We can feel it. The warmer weather is coming. Soon kids will be out of school and are ready to get outside. Summer is a great time to encourage children’s imaginations, and nothing can beat sending them outside into God’s creation to come up with their own adventures. But if you’re looking for some more directed play, try one of these five options.
Outside Reading Circle
If your kids are older, they can grab a book on their own and set up their own reading nook outside. Reading the fresh air will help attention span and retention. For the younger kids, throw down a picnic blanket and read an outdoorsy story out loud. Frog and Toad, Peter Rabbit, even the Hobbit can be great options to read aloud and then let the kids loose in the yard to reenact or create new scenarios as the characters.
Go on a Nature Hunt
Start by making a list of common things you see outside: clouds, twig, bird, berries, flowers. Create the list based on how much time you have, using fewer words for a shorter time, or more if you want to be out for a while. Print off the list, provide a clipboard, pencil and one sheet to each child and have them cross off the items when they spot them. For added fun, ask the kids to draw what they see!
Visit the Zoo or Animal Sanctuary
Do you have a zoo nearby? If so, that is the perfect warm weather trip with kids. Pack a picnic, and take the kids to have lunch with the animals! One cost effective alternative to avoid the cost of admission: Check if there are any local animal sanctuaries. Often admission is free to see these animals and can be a great opportunity to learn about stewardship and animal care.
Obstacle Courses
This is one of my favorites! Using items I already have in my garage, I love to set up obstacle courses to use up the kids’ energy; whether on their bikes or on their own two feet. 2x4s become balance beams, five-gallon buckets become obstacles to run circles around, and small pieces of rubber are perfect for jumping jacks or jumping over. Get creative, and if you’re using bikes, use some sidewalk chalk to draw driving lanes, stop signs and roundabouts!
Backyard Camp Out
No need to spring for a campsite – camp in your own backyard! All you need is a tent, sleeping bags and a flashlight. As the sun goes down, be on the lookout for fireflies and the first star to appear! If the town lights are dim enough, see if you can spot any constellations in the night sky and ask the kids if they hear anything interesting (crickets, owls, etc.). Shadow puppets on the side of the tent are always a great way to end the day!
