Outdoor play is very important for childhood development. Gaining physical skills improves a child’s physical coordination through the movement of their body. Children enhance their abilities to run, throw, skip and balance when playing outdoors. Physical activities do not just increase a child’s physical growth, but they enhance their mental development as well. They help build confidence and strengthen a person’s mind, and their positive effects are enhanced when they are performed outdoors. The importance of physical education is not lost on any parent, which is why we have gathered some outdoor activities that every parent should introduce to their children.
Painting
Art projects aren’t solely indoor activities. They can be transferred outdoors, where your kids can get a little more creative. Body painting, from foot and handprints to throwing paint at each other or slathering themselves in paint, can really enhance a child’s artistic side. Giving children the total freedom to get messy is a prerequisite for child development. This activity is a fun way to spend an afternoon, and you won’t have to worry about cleaning up the mess. Turn on the sprinklers and allow for a quick wash before entering the house. Just make sure you buy easily washable paint so you won’t have to spend hours scrubbing afterward.
Fishing
Fishing is a great activity for you and your child to bond. It builds and boosts confidence in a child, encourages them to believe in themselves, and leads them to become more independent. Many parents find that fishing teaches self-discipline as well as patience and has transformed their children’s lives. You can start this glorious activity today with some helpful fishing tips through a specialized online website that would recommend the best fishing gear, locations, etc.. It’s always best to check reviews before any purchase so you wouldn’t end up with gear that is not durable. The act of learning to earn this skill, and then succeeding, will inspire children to persevere in all aspects of their lives, like school, sporting activities, and relationships.
Treasure Hunts
Another way to appreciate nature and promote family bonding is to create a treasure hunt in your backyard, or even along your street. Designing a map to guide your children would be a fun way to spend the day. This type of activity gets everyone involved in the experience and promotes determination in a child. This also helps children adopt the concept of working hard by challenging them to earn the reward.
Sports
Any sporting activity encourages a healthy lifestyle for your children as it is a great form of exercise and an excellent stress reliever. You can opt for any type of sport from hanging a basketball hoop in your garden or garage to opting for volleyball, football, or even mini-golf.
Sports encourage teamwork as well as bonding and motivate children to get back up after a failure and try harder. This perseverance will strengthen their mind and boost their confidence throughout their lives.
Biking
Bike rides are an essential part of child development. Most kids remember their first bike, the first time they fell off of it, and the family bonding that occurred when they were taught how to ride it. Biking is a great exercise that really improves a child’s ability to balance. It is a fun activity that any child can share with their parents, siblings, and friends. It keeps them busy for hours on end and allows them to explore the town and appreciate nature’s scenery. Just make sure you provide your child with the appropriate safety gear, from helmets to knee-pads, and make sure the bicycle they are riding is age-appropriate. You can even allow them to choose the color they want for their bike, which will give them a sense of ownership.
Obstacle Course
A great way to channel your children’s energy through some healthy and fun exercise is to create an obstacle course in your backyard. Use the objects you already have around the house such as skipping ropes, hula-hoops, boxes, and even bowling pins. This will keep the kids entertained and provide a little healthy competition among siblings. Adding a timer to the game will spice things up, too.
Outdoor play is vital for a child’s development. It is also a great and easy way to entice them to do some daily exercise while getting the necessary dose of Vitamin D. There are plenty of exciting ways to create outdoor fun for your children without having to spend a lot of money. Engaging your children in these activities can promote family bonding and encourage a healthy lifestyle. You would also be providing your children with many important life and educational skills without even knowing it because you will all be having too much fun playing with them.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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