As summer approaches, many parents and caregivers are on the lookout for engaging ways to keep young children entertained and learning outside the confines of screens. At Edx Education, we believe in the power of play-based learning and are dedicated to providing resources that encourage active, imaginative play. This summer, let’s embrace the outdoors with a variety of fun, screen-free activities that not only entertain but also nurture your child’s development.
Here are 10 creative and easy-to-do outdoor activities using Edx Education products and a few simple household items. Perfect for children aged 0-10 years, these activities will keep your little ones engaged and learning all summer long!
- Rainbow Pebbles® Exploration
Transform your garden or backyard into a colourful sensory haven with our Rainbow Pebbles®. Hide these vibrant pebbles around your outdoor space and challenge your child to find them. As they search, they can learn about colours and develop fine motor skills. For added fun, sort the pebbles by colour and count them together.
- Sand and Water Sensory Play
Create a mini beach experience with our Sand and Water Trays. Set up a sand station and a water station in your garden. Let your child dig, pour, and scoop to their heart's content. These activities enhance sensory exploration and improve hand-eye coordination. Add small toys or tools to increase the fun and learning opportunities.
- Whizzy Dizzy Fun
Encourage active play with our Whizzy Dizzy toy. Perfect for burning off energy, this spinning toy helps develop balance and coordination. Set up a mini obstacle course in your backyard and let your child navigate it using the Whizzy Dizzy. This activity supports gross motor development and spatial awareness.
- Joey Jump Bean Bag Races
Bring out the Joey Jump Bean Bags for some hopping fun! Create a simple race course in your garden and have your child hop from one end to the other using the bean bags. This game improves balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health. For a twist, time their hops and challenge them to beat their previous record.
- Nature Scavenger Hunt
Organise a nature scavenger hunt around your local park or garden. Create a list of items to find, such as leaves, rocks, or flowers. As your child searches for these items, they will learn about nature and develop observational skills. Make it more exciting by adding clues or riddles related to each item.
- Water Balloon Toss
Beat the summer heat with a refreshing water balloon toss! Fill up a bunch of water balloons and let your child practice their throwing and catching skills. This activity not only cools them down but also enhances hand-eye coordination. For a cooperative twist, play as a team and see how many balloons you can toss without breaking.
- DIY Obstacle Course
Set up a DIY obstacle course using household items and our educational toys. Use cones, ropes, and the Joey Jump Bean Bags to create a fun and challenging course. Your child can crawl under, jump over, and balance across different elements. This activity fosters physical development and problem-solving skills.
- Chalk Art Creations
Unleash your child’s creativity with sidewalk chalk. Encourage them to draw, write, or create patterns on your driveway or garden path. Chalk art is an excellent way to develop fine motor skills and artistic expression. Add an educational twist by drawing shapes, numbers, or letters for your child to identify.
- Garden Science Experiments
Turn your garden into a mini science lab with simple experiments. Plant seeds and observe their growth over time, or create a mini weather station using a thermometer and rain gauge. These activities introduce basic scientific concepts and foster a love for exploration and discovery.
- Picnic and Story time
Combine outdoor play with a relaxing picnic and story time. Pack a blanket, some snacks, and your child’s favourite books. Enjoy a leisurely meal and read stories together in your garden or at a local park. This activity promotes language development and provides a calm, enjoyable break from active play.
By incorporating these activities into your summer routine, you can ensure that your child stays active, engaged, and learning outside of screen time. Remember, play is a powerful tool for growth and development, and with Edx Education’s range of products and ideas, you’re well-equipped to make this summer a memorable and educational experience for your little ones.
For more play-based learning tips and ideas, tune into our Play, Learn & Create podcast, where we dive into creative ways to make learning fun for children. Here’s to a summer full of adventure, learning, and endless play!
Happy Children Play!