Building off our recent blog post about the importance of regular activity and exercise, with spring in full-bloom and the weather getting nicer, why not take advantage of the longer days and beautiful sunshine by taking the kids outside to participate in some fun activities that will get their minds and bodies working. Following are a few activities you can do with your children that will support their ongoing intellectual development while enjoying the great outdoors.
Plant a garden
What child doesn’t like to get dirty? Take that love of dirt and turn it into a love of gardening. Spending time building a garden with your child will provide them with an opportunity to develop greater knowledge of various types of plants, flowers and trees, the seasons they grow and what they need in order to grow. It will also heighten their appreciation for nature and fill them with a sense of accomplishment as the garden begins to grow.
Just as important to the educational benefits of designing and building a garden with your child is the quality time you will spend together in not only creating the garden, but caring for it throughout the spring, summer and fall. To get started on your garden, visit http://www.kidsgardening.org/family.asp.
Go exploring
Who is your child’s favorite explorer? Is it Magellan? Perhaps it’s Henry Hudson? Whoever their favorite explorer is or even if they don’t have one, children have wonderful imaginations and they love to play make believe, so get out and explore “the world” with your child. Go hiking and pretend you’re Lewis and Clark on an expedition to the Pacific Coast. Take a boat ride and pretend you’re Columbus traveling the Atlantic Ocean. Build an imaginary airplane from boxes, set them up outside and watch as Amelia Earhart takes off from your driveway. There’s plenty of information online about explorers that you can use to have fun and sharpen your child’s (and your) knowledge. To begin, visit http://www.allaboutexplorers.com/explorers.
Outdoor Art Show
Don’t want to go to a museum because it’s too nice out? Well then, let the museum come to you. Host an outdoor art show with the neighborhood kids. First, have children work on a piece of art using whatever materials they can find. Second, hang a clothesline between two trees in your yard. Third, hang the artwork on the clothesline for everyone to view. Don’t forget to invite the neighbors and be sure the artists are on hand to discuss their inspiration. For additional outdoor educational activities, visit http://fun.familyeducation.com/play/outdoor-activities/33394.html.
Learning doesn’t have to be an indoor activity; there’s plenty to learn outdoors as well. Simply find an outdoor educational game or project that aligns with your child’s interest and enjoy.
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