How a Pawn Shop Can Help Get Your Kids Outside

As the weather warms up and the days get longer, many American families turn their attention to getting back outside. But getting kids outdoors even in good weather can be a challenge for today's parents.

If you struggle to encourage your children and teens to spend more time outside and less in front of their screens, consider checking out your local pawn shop for ideas. Here are five things you can find at most pawn shops that will help get the whole family outside.

Bikes are great exercise, and they get kids from Point A to Point B without a parent having to ferry them around. You can find quality used bicycles for little ones, teens, boys, and girls at many pawn shops. While a (more expensive) shiny, new bike might seem like a fun gift, it rarely will perform any better for your children than a high-quality bike bought in used condition.

Does your teen love to tinker in the shop? Do you want a backyard project that they can work on with friends, with Mom, or with Dad? Look for used power tools and specialized equipment at the pawn shop. You can outfit your teenager with the basics to start their own tool kit, including drills, woodworking equipment, saws, and combination sets.

A good-quality tool set is more than just a spring or summer project. It can lead to a lifetime of self-sufficiency and new interests.

What easier way is there to get kids outdoors than to encourage them to play sports? No matter what type of outdoor sports your family enjoys, you'll likely find excellent gear options at most pawn shops.

Many people pawn their old gear when they upgrade or update, so you can find great deals on beginner equipment. Look for things like surfboards, golf clubs, fishing gear, geocache tools, bow and arrow sets, and off-road cycles.

Hunting teaches many valuable skills that last a lifetime. It involves patience, careful strategy, self-defense mechanisms, and respect for nature. And a hunting trip gives parents a great opportunity to spend hours or even days alone in the wild with their family — often with no cellphones and tablets.

Pawn shops specialize in many types of gear, including rifles, pistols, ammunition, sights, and camping equipment.

Few children these days have handled a real camera much, if at all. But a good camera is a way to encourage your young one to get out into the world. Look for a digital SLR in a well-known brand with a medium-range zoom capability.

Also, consider taking a camera class with your child to learn how to use the gear properly. Photography is an excellent way to get kids outside and to help them to express their creative side.

Modern technology doesn't have to limit kids to the indoors and a small screen. Drones are rising in popularity, and your teen must be outdoors to play with them. Drone usage teaches hand-eye coordination and patience. And it's an outside activity you can do together.

Not sure about a drone? Look for land-based remote control toys and technology or even the parts with which to build your own as a team.

Which of these ideas can help inspire your family to get outside more? No matter whether they want to take up a beloved sport, try something new, or just explore their world, you can help them by shopping at your local pawn shop today. At 2 J's Pawn & Gun, we have many items to choose from, so you can find just the right warm weather gifts. Visit our site today to start shopping.