The term “couch potato” describes today’s little ones quite aptly. Spoilt for choice with numerous outlets of entertainment like video games, smartphones, tablets and the good ol’ TVs, kids today hardly feel the need to step out and play. During our times, we’d look forward to a day of hardcore camping, trekking, cycling around the town with the cold breeze brushing through our skins and getting our hands dirty trying to build sandcastles. While our kids may hardly complain about their sedentary lifestyles, it is important that we as parents ensure that they also get a taste of the outdoors. Give them a chance to explore, get inspired and learn from the wonders of nature. Here are top seven ideas for fun outdoor activities that you can try with your kids:
1. Backyard Primping – Turn your backyard into the most fun place for you and your kids to unwind! Take their help to build a tree house or plant new saplings with them in your garden. You could also build a child-friendly climbing wall in one corner of your backyard to spark up the adventurous streak in your kids. With so many fun things to do on your lawn, your kids would hardly want to stay indoors.
2. DIY Camping – Whoever said camping meant traveling long hours and shelling out big bucks didn’t probably think of this bright idea! You could create a camping setup right in your garden with just a little bit of your architectural acumen. Bring on the old sheets, tent poles, an inflatable bed set, a campfire and lots of delicious munchies for the perfect camping set up! You’re sure to have many fun moments with this activity!
3. Hook A Fish – Take your kids on a day out fishing and let them discover little marvels of the aquatic life! As fishing can be a slightly difficult task, ensure you go slow and give your child a solid understanding of the basics involved. Along with fishing, let your kids also enjoy their time splashing water, trying out simple water activities like water ball, collecting shells and pebbles, etc. Ensure you supervise each action of your kids especially if their swimming skills aren’t well polished.
4. Star Gazing – If daytime is the perfect time to appreciate the beauty of the earth and its beings, nighttime is perfect to appreciate what’s beyond! Buy a basic telescope and let your children get fascinated by the celestial bodies. This outdoor activity works even better when done in tandem with your kids’ astronomy lessons in school. On the basis of what your kids have learned at school, ask them to spot different constellations and planets. This activity can also form a part of the camping night.
5. Egg Obstruction – Kids often tend to get bored with routine activities and a pleasant change of scenario can do a lot to boost their enthusiasm levels. This egg obstacle race is a great outdoor activity to do just that! Hand over a plastic spoon and a hard-boiled egg each, to your kids. Let them race with each other, crossing all obstacles such as sofa mountains, crumpled paper rocks, etc. to reach the finish line. If the egg falls during the race, your kids must quickly pick it up and resume the race. The first one to reach the finish line is the winner!
6. Walk Across The Woods – A walk through the woods can be extremely therapeutic, not just for your kids, but for you too! You could play I-spy, track animal footprints, pick flowers, click pictures or even play a game of hide and seek in the woods. Many studies have found the developmental benefits (mental, physical and emotional) of the time spent in nature by kids. According to a report by the Landscape and Human Health Laboratory at the University of Illinois, green play can reduce ADHD symptoms in kids.
7. Potluck Picnic – Involve other families in your outdoor plans and double the fun! You could plan a potluck picnic with your close circle of friends and their kids, so it’s a win-win for everyone! Choose a location that has wide green and open spaces for your kids to run around and enjoy freely. Play a game of Frisbee, UNO or let the kids draw and color under the open skies, depending on what they want to do.
Which of these fun activities are you planning to try with your kids? Do let us know in the comments section below. Enjoy the outdoors!
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