Summer activities for children don’t have to break the bank. In fact, it’s often the simplest ideas that foster the strongest connection. This is especially true for spending family time outside.
In addition, according to the National Wildlife Federation, outdoor play boosts fitness and decreases the risk of childhood obesity; increases focus and academic achievement; and reduces stress and increases feelings of well-being.
As a provider of early childhood education and child care, Kids & Company Learning Centers agree with these findings and love finding activities that children enjoy and are beneficial to them.
Here are our suggestions for fun family activities you can do with your children outdoors:
Outdoor Activities for Kids
1. Explore your city. Visit your local parks and read the history behind the statues. Take photos of he different native plants and animals that you find. Take note of the different old buildings and visit more informational tourist attractions.
2. Have a picnic in your backyard. Enjoy the summer and grill up some food for a picnic. You don’t have to go far to take in all that the great outdoors offers. This is especially beneficial for babies, where they can crawl, walk, and explore a variety of textured surfaces like grass, sand, or dirt. With your toddler or preschooler you can point out birds, squirrels, insects, and plants.
3. Gather materials for crafts. The outdoors is a great place to find all kinds of natural materials to use for arts and crafts. Sticks, leaves, flowers, shells, and rocks – ask your child how to use these materials to create something beautiful.
4. Play a game. There are so many fun outdoor games to play that can release pent up energy and stress. Pull out your favorite board game or play some active games, such as Hide and Go Seek, Red Light - Green Light, or Tag.
5. Plant a garden. Doesn’t matter if you have a backyard, small porch, or a windowsill, there is a way to grow something. Try fast-growing flowers like pansies, nasturtiums, or sunflowers. Otherwise, you can try easy-to-grow crops like lettuce, carrots, peas, and tomatoes in a full-size garden, a raised bed, or even pots.
Whether your family enjoys playing games, creating arts and crafts, searching for insects, taking a trip to the park, gazing at the sky, or volunteering in the community; time spent together builds strong relationships and wonderful memories.
We believe experiencing nature with children through outdoor play has benefits today and for years to come. So, get out there. Plant some flowers. Feel the breeze on your face. Enjoy the outdoors.
Kids & Company offers so much more than the typical Orlando daycare. Free hot meals, after school care until 7:00 pm, and we even have the option for Saturday and night care at our Curry Ford location. If you have any questions about our programs, including infant care, childcare, VPK, or after school programs give us a call at (407) 227-1015.