Cookin' Up Creations

Today is August 11 on the National Day Calendar and we are celebrating Play in the Sand Day to remind people to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and create some fun in the sand.

Playing in the sand is the perfect activity for anyone to release some creativity and have fun. Playing in sand is one of the simplest ways to relax and enjoy the summertime weather. This is one carefree activity that brings back happy childhood memories, while making new ones! Plus, it’s inexpensive and requires no special skills. It also offers several benefits for both children and adults.

5 Health Benefits of Playing in Sand
1. Stimulates senses. Touching sand and stimulates senses and enhances sensory development. The texture of the sand, the sound it makes when moved, and the feeling of it running through fingers heighten sensory nervous system. The sensation of playing the sand becomes very relaxing and can be therapeutic for some.
2. Promotes creativity and Imagination. Every time you play with sand, you start with a blank canvas of creativity and imagination. You never really know what you are going to build until you start building until you begin. The imagination of building sandcastles and sculptures promote creative critical thinking and planning skills.
3. Promotes physical exercise. Building sand structures and playing in the sand is a great way to get exercise. Whether you are sitting still or playing a beach game, your muscles are moving and stretching. In fact, you might be surprised to feel how many muscles you use after a day on the beach.
4. Boosts mental health. As you explore and play in the sand, your body becomes naturally relaxed. The sunshine and fresh air will boost your mood, which makes your day more enjoyable. You start to notice the natural beauty around you and a calmness takes over.
5. Promotes bonding. Playing in the sand is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Whether you are building something out of sand, playing a game, or simply looking at the texture of sand, you are sharing time together and making memories.

no sand here to play in. I have not played in sand in years and years: probably when my kids were young and we went to a beach on vacation....so maybe 20 or more years ago

We always had a sand pile in your yard when the kids were young. They spent hours playing there with friends and loved it when they had permission to use the hose to fill up lakes and rivers. Myself I don't care for walking along a beach in the sand. I don't like my feet to feel so dry. It bugs me when your feet sink. But the kids love the beach so I was one who can watch the ocean from a distance.

I love walking and playing on the sand.