Summer is HERE! Family Fun, Outdoor Adventures, and Safety First with Michigan Model for Health™

2026-06-24 12:06:00 Curriculum Updates & Releases

Summer brings sunshine, family vacations, and plenty of outdoor activities. While these moments create lasting memories, outdoor safety requires a proactive balance of supervision, preparation, and education. The Michigan Model for Health™ equips families and schools with the tools to enjoy the season while staying safe and healthy.

Cycling is an excellent activity for all ages and skill levels. From neighborhood scavenger hunts to exploring local trails and parks, family bike rides promote physical activity, quality time, and a love for the outdoors.

Family Cycling Activities & Ideas

• Scavenger Hunt Rides: Turn a simple pedal into an adventure by mapping a route with hidden items or clues for kids to discover.
• Themed Rides: Plan a “picnic pedal” to a local park or an ice cream run—the promise of a treat keeps younger riders motivated.
• Cone Courses & Obstacles: Set up a safe practice area in your driveway or an empty parking lot using sidewalk chalk and household items to build balancing, braking, and slow-riding skills.

Essential Bicycle Safety Tips

• Visibility and Clothing: Dress kids in fluorescent or bright-colored clothing and helmets. Avoid dark colors, especially at dusk. Add reflective tape, secure loose pant legs to prevent chain entanglement, and choose grippy shoes (skip cleats, heels, flip-flops, or bare feet). When wearing a backpack, keep it light with straps secured away from wheels and spokes.
• Proper Helmet Fit: Choose a well-ventilated helmet that adjusts snugly. Fasten straps securely—no additional hats or headwear underneath.
• Traffic Rules: Stop at all stop signs and red lights, yield to pedestrians, and ride in the same direction as traffic. Children under 10 should ride on sidewalks; older kids should use bike lanes or designated routes. Always check both ways before entering traffic from driveways, alleys, or curbs. Maintain distance from parked cars (watch for opening doors) and announce passes with “On your left!”
• Safe Riding Habits: Only one rider per bike—never share the seat or ride on handlebars. Avoid distractions: no texting, phone use, or headphones while riding.

Stay Hydrated: Beat the Heat Before It Beats You

As temperatures rise, the body works harder to stay cool—especially children, who heat up faster than adults. Proper hydration prevents heat exhaustion and other serious issues.

• Offer fluids proactively: Don’t wait for thirst. Schedule water breaks every 20–30 minutes during outdoor play and encourage consistent sipping.
• Make it fun and flavorful: Use colorful bottles or infuse water with fruit slices (lemon, berries, cucumber).
• Choose hydrating snacks: Watermelon, oranges, grapes, and cucumbers provide extra fluids.
• Limit sugary options: Soda, energy drinks, and excess juice can worsen dehydration. For heavy sweating or activity over an hour, replenish electrolytes with coconut water or low-sugar sports drinks.
• Monitor early warning signs: Watch for fatigue, irritability, reduced bathroom trips, or dizziness—these signal the need for more fluids.

Take Action with Michigan Model for Health™ These tips draw from the comprehensive lessons in the Michigan Model for Health™ curriculum, used by schools across the state to teach lifelong healthy habits.

The Model for Healthy Kids

The Michigan Model for Health^TM is a nationally recognized, research-based comprehensive and sequential Pre-K through 12th grade health education curriculum. The MMH curriculum aims to give school-aged children and youth the knowledge and skills needed to practice and maintain healthy behaviors and lifestyles. It provides age-appropriate lessons addressing the most serious health challenges facing school children and youth.

Contact Us

Email our MMH support team at support@michiganmodelforhealth.org.