GET YOUR KIDS TO STEP AWAY FROM THE SCREEN AND INTO THE SUN!

Summer is the perfect time to encourage kids to step away from their screens and engage in outdoor activities that are both fun and educational. Here are some of our favourites.

Juggling This is a fantastic skill that promotes hand-eye coordination, concentration, and perseverance. Start with basic juggling techniques using soft balls or beanbags. As they progress, they can try juggling with more objects or learn tricks. Juggling a great physical activity, which boosts cognitive skills and focus.

Skipping A classic outdoor activity that provides an excellent cardiovascular workout while improving coordination and balance. Start with basic jumps and gradually progress to more complex techniques like crisscross, double-unders, or even group skipping routines. Skipping can also be done with friends, making it a social activity.

Flower Pressing Pressing flowers is a wonderful way for kids to engage with nature and their creativity. Encourage them to explore their surroundings, identify different flowers and plants, and collect specimens for pressing. Pressed flowers can be used for various crafts such as making greeting cards, or artwork.

Roller-skating This is a fun and active outdoor activity that challenges balance and coordination and develops leg strength. Kids can learn to roller skate in a safe environment like a local skate park or a designated skating area. Once they get the hang of it, they can branch out to skills like skating backward, executing turns, or even trying some simple tricks. Roller skating provides an exciting way to stay active while enjoying the summer weather.

Identifying Insects Encourage your mini entomologist by teaching kids how to identify common insects. Provide them with a guidebook or use online resources to help them recognise different species. Kids can go on nature walks or explore their gardens to spot insects, learn about their habitats, and observe their behaviours. This activity is great for promoting curiosity, environmental awareness, and an understanding of the vital role insects play in our ecosystem.

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Here are a few ideas for some indoor activities: Indoor Fort or Tent Help children build a fort or set up a tent indoors using blankets, pillows, and furniture. They can create a cozy space to read books, play with toys, or even have a pretend camping adventure.

Board Games or Card Games Gather a collection of age-appropriate board games or card games and play together as a family or with friends. This not only keeps children entertained but also helps develop their social and cognitive skills.

Scavenger Hunt Create a scavenger hunt with clues or a list of items for children to find around the house. It can be themed or simply a hunt for everyday objects. This activity adds an element of excitement and adventure to their day.

Science Experiments Engage children in simple science experiments using household items. They can explore concepts like density by making a homemade lava lamp or create a baking soda and vinegar volcano. There are numerous online resources available with easy and safe experiments for kids.

Cooking or Baking Involve children in the kitchen by allowing them to help with ageappropriate cooking or baking tasks. They can mix ingredients, decorate cookies, or even make simple recipes like sandwiches or smoothies.

Storytelling or Writing Encourage children to use their imagination by writing or telling stories. They can write their own short stories or create a comic strip. Alternatively, they can make up stories and act them out using puppets or stuffed animals.

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