I don't know about you, but I love the sunshine and I'm ready to get outside and enjoy the fresh air! However, sometimes getting my kids outside seems like a chore. There are so many fun things to do outside, so I give them a list and let them pick. Here's a few of the things my kids enjoy doing:
1. Visit our many local Parks, Playgrounds and Battlefields.
We are lucky that our area has lots of great places to play, visit and explore. Take a walk, go for a hike, ride bikes, learn about local history, kick around a ball, and more. Check out our Local Parks, Playgrounds and Battlefields Guide here - it lists addresses and amenities for each park in Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Fredericksburg.
 Image credit Jenny Sites |
2. Plant a garden
Working in a garden doesn't look like a lot of work, but it will use muscles you haven't felt in a long time. Let the kids choose what seeds to plant, collaborate on where to plant them, and tend the garden together. Weeding is more of an exercise than you can believe.
3. Walk around the neighborhood.
To keep the kids interested, try choosing something to count while you walk, for example, a blue door. Each time someone sees that item they add to the count. When you get home, write down how many you saw. The next time you go for a walk, choose a different path. Before you leave, have your kids make a guess as to if you will find more or less of that item on the new path. If you are taking the same path, pick a new item and have them guess if there is more or less of the new item than the old one.
 Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay |
4. Make outdoor art
Wander around outside and find things that spark your interest. Gather them together and create your own art. You can use almost anything - flowers, rocks, sticks, leaves. (Click here for some outdoor art ideas)
5. Throw water balloons.
Set up a little target to test their aim. You can draw a circle on the fence with chalk, cut a circle out of paper or cardboard and nail it to a tree or place a hula hoop in the yard.
6. Make an obstacle course in your backyard.
Find some objects that are already in your backyard and set them up as an obstacle course. For example, layout some sticks to hop over, then run the slide and slide down. Next hop to the monkey bars and cross them. Finally, pick up the ball and toss it in a basket. The older your kids, the harder and longer you can make the course. If your kids like to compete, time each one doing the course. If you prefer teamwork, start the timer but after your first child completes the course, they tag the next child. Repeat until all kids have gone and give them the final time. Have them try again and attempt to beat their best time.
 Image by StockSnap from Pixabay |
7. Run through the sprinkler
Set up the sprinkler and enjoy cooling off. You could even add the sprinkler to the obstacle course!
8. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Print out your preferred scavenger hunt here or create your own! Then head outside for a walk around the yard a park or your neighborhood. Complete one together as a family, or print a copy for each person and have a little competition. Don't forget to take a pencil to check the boxes!
 Image by Martin Winkler from Pixabay |
9. Visit the Farmer's Market
This is not only a great way to get outside, but also to teach your kids about produce and money. You can find our local Farmers Market information in our Guide here.
