Summer is a great time to be outdoors. Kids of all ages love spending the sunny days playing outside and exploring nature. However, during the spring season, it can be tough to figure out outdoor activities that will keep your child entertained and active. Let’s take a look at some ways to make outdoor playtime even more fun.
The Importance of Outdoor Play to Children
Vitamin D is an important nutrient for the body because it helps build strong bones and teeth by absorbing calcium from the foods that we eat. Luckily for us, our bodies can produce vitamin D using sunlight. This means that just 15 minutes of daily sun exposure can help increase vitamin D levels in the body!
Making Outdoor Play Fun for Your Child
When it comes to outdoor play, good equipment and stimulating activities can make the difference between having fun and wanting to come inside. Here are three outdoor activities that you can try with your child before the camp season begins.
Go for a bike ride or take a walk.
There’s nothing like getting physically engaged with your environment! As the weather heats up, going for a light bike ride or taking a walk gets the heart pumping while also allowing your child to take in all of nature’s beauty. From the fresh air to the vibrant spring colors, there’s plenty out there to capture your child’s imagination!
You can also make outdoor play more fun by tasking your child with mentally stimulating activities throughout their bike rides or walks. Have them count the amount and/or the types of birds they see while riding, or teach them about the types of trees they encounter. Examine the bark, branches, or the burgeoning leaves as springtime blooms. Don’t forget to breathe in the crisp, fresh air!
Play “I Spy” with spring colors.
Playing this timeless game with spring colors is a great way to come together as a family while also getting fresh air and exercise. This activity is also educational since you’ll be talking about the different colors of the trees. It also gives your kids an opportunity to practice their counting skills as well! Look for items that are red, yellow, orange, and brown.
Do outdoor arts-and-crafts.
Making leaf prints is a favorite activity for campers of all ages, as it allows you to collect your favorite leaves to preserve their beauty. To make leaf prints, gather leaves of different sizes and shapes, as well as a few other materials. Next, lay out the leaves on a piece of paper towel or wax paper and place another sheet of paper towel or wax paper on top. Take a hard object like a rolling pin or hammer and roll or hammer over the leaves until you see the shape of the leaf imprinted on the paper towel or wax paper underneath.
These tips can help make your outdoor playtime safe and fun for both you and your kids. Remember: The most important thing is to create outdoor activities that are enjoyable for you and your child, bringing you closer together in the process.
To learn more about ways to keep your child healthy and happy before camp starts, get in touch with us at LuHi today!
