Summers inevitably bring back memories of long lazy days filled with laughter and play. As parents, we need to encourage our kids to go out and play to create such memories. In fact we should go out and play with them. This helps them put aside their dragon games or animes they are reading on their devices. Playing on devices is okay, but the summer vacation is meant for outdoor play and projects.
Here are 8 activities for you to pick from for this summer:
1. Water Games with a Bucket of Water
It's amazing what a bucket of water and some imagination can provide. Entertainment for a long time. Kids could be encouraged to lob stones into the bucket, from a distance. Alternatively, they could see how many stones can be put into the water, They could try this with various sizes of stones. Kids could also be encouraged to float things on water. Natural things like stones, leaves and flowers or actual store bought toys. Talk about things which float and those that don't.
2. Try some Gardening
Kids try these things at school, but the home environment is a great place to encourage growing plants or seedlings. After kids plant seeds get them keep track of the number of days seeds takes to sprout. If the seeds are good and the beds are not trampled on, then they might go on to harvest some produce.
3. Swing in the Open
If you have the space in the yard, tie the kids an outdoors swing at home. They can spend hours doing nothing but twirling around. You'll notice them using the rope in a variety of ways. This is because kids can get real inventive with a rope!
4. Climb trees
If you are lucky enough to have trees around, start them to do some tree climbing. They'll need your help, and adults need to be watchful when they negotiate tricky bits. Low branches can be useful in climbing.
5. Traditional Outdoor Games
These are inevitably old world games which have morphed over time, but have remained great favorites of kids. Some of these can be played indoors, but they are more memorable when played outside. Some of the games are are hopscotch, shadow tag, hide-and-seek etc.
6. Try some outdoor painting
Put up some paper on the side of the garage. Use a squirt gun or a big piece of cotton or anything that can absorb to start the artwork. Splash on color and paint up a storm.
7. Design simple play equipment
Got some rope, spare tires, energy and time? If the kids are still young, make some outdoor equipment for them. Use help that kids offer, appropriate to their age.
8. Try some Leaf Beating
This is a simple activity to set up outside and requires very little preparation. It can e tried out on both paper and cloth. All you need is a hammer, some leaves and flowers, and some paper or white cloth. Place the leaf on paper.cloth. Cover it with a piece of tissue and hammer the areas with a leaf underneath, Peel the tissue to see beautiful designs!
With kids around in the summer, parents need to get creative and innovate with things that are easily available. This can make for some exciting activities with wonderful bonding, all the while making memories which will last a child a lifetime!
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1. Water Games with a Bucket of Water
It's amazing what a bucket of water and some imagination can provide. Entertainment for a long time. Kids could be encouraged to lob stones into the bucket, from a distance. Alternatively, they could see how many stones can be put into the water, They could try this with various sizes of stones. Kids could also be encouraged to float things on water. Natural things like stones, leaves and flowers or actual store bought toys. Talk about things which float and those that don't.
2. Try some Gardening
Kids try these things at school, but the home environment is a great place to encourage growing plants or seedlings. After kids plant seeds get them keep track of the number of days seeds takes to sprout. If the seeds are good and the beds are not trampled on, then they might go on to harvest some produce.
3. Swing in the Open
If you have the space in the yard, tie the kids an outdoors swing at home. They can spend hours doing nothing but twirling around. You'll notice them using the rope in a variety of ways. This is because kids can get real inventive with a rope!
4. Climb trees
If you are lucky enough to have trees around, start them to do some tree climbing. They'll need your help, and adults need to be watchful when they negotiate tricky bits. Low branches can be useful in climbing.
5. Traditional Outdoor Games
These are inevitably old world games which have morphed over time, but have remained great favorites of kids. Some of these can be played indoors, but they are more memorable when played outside. Some of the games are are hopscotch, shadow tag, hide-and-seek etc.
6. Try some outdoor painting
Put up some paper on the side of the garage. Use a squirt gun or a big piece of cotton or anything that can absorb to start the artwork. Splash on color and paint up a storm.
7. Design simple play equipment
Got some rope, spare tires, energy and time? If the kids are still young, make some outdoor equipment for them. Use help that kids offer, appropriate to their age.
8. Try some Leaf Beating
This is a simple activity to set up outside and requires very little preparation. It can e tried out on both paper and cloth. All you need is a hammer, some leaves and flowers, and some paper or white cloth. Place the leaf on paper.cloth. Cover it with a piece of tissue and hammer the areas with a leaf underneath, Peel the tissue to see beautiful designs!
With kids around in the summer, parents need to get creative and innovate with things that are easily available. This can make for some exciting activities with wonderful bonding, all the while making memories which will last a child a lifetime!
