As the weather starts to warm up, we see kids slowly going outside to play. This is amazing because in today’s world, most children want to stay inside and play video games. Playing outside is a fun way to pass the time during the day or even in the afternoon. Outdoor play has benefits for children’s physical, mental, and emotional development. Playtime is all about being active. Their bodies are physically developing as they make their bones and muscles stronger each time they are outside. The mentality is being developed when they use their imagination and creativity through playtime. Children learn about emotions through play, experiencing happiness, anger, and sadness while developing social skills. Being outside encourages kids to make friends by talking to them in person rather than through a video game chat. They learn how to open up to each other and resolve conflicts when they appear. This spring, let’s get those kids outside and enjoying life to the fullest. Here are some examples that you can do outside with your children.
Fun things to do outside
- Go on a nature scavenger hunt: Create a list of outdoor items to find, such as a red rock, a pinecone, a green leaf, or a bird feather. You want to encourage the children to be observant and learn how to explore.
- Backyard fort building: You can either build a fort or go on a backyard camping trip. Get a tent, sleeping bags, or create your own fort with blankets and chairs. This will help the children use their imagination and be adventurous.
- Sidewalk Chalk: Use your driveway or sidewalk to turn it into a large canvas and draw whatever your imagination wants. You can draw anything, and the best thing you can draw is hopscotch; it will teach them patterns and numbers at the same time.
- Cloud watching: Get a blanket and look up into the sky. Try to guess what the clouds look like, and then say what shapes or animals they resemble. This helps children with mental development by encouraging creativity and allowing them to come up with a storyline for the clouds.
It’s more important than ever to encourage our children to step outside and experience the great outdoors. We all need some fresh air to feel alive and play with our children. We as parents should make their lives full of experience and adventure.