7 Outdoor Play Projects

Most young children like the exciting freedom of playing outside, where they can jump like a frog, swim like a fish, climb like a monkey, and use their imaginations – all of which are more difficult to do inside. However, outdoor play is more than just having fun. The vast outdoors offers your child a plethora of learning opportunities, from developing her physical and social skills to sharpening her cognitive abilities through observation, inquiry, and experimenting.

When your child goes to the playground, he experiences his surroundings through sight, smell, touch, and hearing. He can count the number of birds on the ground, feel the various textures of leaves, and hear dogs barking. He learns how to take turns, engage in imaginative play with other children, and make decisions like how high to climb. He develops fine- and gross-motor abilities, as well as eye-hand coordination, by digging in the sand and splashing in the water.

You can build a dynamic outdoor learning environment right in your own backyard — or at the park or beach — with a few simple resources and a little imagination. Much of the best and most popular outdoor play equipment is basic and low-cost. These seven suggestions will keep the outside learning continuing all summer:

1. Investigate sand and water. Few things are as appealing to both young children and teachers as sand and water. Teachers adore the adaptability and hands-on learning; youngsters adore the exploratory joy! Large plastic bins are ideal for creating a sand and water area, while funnels and handheld eggbeaters make amusing water toys. Add food coloring to the water or a small amount of soap to generate bubbles to customize the experience. Spoons, scoops, small plastic containers, strainers, and colanders all make excellent sand toys. To stimulate pretend play, add toy animals or tiny cars, or wet the sand to inspire sculpting and construction.
2. Bring your art work outside. Bring your easel outside for a painting session if you have one. If you don’t have any, use clothespins to attach paper to a fence. You can even tape paper to your house or porch (you may want to attach a layer of plastic underneath the paper to prevent your house from being painted!). Bring your child’s art tools (including paper, glue, and a portable watercolor paint set) to a nearby park, where she can paint a variety of discovered objects or create a collage out of sticks, leaves, and seeds. Finger painting is a fun, free-spirited outdoor pastime, and you don’t have to worry about what your fingertips touch as you move from the paper to the hand-washing area. Clay and play dough are also quite portable.
3. Construct an outdoor seating area. Outdoor furniture serves as a platform for imaginative play. Set out some plastic chairs and tables – they’re cheap, easy to clean, and can be used indoors as well — as well as plates, trays, and cups, and you’ve got yourself an instant tea party. Bring out a box of dress-up outfits for some outdoor fun. (Keep long gowns and high-heeled shoes inside because children can trip while running in them, and never allow youngsters to climb when dressed up.) This tranquil space is ideal for studying manipulatives, finding nature objects, or other quiet activities that build fine-motor abilities. Gather seeds, nuts, stones, or other natural objects for children over the age of four to practice counting and sorting.
4. Make a tent or a playhouse. Tents, forts, and playhouses serve two functions: they enhance pretend play while also sheltering youngsters from the sun. Simply drape a sheet or piece of cloth across a table and chairs to create a playhouse that will spark your child’s imagination. Bring some snacks and books with you for story time.
5. Take part in a scavenger hunt. This simple, no-cleanup exercise will be enjoyed by the entire family in the backyard or at the local park. You can hide objects and have everyone tick them off the list as they are discovered. You can also simply ask your youngster to find something soft, green, or round.
6. Create a little garden. This activity improves observation and prediction skills while also instilling a love of nature. If you have the space, you can plant in the ground. If you don’t have a yard, consider participating in a community garden or simply planting in pots. Plants that are easy to grow include grass, beans, and flowers like zinnias and cosmos. Planting flowers that attract birds and butterflies, such as sunflowers, snapdragons, and impatiens, can enhance the experience.
7. Install a bird feeder. Your child will enjoy observing and feeding the birds. String or yarn, pinecones, peanut butter, a plastic knife, a plate, and birdseed are all need to construct your own bird feeder. Tie the rope around the pinecone, then spread peanut butter on it and roll it in birdseed. The pinecone should be hung on a tree limb. A birdbath, which can be as basic as a large plant saucer filled with an inch or so of water, can attract even more birds.

When you are outside, remember to shield your children and yourself from the sun. Plan outside activities for early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sun’s rays are less powerful than at midday. Always put sunscreen on youngsters and dress them in protective clothes, such as caps and sunglasses. Then get your supplies and a few snacks and head out!