This post is a part of my Activity of the Day series. This series was created to give parents ideas of simple activities to do at home with their kids. Normally, I share a specific activity with ways to adapt it. Today, I’m going to talk about a certain type of play. Free play is just as important as fun activities and that’s what we’re going to focus on today.
Outside Play Ideas
This activity is centered on free play and can look many different ways. Today, we’re changing up the environment for play instead of providing a fun activity for your child. Below, you’ll find ten ideas for getting your kids outside and playing safely.
Go on a scavenger hunt.
Work with your kids to make a list of things you might see during a typical walk around the neighborhood. Then, head out and see how many of each item you spot on your journey.
Draw or practice skills using chalk.
I understand that not everyone has chalk at home. However, if you’re lucky enough to have it in your stash of things to do, pull it out and let the kids have fun. You can also use chalk to practice skills such as shapes, spelling, writing, math, and more.
Ride bikes.
This is another one that you may or may not have hanging around. If you have bikes or ride on toys for your kiddos, now is a great time to pull them out for play. Bikes are great for transportation and exercise.
Toss a ball.
I highly recommend having a ball among your outdoor toys. Balls can be used for a variety of games and play activities. Toss, kick, or throw the ball around for a little extra fun.
Play an old school game.
Why not teach your kids about your favorite childhood games? Think in terms of Simon Says, tag, hide and seek, and more. Many of these have been lost with time – why not bring them back?
Play in the dirt.
A big part of outside play is letting your kids get dirty. Give them some free time and let them get a little messy. After all, messes are temporary but memories last forever.
Play with water.
If it’s warm enough, pull out the water and let your kids have a little fun. You can go all out and set up the kiddie pools early or you can just give them a bin or buckets to play with. Water can provide endless fun for kids.
Work on a project.
If your kids are old enough, involve them in an outdoor project that you’ve been putting off. Have you been planning to build something? Paint something? Organize an area?
Plant something.
Spring is coming in a few days! Take advantage of the outdoors and plant something. You could go crazy and plant an entire garden or you could keep it simple with one or two plants.
Spring clean the outdoors.
Have you neglected keeping up with things outside? Are there weeds to pull? Dirty toys that could use a quick clean? Piles to clear? Involve your kids and see what kind of cleaning you can get done together.
Notes
This activity is a bit different from our normal activities of the day but it’s no less important. Honestly, you could just take the kids outside and let them explore. Nature has a lot of learning and play opportunities to offer for our kids.
This activity is a part of our Activity of the Day series. This series was created to help parents with activities to do during school closures due to the coronavirus. Check back every weekday for new activity that you can do with kids of all ages!
