Outdoor play offers a world of benefits for young children, from helping them build social skills to supporting physical health. For children of all ages, outside activities provide a chance to explore nature, develop coordination and improve their mood. Best of all, outdoor activities do not require special equipment. With just a few simple materials and some creativity, families can enjoy hours of fun together.
Outdoor Activities for You and Your Children:
- Bubble Fun – Blow bubbles and watch your children chase them around. Bubbles are a great way to improve hand-eye coordination and inspire laughter. Infants will be fascinated by the floating bubbles, while toddlers can practice running or jumping to pop them.
- Sidewalk Chalk Art – Use sidewalk chalk and create a drawing together. For infants, try simple shapes or talk about the color of the chalk while you trace their handprint. Toddlers can practice writing their names or creating more detailed artwork. This activity helps with development of fine motor skills and encourages creativity.
- Parachute Play – Locate a large piece of fabric or a colorful blanket and ask your child to hold the edges and gently shake it to make the “parachute” move. Infants love seeing the motion and bright colors, while toddlers and older children can play games, making the parachute rise and fall or hiding underneath it.
- Reading Outdoors – Reading can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend time in the fresh air. Set up a cozy spot with a blanket and a few of your child’s favorite books. As you read, talk about the pictures and encourage your child to point to things they recognize. For infants, you can start with board books that have bright pictures and textures. Toddlers can enjoy stories with simple words, rhymes and fun illustrations. Spending time reading outdoors strengthens language skills and gives children the opportunity to connect with nature while learning.
Whether it’s through unstructured play, simple games or just spending time together outdoors, you can create opportunities for learning, bonding and joyful exploration.