It started in March. "Do you know of any good enrichment programs for my 4 year old this summer?"
I understand. I was there. So much pressure to make sure the kids learn everything they're "supposed to" learn by the age they're "supposed to" learn it. It's so easy to forget that play is just as important than the more formal education. For kids, play is learning.
So this summer, let them play. Let them jump in the puddles and spin around until they're dizzy...just because. Let them climb a tree (or at least try to!) and go up the down slide. Let's let them be the awesome kids they are.
It would be awesome if every parent had time to spend an hour or more each day dedicated to playing with their kids. But most parents don't and some just can't stand kid games. That's okay. These ideas work for solo kids, groups of kids or kids and their grown-ups. Go with what works for you and...have fun!
These are activities that take no time to set up. You can join in if you feel like it, but you don't have to. The point is to let kids play. Let them take the lead, run with their idea, go wild with their imagination. They need it. Just as much as they need to work on spelling words or practice math facts (and I would argue they need the play time even more than those things!).
It would be awesome if every parent had time to spend an hour or more each day dedicated to playing with their kids. But most parents don't and some just can't stand kid games. That's okay. These ideas work for solo kids, groups of kids or kids and their grown-ups. Go with what works for you and...have fun!
These are activities that take no time to set up. You can join in if you feel like it, but you don't have to. The point is to let kids play. Let them take the lead, run with their idea, go wild with their imagination. They need it. Just as much as they need to work on spelling words or practice math facts (and I would argue they need the play time even more than those things!).
* Visit a playground you've never been to before. (Feeling really ambitious? Go playground-hopping!)
* Bring on the sand! If you already have a sand box or table, try playing with it in a new way. How about adding water or even just moving the table to a new location in the yard? If you don't have one, a large Rubbermaid container makes a great thrifty option, and the snap-on covers keep it safe when not in use!
* Water squirters. Place out some water squirters and let the fun begin. The more kids for this one the better, but even one and onlys can have fun knocking over cup towers, watering the flowers and spraying the walls! Not a water gun fan? You could be real brave and let them use the hose!
* Clean a toy car or bike. (There's that hose again. Childhood fact: hoses are awesome!)
* Rainy day? Don't hide out indoors! Make sure the kids are in clothes you don't mind getting all muddy and let them jump in all the puddles they can find. (Adding beach toys like buckets, shovels and sturdy trucks is a bonus!) (P.S. Have a towel ready just inside the door. Lesson learned the hard way...)
* Lay down a chalkboard on the ground. We have a large chalkboard that's perfect for this but mini ones are great too. Add some chalk and maybe even some favorite cars or dolls. The kids will take it from there. (No chalkboard? That's what the ground is for!)
* Roll down a hill. (If no one's around, give it a try with the kiddos. I won't tell. Promise.)
* Kick the can. No, really. Show kids what it was like in those way back days before computers!
* Two words: Bucket and rope. Mind-boggling how much fun kids have with this one! (Suggest adding a stuffed friend to the bucket and you have a DIY elevator. Make sure stuffed friend is not prone to air-sickness.)
* The wonderful thing about water play in the warm weather - it's perfectly fine if the kids end up IN the bin. (In fact, we encourage it!) Set out some spoons, cups and pails (funnels are always a favorite, too!) and let the fun happen. P.S. You don't need to have a fancy water table for this. A kiddie pool or a Rubbermaid-type container is perfect!
* Dirt. Get in the right clothes (a bathing suit is great because you can just hose them off after) and designate an area of the yard when they can dig to their heart's content. If you're feeling really brave, let them have some water to make mud.
* Go on a picnic. And for the record, "picnic" means anytime you eat sitting on the ground. Only have time to make it to the backyard? Go for it! Rainy days are perfect for in-the-house picnics on the floor!
* Fly a kite. Never gets old. No kite on hand? Tie a string to a plastic bag. Sure, it's not the most glamorous, but it's just as fun as any store-bought version (and free!).
* Water balloons. Need I say more?
* How many games can your kids come up with using a ball? (I bet they have tons of ideas you never even thought of!)
* Fort - building it is just half the fun; then you get to play in it! (Remember, forts can be as easy as throwing a sheet over a couple of chairs!)
What's your favorite way to let the kids play? Will you join us in this #SummerOfPlay?
Photo credits: Playground by Gordon by Gordon | Rolling in grass by Dolan Halbrook |
Puddle jumper by USFWS | Blowing bubbles by Ryan Hyde
RSS Feed
