In a world that is dominated by screens and digital distractions, it has become more difficult than ever to remember how valuable spending time outdoors is. We are aware how beautiful and full of wonders nature is yet, as parents, we often tend to opt for the easiest option, which is giving the iPad or iPhone to our little ones for entertainment.
We hope this little blog will shift your thinking towards outdoor play. It gives practical tips and ideas on how to approach outdoor play together with your kids. It’s time to be one with nature!
Create an Outdoor-Friendly Environment
Whenever we want to influence our kids’ habits and choices, it’s necessary to be subtle about it and show an example. One easy way to bring the outdoors closer to their lives is to make sure the backyard is in its best shape for children. An unsafe backyard with construction items and other unnecessary items does not encourage anyone to spend time outdoors. You need to put the time and effort into making your yard the best play area it can be.
Think about things your kids may love; is it a sandbox, a small playhouse, a swing set, a kids’ trampoline or perhaps some equipment for sports like football or basketball? While you do not need to get them all, having a centerpiece that invites kids to play is definitely helpful. Once you have a focal point that brings kids to the yard, you can start incorporating some learning games to outdoor play or simply ask them to assist you in gardening. Let them explore the greenery freely and encourage them to ask questions to learn more about nature and the environment.
Ask for Help in Organizing Outdoor Excursions
Spending time in your backyard is fun, but it is still quite far from the nature experiences you’d like them to give. Also, not everyone has a yard. That is why you’ll also have to explore the world further. Think about things like nature walks, birdwatching, bug hunting and hiking. These are things and activities that encourage sensory play. If you live in a big city, you can simply start by going to the closest child-friendly park. However, sooner or later you’ll want to visit places like nature reserves and wildlife parks.
To fully get the most out of activities like birdwatching or bug hunting, it’s not a bad idea to acquire some knowledge beforehand. Learning about these topics should be relatively simple online. However, if you find yourself struggling to distinguish between different bird species or insects, don’t hesitate to seek help. Many enthusiasts and experts are eager to share their knowledge. So, why not book a session with a knowledgeable guide who can help you and your family on a journey of exploring nature together!
Encourage Nature-Based Play
Another aspect to focus on is nature-based play. Nature-based play refers to play that requires kids to utilize their imagination in their play instead of relying on human-made toys and gadgets. Nature-based play can be, for example, related to building forts or creating art with items found in nature. It could also be all about sensory experiences; putting hands to clay or mud feels different to grass or sand. Some ideas for sensory play could be:
- Pinecone animals
- Nature weaving
- Nature scavenger hunts
- Making collages
- Mud kitchen plays
In summary, nature-based play is all about getting dirty and connecting with the real world with all of its beauty.
In addition to the valuable tips provided for encouraging outdoor curiosity in kids, another enriching activity to consider is beekeeping. Beekeeping is an excellent way to teach children about the environment, biology, and the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem. It provides hands-on experience with nature, helping children understand the life cycle of bees, the process of honey production, and the critical role bees play in pollination. Beekeeping also instills a sense of responsibility and care for living creatures. Starting with a small, child-friendly hive, kids can observe bees in action, learn to harvest honey, and even engage in creative projects like making beeswax candles. An essential tool in beekeeping is the bee smoker, which helps calm the bees and makes hive inspections safer and more manageable. This activity not only fosters a deep appreciation for nature but also encourages patience, observation skills, and a love for sustainable practices.
Are you ready for fun adventures?
Now that you have a bit more information on how to start this journey together with your children, remember that you are doing a good thing for your kids. They will appreciate you teaching them how the world is and how nature is wonderful and thus needs to be protected. Remember that this will also be a learning journey for you. Be open-minded towards new ideas and concepts and explore nature with thrill and respect.