Kids belong in the fresh air. However, most parents cannot afford trips to the zoo, the theme parks and other outdoor amusement areas every weekend. Here are some fun ways to get the little ones outside and active without breaking the bank.
Activities for Kids at the Park and Out and About
Fly a Kite: start the fun off at home by making a kite with cardboard. There are plenty of kite templates online that can be printed out and copied. Then, pack a picnic basket full of goodies, grab that kite and the little one and hit the park on a windy day.
Hold a Mini Olympics: the park equipment is not just for play. It can also be used as a great obstacle course. When going to the playground, set a simple course for the little one. Bring a stop watch and time him as he jumps, sprints and dives his way to the finish line.
Become a Bookworm: if the little one is tired of the swings, then why not pack a few of his favorite books? Find a shady spot under the tree, spread out a blanket and enjoy story time in a different setting.
Take a Hike: check the local tourist website for hikes in the area. Hiking is a great way to explore the great outdoors, to get exercise and to venture outside without spending a cent. Furthermore, children love heading into the bush and getting dirty!
Backyard Fun for Children
Go Back to the Basics: there are so many great outdoor games that have kept generations of children entertained. Hide and Seek, Mr. Wolf, Simon Says, Ring Around the Rosie, Tag and Red Rover are just a few of the oldies but goodies. Kids still love playing them, especially when there are a few of them to join in the fun.
Create a Scavenger Hunt: children love hunting for items. However, there is no reason to wait for Easter to have a scavenger hunt in the backyard. There are plenty of ‘nature’ scavenger hunts available online that will entertain the little ones for hours!
Star Gazing: instead of spending yet another evening in front of the television, grab a blanket and head outside for some star gazing. Marvel at the full moon, the planets, the stars, and whatever else the little ones can imagine up in the sky.
Creative Ideas for the Kiddies
Make a College: forget the glitter and crayons. Instead, let the kiddies make a college out of the great outdoor accessories. This can include leaves, feathers and other treasures they find around the yard.
Host a Tea Party: children love to play host and ‘tea parties’ are one of the easiest ways to keep them entertained. All that is needed is a tea set, a blanket, a few stuffed animals, cookies and water and the little one is in business. For the more adventurous connoisseur, children can also open up outdoor restaurants and invite their teddies and dolls to dine al fresco.
Go Chalk Crazy: although, technically not free, a tub of chalk is an inexpensive way to bring out the children’s artistic side. Let the little ones explore their creative side with jumbo-sized chalk on the pavement.
If the weather is nice, then there is no reason not to get outside! So get active, keep the little ones entertained and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer.
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