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Outdoor ideas for kids
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Yes, I know this is sad that I need to come up with ideas to keep my little one busy outside. He loves to go outside but after an hour he is ready to come in. He is 4. I need ideas to find ways to get him involved with something that can help lengthen our outside times to 2-3 hr. stretches for the morning. Any ideas? This is what I already have and do: sandbox, gardening, water, bubbles, riding his bikes/cars, chalk, digging, playground/trampoline, paint, nature study (we do this once a week), washing cars, nature hunts. We are starting to do reading outside with older brothers so they can be outside more too but looking for things he can do by himself or occasionally I can do with him. (I try to read some during this time to keep up with older boys readings).
Thanks!
I totally applode your efforts to get you kids to spend more time outside! I just finished writing several blog posts on the benefits of spending time in “green space” and was impressed by what research has found about the wealth of gifts a little time outside can offer.
I volunteer at a nature center (called the Plains Conservation Center) and they have an area they call the nature nook– its really a stock tank with a pump, a bunch of dirt and several good sized logs. I have been astounded to watch a few hundred girls (in school grade groups 1-6 of about 35 at a time) play for hours in that simple play yard!
Maybe you could somewhat recreate it with a shallow tub of water, some good old dirt, a supply of river rocks and 18 inch longish logs. Also measuring cups and other sturdy dishes have always been a big with my kids outdoor.
Good luck and enjoy the great outdoors!
LindseyThanks Lindsey, I will think on that one. We live in the woods about 8 acres surely I/we can come up with something! I have read several books about how this culture is so nature deprived! I loved being outside as a kid and have fond memories of “adventures” my siblings and I had. My middle son who is 12 has no problem coming up with stuff on his own but still working with my oldest and youngest. I thought if they had some project of sorts it would keep them busy. 🙂
I am surprised your 4 year old will entertain himself for an hour outside with out his siblings. My 4 year old wants to always be WITH his siblings, LOL. Which often works, so they all go outsidd 🙂
As for activities, it sounds like you have great ideas. It might just take time as he gets older and he becomes more able to do things on his own physically. My youngest often wants his siblings, so they can help him with him with his ideas.
My boys LOVE to dig, so there is an area in our yard they can dig in. I put an umbrella up when it gets sunny for shade. They dig holes, look for “treasure”, using just small spades so it keeps them busy.
Lindsay,
Are you in Colorado? I take my kids to Plains Conservation Center often! They love that nature nook. I can’t wait until it cools off a little bit so we can get out there again.
How about some bug catcher things? We have butterfly nets and one of those butterfly things that you can keep them in, a role poly habitat, jars with holes in the lids for random bugs, empty flower pots for frogs and lizards… I just saw a book yesterday too called Pets in a Jar that I am going to try to get through our inter library loan. It is how to catch critters and keep them (for a short time) for observation. Sadly my kids refuse to play outside right now because they are terribly afraid of things that “buzz.” Bees, wasps, etc. No convincing them right now. Boo.
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