a game unique to your family! This can be as easy or as complicated as you want it to be. You can simply change some of the rules to something that already exists, like allowing a hit in any direction in baseball or using water balloons to get someone out. 

I am the youngest of five boys, and I watched on the sidelines for many years as they played "Trampball". This game was simple and brilliant all at once: the trampoline we had at the time had these four blue "corners" around the trampoline. You'd put a football on the trampoline, bounce around a couple times, then go for the ball. Once you had the ball, you had to touch all four corners while avoiding getting tackled. If you got tackled, you had to give up the ball, then the next person would get it, and so on. Being able to finally participate as I got a little bigger was awesome! Sure, I got creamed, but every once in awhile I would be able to get all four corners. Those are cherished memories. You and your family can have those as well! 

Bust out the water games 

Speaking of awesome games, you'll definitely want to break out the water balloons and hose for some instant and awesome almost-summer-action! The list of water games are nearly endless and easy to do:

• Water balloon capture the flag is a blast. I'm not sure what kid doesn't like playing capture the flag! Hiding, sprinting, sneaking, saving your teammates and getting the other team out is way too much fun. Undoubtedly the most underrated game at recess. The execution is simple: hide two flags (preferably outdoors) or put the flags in a known location for both teams. If someone on the other team is on your side, the only way to get them out is to hit them with a water balloon. This may include the splash from a balloon hitting the ground near you. 
  
• Mini pool kick ball. Instead of using bases for kickball, bring some of those cheap mini pools and have those be the bases! You can use some tarp to create a slippery baseline if you want for some extra chaos. It's easy to do and fun for everyone! People that are self conscious about their kicking skills can relax here. I've seen the statically "worst" hitters get home runs because no one can get their footing! Wildly fun. 

• Never underestimate the power of a lone hose and kids who need to get some energy out. Chasing kids around the yard with the hose is possibly the easiest thing you can do, and you will get 10/10 reviews from anyone you are blasting with water. Plus, if you have a dog? Dogs go nuts for that. Instantly adds to the fun as well. It's too easy not to do!