Summer is usually filled with new experiences and adventures for kids. This year has been different. The coronavirus pandemic has kept kids and parents close to home. If you and your kids are stir-crazy, there is hope! Many outdoor activities are low risk. You can safely get outside and enjoy exploring together. We’ve rounded up a list of 6 safe outdoor activities to do with your kids.
Why you should prioritize outdoor time
Spending time outside, interacting with nature, isn’t just a fun break from TV and smart screens. Studies have shown that spending time outside improves children’s mental and physical wellbeing. Kids who enjoy quality time outside regularly are less likely to become obese or develop Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. They have better motor skills and are more engaged learners. Kids who play outside often display greater creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking than their peers. Fun, Safe Outdoor Activities During 2020 Pandemic
Create an Obstacle Course in Your Backyard
Challenge your kids to create an obstacle course using items you already have. Let them use sidewalk chalk, soccer balls, jump ropes, pool or beach toys, etc. to create their path. Once it’s completed, let your kids’ race to see who can end one faster—using a stopwatch to measure their time.
Head Outside for Story Time
Grab a blanket and books about nature, then take your kids outside for storytime! Reading to your children outside will be a nice change of routine for you and them. Lay a blanket out on your lawn, let your kids settle in around you, then read books that draw attention to the nature around you.
Play Kickball or Soccer.
While it’s a good idea to avoid high contact sports, like basketball, soccer and kickball are low-risk. There is much less contact between players on the field. You and your kids can play in your yard or at a local park. If they play at the park, be sure that your kids know to keep a safe distance from new players who may join that don’t live with you.
Create Nature Sculptures
Help your kids gather supplies from nature like leaves, flowers, twigs, pine cones, rocks, etc. Then settle down at a picnic table and create a sculpture using the supplies. Let your kids use play dough, along with the objects they found, to make it.
Go on a Family Bike Ride or Walk
Grab your bikes or walking shoes and explore your neighborhood. If you want to make it even more fun for your kids, turn it into a scavenger hunt! Give your kids a list of things to be on the lookout for during their bike ride or walk.
Visit a local park or beach
Leaving your backyard may feel risky, but studies suggest that the risk of catching COVID-19 outside is low if you are cautious. Be sure to bring masks with you and keep in mind to stay at least 6 feet away from people outside your family.
Spending time outside is great for you and your kids! We hope this list helps you enjoy the outdoors more with your little ones during the 2020 pandemic. If you are looking for additional enrichment for your kids this summer, check out Kids ‘R’ Kids Summer Camp!