Summer is my favourite time of year! I love the hot weather and the fact that I can keep my windows open 24/7 to let in the fresh air. I love drinking coffee outside in the morning and feeling the sun on my face. I love how bright it is at 7am. But most of all I love that I can send the kids outside and have peace in the house alone!! The only thing is, they only stay out there for 15 minutes at a time before coming back in to question me on “which rock is better” and the endless “watch me do this” (insert random arm fling that is just SO COOL to a 5 year old).
In an effort to make my young kids stay outside longer, I’ve created a list of 4 things that they can do WITH NO PARENTAL HELP that will stimulate their brains while they’re on their summer breaks.
1. BUBBLE TABLE
• 1/4 cup tear free shampoo or bubble bath
• Blender
• 1/2 cup Water
Optional
• Water table
• Food colours
• Utensils
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until you have a dense foam. Dump that in a big container or in your water table and give your kids some spoons and plastic bowls. You can add food colouring if you want to make a rainbow. This is great for sensory skills.
2. NATURE COLOUR HUNT
What you’ll need:
• An outdoor space
Give your kids paper with 4 to 6 big coloured circles on it. (Green, brown, grey, yellow, black, white, orange).
Tell them to go outside and find items that match the colours. Then place them on the circles.
To make them stay out longer, tell them they have to find 10 of each.
3. WATER PAINTING
What you’ll need:
• Paint brushes
• Water
• Rocks/wood/plastic toys
Give the kids the water, paintbrush and a rock or piece of wood. Have them paint it with the water and make fun designs.
Then leave the rocks in the sun and have the kids watch how the water evaporates and start again.
And there you have it! If you’re lucky you might get a whole hour to yourself 😉
Have you tried these things? What do you do to keep your kids outside longer? Let us know in the comments or by emailing info@maturingmama.com
