With young children becoming increasingly glued to the television screens and digital devices, it’s more important than ever to get them to spend time outdoors. Outdoor play encourages children to be physically active, socialize with others and gain an appreciation for nature.
There are loads of examples of outdoor activities for kids that can be done at school or with the family. Here are a few ideas to add to your outdoor activities list.
Get a Trampoline
One of the best ideas for getting the kids outside and away from the TV screens is to buy a trampoline for your backyard. Kids love bouncing on trampolines, but it’s also an activity the whole family can enjoy together. Trampolining is a fun form of exercise for people of all ages and a sure way to improve your cardiovascular fitness without injuring the joints. You and your kids can try all sorts of tricks, jumps and flips without even realizing the amazing impact it has on your health and fitness.
Family Picnic
A family picnic is a perfect way to spend a sunny weekend and get the kids out in the fresh air. Find a good spot, pack some yummy food and plan some fun family games like football, frisbee or tag. Try to find different places to take the family each weekend to keep things interesting. A picnic is something the whole family can enjoy no matter what age your children are.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Kids love scavenger hunts. You can create fun outdoor scavenger hunts for children of all ages by simply making the clues more challenging for the older kids. These games not only encourage kids to explore the outdoors but also help to develop their problem-solving skills. This is a great preschool activity or birthday party game.
Create an Obstacle Course
You’d be surprised how easy it is to create an obstacle course in your own backyard. There are many ways to be creative with the items lying around your house. Get the kids to search for items to use and help set up the course. They will love using their imagination and putting their energy into completing the course.
Gardening
Gardening is a popular outdoor activity for preschoolers at school and one of the best ways to get the kids outside. Getting the kids involved in gardening helps to build their enthusiasm and interest about nature. It teaches them all about different flowers, plants, herbs and vegetables while getting to spend the day in the outdoors. All of the tasks involved in gardening also take a good amount of physical activity, making it an effective form of exercise for both children and adults.
Car Wash
Washing the car doesn’t have to be a chore. A car wash can be a fun outdoor activity that the whole family could get involved in. Kids love to play with water and foam, so they will likely jump at the opportunity to help out. Not only does this get them active outside, but it also helps to promote the importance of cleanliness and maintenance at a young age. However, it may get slippery and wet, so make sure to keep a close eye on the kids so that no accidents happen.
Camping
There’s no better way to get the kids to outside that to take them on a camping trip. Even if it’s just an overnight trip, camping is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and engage in outdoor activities with the kids. Some examples of fun outdoor activities for children while camping include scavenger hunting, cloud watching, hide and seek, tag, campfire storytelling, fort building, or sports-oriented games.
Photo Credits
Child Jumping in a Trampoline – Pxhere
Child Gardening – Pixabay
Camping – Pxhere
Guest Author Bio
Sofia Lockett
Sofia is a freelance writer from New Zealand, who is also a passionate traveler and foodie. Sofia often focuses her pieces on travel, health and lifestyle. You can read more articles on her Tumblr.
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