13 (Fun) Old-Fashioned Outdoor Activities for Kids
"Mom,
I'm bored!
With this list, you'll never hear those dreaded words again. Forget technology. Keep kids occupied this summer with good, old-fashioned outdoor adventures.
Seasons search: Go out and find 10 things that you will only see during the summer.
Make compost or talk about how worms "make" soil.
On a hot summer day, play outside in the rain in your bathing suit!
If the grass is slippery, slide on it. If there's a muddy spot, play in the mud!
Pick dandelions, clover or Queen Anne's Lace bouquets. You can display them in a vase. (Local park staff can let you know which invasive alien plants can be picked from your backyard or vacant neighborhood lots or roadsides without harm to the environment.)
Shake and blow dandelion seed heads.
Go for a creek walk in old gym shoes or boots. It's like one continuous puddle!
Go outside on a windy day with bubble blowers, paper airplanes, simple kites, etc.
Make some Solar S'mores! Line an old pizza box with some foil and make it into an "oven" to melt your marshmallows and chocolate. Talk about the sun and alternative/renewable energy sources.
Have a camp out in your back yard. Use a tape recorder to record and identify all the sounds you hear through the night. (OK, so there's a little technology involved!)
Have a star party and plan a picnic under the stars. Spend time on a blanket with some star shaped snacks talking together and "wondering" about the universe.
Find a great grassy area to lie down on and watch the clouds. What do they look like? You can even bring a lunch and a blanket!
Sit in the grass and make a necklace out of clover for someone special. Just tie them together with a knot.
Find more ideas here!
Related links:
Why Kids Need to Spend Time Outdoors
Active Kids Do Better in School
Kids Need Exercise Too!
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