As the days get longer and warmer, families can look forward to more outdoor playtime and the promise of road trips and vacations. While the warmer months are a time children look forward to all year, summer also means interrupted schedules and decreased attention to studying.

But there are plenty of opportunities to keep kids’ minds engaged, even when they want to play the days away.

For parents, scattered schedules and routines can make it difficult to keep activities and meal times on track. It’s especially important to ensure that everyone has access to fresh, high-quality foods made with real ingredients, which provide energy throughout the day. A few initiatives to keep everyone satisfied and ready for fun will ensure that your family makes the most of the warmer months.

Keep these ideas in mind and make them a part of your family’s schedule and help your kids stay physically and mentally active:

See the great outdoors on a weekend camping trip or a daylong hiking excursion. Setting up camp and hiking in the wilderness combine active fun and learning. Bring nature guides that give you detailed information about the trees, plants, animals and insects that live in the area and try to identify the things you see.

If you’re out on a day hike, be sure to include wholesome snacks with protein, which serves as a healthy source of energy for an active outing. Lance Sandwich Crackers’ emphasize quality ingredients such as real peanut butter and real cheese, as well as fresh-baked crackers. They’re easy to pack and available in more than two dozen varieties.

Enjoy an interactive learning experience with a trip to the museum. Children’s museums are a perfect choice, but check out art, science and other museums’ family-oriented programs or exhibits. Some museums even waive entry fees during summer or provide discounted rates.

Whether you’re out enjoying the sunshine and natural beauty of the season or inside on one of those occasional rainy days, fun and learning can go hand-in-hand from spring into summer. For more outdoor activity inspiration and ideas for fresh-baked, wholesome snacks, visit the Lance Pinterest page.

– Courtesy of ARA Content