Collaborative Post
As the wettest May ever draws to a close, and the promise of a sunnier June is on the horizon, wanted to share with you some activities that the children like to do outside during the summer months, following on from Regatta’s #OurGreenSpace campaign. Sharing drawings of outdoor spaces designed by children, Kid’s Ultimate Green Space encourages kids to use their imagination when thinking of the outdoors. I will admit, my children have spent more time than I would like on their electronic devices over the pandemic, so I think it is more important than ever for them to get outside and to use their creative minds.
Gardening
If you need to work on the garden, as the seasons are set to change again, why not get the children involved and make it a fun family project? If you are worried about the results, you could always set aside a small patch for the children to work on. Gardening is a great incentive to get outside, and children will be able to proudly show off the results of their labour to friends and family now that restrictions have begun to lift on visitors.
Toasting Marshmallows
Not able to get away on holiday this year? Bring the holiday to you with a back garden camping trip! If you have a tent, pitch it and go all out, but even if you don’t have one you can enjoy the activities that go hand in hand with a camping holiday, from the comfort of your own garden. Toast marshmallows, watch the sunset and count the stars in the sky, before telling each other spooky stories or having a singalong.
Making Potions
I used to spend hours outside when I was younger, with my brother and next door neighbour in our ‘den’, where we would make up potions and create elaborate stories about where we were and what we were doing. I would love the children to enjoy some of the same carefree fun that I did. This one is all about letting them run with it, allowing their creativity to shine, and just waiting to clean up the mess afterwards!
Outdoor Treasure Hunts
I am a big fan of a good treasure hunt, and it is a brilliant way to get the kids outside and in the fresh air, all whilst enjoying the game. You can pick up ready made treasure hunt boxes, or find clues to prepare for yourself online, or you could get your own creative hat on and make one up from scratch. It’s all about having fun!
I am a firm believer that screen time is ok, as long as there are limits in place, but getting outside is also so important for children ?(and adults too). Making time outdoors as fun and creative as possible can help encourage children who are reluctant to leave the house, and can help strengthen your bond as a family too!
