GoPlay Foundation Shares Summer Fun With Orange County

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — It's a simple concept. Put down the devices. Get up. Go outside and play. But for families with parents that work either at home or in offices, children are staying inside and getting lost in video games, social media or youtube.

In a recent study, the GoPlay Foundation of Orange County determined that more kids than ever are staying indoors this summer rather than getting outside to play. A non-profit organization, based out of Laguna Niguel, GoPlay Foundation directors aim to improve the lives of residents of all ages by getting families outside and having some good old fashioned summer fun.

"The issue is that America’s kids are playing less than any previous generation," Chris Bowman, founder of the GoPlay Foundation said. "Kids ages 8- to 18-years-old now spend almost half of their days in front of televisions, computers and mobile devices instead of engaging in active play."

Only one in four children gets an hour of physical activity or active play every day, he said.

Read the full list of best parks in Orange County, below.

Playing out doors was never something that Bowman took for granted.

"I grew up poor and saw that many parks and playgrounds were rundown and not being restored," Bowman said. "We saw them turning into hangouts for delinquent kids. However, even moreso, we have noticed that the trend with children is to stay inside and play with digital devices."

The GoPlay Foundation website is full of things to do and recommendations for activities, it is just one of the many resources for Orange County parents to combat the "stay at home" summer blues.

Summer camp opportunities may seem prohibitive to some lower income families. But with scholarships, the GoPlay Foundation is offering financial assistance, scholarships and help with registration fees.

JULY 17th-20th JULIE FOUDY SOCCER CAMPS is in Mission Viejo. Would you like to attend her camp for free with our GOPLAY SCHOLARSHIPS? Or at least get some financial assistance with the registration fees? Just apply or call us at RECREATION RESTORATION FOUNDATION @juliefoudysoccercamps @missionviejolife @lnrec @lagunabeachcom @lakeforestsportspark @uswnteaam @ussoccer_wnt @carlilloyd @alexmorgan13 @missionviejo @lagunabeachcom @santaana @alisoviejo @laderaranch @lagunahills @ranchosantamargarita @sanjuancapistrano
A post shared by Go Play (@goplayfoundation) on Jun 5, 2017 at 5:40pm PDT

When asked what was the best way to get kids off of their devices and out into the bright, southern California sunshine for little or no financial investment? Look no further than the Orange County Parks!

Families that are seeking summer camps for their kids may still be eligible for camp grants.

Spearman Tennis Clubs of Laguna Niguel, Dana Point and Irvine have also joined with GoPlay Foundation's latest summer camps.

Thanks to The Spearman Clubs for joining our cause. They are the latest tennis camp to join our list of available camps. They are located in Irvine, Laguna Niguel, and Dana Point. #spearmanclubs @lnrc_pro @lagunaniguelracquetclub @lnrec @danapointtimes #danapoint #irvine #lagunaniguel #tennis #summercamp #goplayoutside #goplayfoundation #oc #lagunabeach #laguna @_ava.s__ #monarchbeach #missionviejo #justdoit
A post shared by Go Play (@goplayfoundation) on Jun 4, 2017 at 8:02pm PDT

For more information, visit their website: www.Goplayfoundation.org

Go Play Foundation Photo