| One of the most vital aspects of toddler | | | | * Food – a picnic is a lovely way to encourage |
| development come through the outdoor play time | | | | children to sit and relax while eating and discussing |
| they have and the equipment parents provide for | | | | their day. |
| them. Whether it is a purchase for the backyard or a | | | | * Nature walk – a slow walk to study trees and |
| regular trip to the park a toddler will benefit from the | | | | things around them is a nice way to wind down from |
| opportunity to get outdoors and have fun. | | | | active play. It's also an opportunity to talk with kids |
| The toys and equipment are often beneficial for | | | | about how wonderful nature is around them. |
| major muscle groups with running and climbing but | | | | * Read a story – a book outside is a wonderful |
| there is also the chance for them to get some | | | | way to settle things down a little. Sitting quietly |
| sensory play with the messier things like water, sand, | | | | together or in a group situation with a good book to |
| and dirt. Outdoors is also the perfect place for the | | | | read out loud will be something they will remember. |
| messier crafts like gluing and painting if the weather | | | | Find a shady spot if the sun is hot. |
| is right. | | | | Important things to remember |
| Great Things Kids Can Play With Outside | | | | Sun Safe |
| Outdoor play needn't be just about expensive play | | | | Be sure to slip, slop, slap with shirts, sunscreen, and |
| equipment. There are many cheap and even free | | | | hats and find ample shade areas. The sun can be |
| ways to get the most out of your toddlers outdoor | | | | fiercest between the hours of 10am and 4pm so in |
| time. | | | | summer think about staying indoors during these |
| * Paddling pools – great on the ground for | | | | times. |
| paddling or even on a table for hand play. Add some | | | | Drinks |
| cups and buckets for pouring and floating fun. | | | | Smaller children can dehydrate quickly. Although they |
| * Bubbles – All kids love bubble. You can have fun | | | | may have some other drinks like juice or milk, be |
| blowing them or invest in a bubble machine. These | | | | sure to give them water. Juices and cordials have a |
| help to give toddlers spatial awareness as they try | | | | high sugar content and can also dehydrate so use |
| and catch the bubbles. | | | | those occasionally and in conjunction with plain water. |
| * Ride On Toys – outdoors kids can have a lot | | | | Water Safe |
| of fun on ride on toys. They might be learning to | | | | If you have any water present or are near water, |
| pedal, scooter, or just pushing with their legs. | | | | watch the kids like a hawk. It takes very little water |
| * Balls, skipping ropes, bowling – these types of | | | | to put them in danger so be vigilant. |
| games help with hand-eye coordination as well as | | | | Adult Supervision |
| playing with others included in a game. | | | | This point cannot be stressed enough. Supervision is |
| * Natural Props – give children the chance to play | | | | a key factor to a great time being had outside. |
| with leaves, logs, rocks, sticks and other things in the | | | | Things can easily develop into a dangerous situation |
| natural environment. It is a great way to learn about | | | | or children can wander off if you are watching them |
| the world around them. | | | | close enough to be able to grab them when needed. |
| * Being loud – not only do kids get a chance to | | | | Leaving toddlers with older kids is not adequate |
| run and jump outside they get a chance to shout and | | | | supervision. Teenagers may be fine on a one on one |
| make a higher level of noise than indoors. | | | | situation. |
| Balance Boisterous Outdoor Play With Some Quiet | | | | Play With Them |
| Time | | | | See outdoor play as an opportunity to join in the play |
| Playing outdoors will certainly wear your child out and | | | | with children. Get up and chase, rune and laugh along |
| make them tired. This is a good thing in many ways | | | | with them for a while. This will not only give them a |
| but do be aware that the smaller the child the faster | | | | wonderful time but will keep you active as well. |
| they will get tired and it can take very little play at | | | | Outdoor toys and play equipment will foster a lot of |
| first. | | | | physical and mental development in toddlers. It is a |
| Also for older preschoolers too much excited play | | | | part of the day that is always enjoyable for them. |
| can over-stimulate and cause problems with behavior. | | | | Even if the weather is a little cool or there is a little |
| So rather than completely free play time, try to | | | | rain this is great time to get them into the wet |
| structure in some rest and quieter times as well. | | | | weather gear and go find some puddles to jump into. |
| There are a few ways you can do this: | | | | |