It’s time for some outdoor activities that encourage play! When we were still living in South Africa, I bought a life-saving book, written by Dawn Isaac, titled “101 Things For Kids To Do Outside”. Not only did this book offer us ideas for hours of fun and constructive activities, but it also saved my life (read sanity) during those LONG holidays.
Now we’re in the twilight of our first Michigan Winter – worlds apart from where we were a year ago! And I must confess that I cannot wait for the snow to melt and the newness of Spring to arrive… So we can again get down and do some of the “101 things for kids to do outside”. There are so many great ideas in this book, but I’ve decided to share my 5 favourite ones with you:
Outdoor Activities that Encourage Play
1. A““Potion” Lab
This is such an exciting playtime activity. Set up a table in your garden, with a waterproof tablecloth. You will need many containers of different shapes and sizes. A funnel, jugs, tweezers, and anything that might be found (and is safe) in a science lab. As Dawn writes… “After all,dragon’ss blood and giant’s snot call for some very careful handling”.
Next, mix food colouring with water, and for a fizzy experience, add some bicarbonate of soda before splashing in a little vinegar. She also suggests a few more exciting ingredients, such as glitter, poster paint, flour, rice, and vegetable oil (give these some creative names, e.g., unicorn tea).
The possibilities are endless :)
2. Rustle up a Bird Feast
I love this idea for Spring and Summer. One sure way to get the birds into your garden!
You will need cut-off branches, a large plant pot, bricks or stones, soil or sand, garden wire, unsalted and unbuttered popcorn, apples, orange halves, lard (rendered fat), flour, oats, and birdseed.
If you don’t have a large tree to hang your creations from, you can build your own tree using a plant pot, sand, cut-off branches, and bricks. Use unsalted, unbuttered popcorn and thread it onto the garden wire to make “nibble rings”. You can also thread apple slices onto the garden wire for a fruity treat. Slice the oranges into rings, make a mixture of lard, flour, oats, and birdseed, fill the rings, and thread them onto the wire (exact proportions in the book).
You can hang these from your made tree or from a tree in your garden. Colourful and pretty!
3. Setting Up Camp
I cannot wait to get camping! Our kids are finally at the age where they can appreciate what it’s all about! I think making the frame is the most difficult part, but once it is done, you can throw any blanket over it and decorate it to your own taste. You can lay a blanket down on the floor inside, pack a picnic, and there you go!
4. Create a Paving Stone Gallery
I’ve been doing this with my kids since they could hold a piece of chalk! I think people would see our driveway as a collection of beautiful artworks! The possibilities here are endless. You could use chalk, powder paint, homemade paint, and brushes. Let the creative juices flow! The best part about this activity is that you can hose it down when done… I choose to let the artwork linger!
5. “Start a mini vegetable garden””
This is just gorgeous! Nothing like planting seeds, letting our children watch them grow, and then eating the Produce!! You can prettify or separate the garden by adding seashells or stones. You can use an old bucket, a wheelbarrow, a wooden crate, or a baby bath! The kids love getting dirty!
OKAY!
I HAVE to add one more favourite! This is for my youngest son! He is OBSESSED with wildlife, especially lions!
6. Building a mini Rockery!
Collect some rocks, stones, and green vegetation… then build a little rockery structure in the corner of your garden. Bring out some animals, and there you have it! You can change this to a fairy garden, etc!
Hours of Outdoor Activities that Encourage Play!
I hope you enjoyed this post. I, for one, am feeling really positive about Spring! If you have any new ideas, please comment below!
There is nothing more therapeutic than getting outdoors, with the sun on your skin! It is definitely a mustfor mamasa! Once the kids are into their activities and you have spent some one-on-one time with them, you can sit and watch them play with a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Your choice, your delight!
Dawn has activities for every season. She has written a second book,“101 Things For Kids To Do On a Rainy Day””
Some rules:
- Always ask an adult
- Never eat what you make…
All photos and ideas are credited to Dawn Isaac, Will Heap (Photography), and the book: “101 Things For Kids To Do Outside”.
PS – I write this as I stare out at the falling snow. Spring cannot come soon enough!
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