POPSUGAR UK

25 Cheap Outdoor Activities to Keep Kids Busy ALL Summer

08/06/2018 - 11:14 PM

Keeping track of curious preschoolers can be a tough job, especially during the Summer months when school's out. [1] So if you have a little one who needs to release some energy ASAP, look no further, because this list of outdoor activities will keep your kiddos busy for hours.

Whether you're just looking to kill an hour or two in the backyard [2] with your kid or you're really trying to immerse yourself in nature, this list has something your kids can enjoy. And seriously? What's better than getting a little sunshine and fresh air? Absolutely nothing. Scroll through to see some of our favourite outdoor activities your preschooler will love.

Fly a kite.

Pick up a colourful kite at the nearest 99 cent store and hit the park! See how high your kite will go and witness your kiddos watch in awe.

Set up a finger-painting station.

Move the mess outside by setting up a finger-painting station your children will love. Just dress your kid in an old t-shirt and let the creative juices flow.

Feed the ducks.

Have some extra veggies lying around? Great! Head to the nearest pond, lake, or bay and make some new friends for an afternoon.

Climb a tree.

Learning how to climb a tree is a rite of passage for kids. Find your nearest maple and let them play on the branches. Just make sure you keep your eyes glued on them at all times.

Play with sidewalk chalk.

A few sticks of colourful chalk can keep children entertained for hours on end. Challenge them to spell out their names or draw their favourite animals.

Set up the sprinkler.

Who needs a pool when you have a garden hose, right?

Go to an outdoor movie.

Pack a bag of snacks and hit an outdoor movie! Plenty of towns show kids' movies during the Summer — all you have to do is grab a blanket and something to munch on and sip.

Play a round of mini golf.

Get them comfortable on the putting green early on by sneaking in a round of mini golf.

Go fruit picking.

There's nothing like picking seasonal fruit right off the vine. Hit a local farm and pick a bushel of your own with your mini me in tow.

Wash the car.

Grab your buckets and get cracking in the scrubbing department! Your kids will love all the bubbles — and you get a clean car out of it. Score!

Set up a lemonade stand.

There are few things thirsty neighbours enjoy more than an adorable lemonade stand. Make an afternoon out of it by giving kids an intro to how money actually works.

Plant some flowers.

Grab your gardening gloves and plant a few flowers for your little one. After all, it's never too early to plant the gardening seed.

Get wet on a Slip 'n' Side.

Go crazy in your very own backyard by setting up a Slip 'n' Slide. Don't forget the towels!

Head to the petting zoo.

Goats, bunnies, and cows, oh my!

Stage a water balloon fight.

Go into attack mode and invite a few kids over for a full-blown water balloon fight. They'll love watching them pop!

Go on a scavenger hunt.

Drum up some clues and send your children on a wild adventure! Trust us: the journey will be way more exciting than the prize at the end.

Set up an obstacle course.

Create a mini circuit for your kiddo to complete outside — and then revel in an unusually calm nap time.

Go head to head in backyard soccer.

Squeeze in a little one-vs.-one session with your mini me. Goal!

Blow some bubbles.

Preschool-aged kiddos will be totally mystified by bubbles! And popping them means double the fun.

Go on a bike ride.

Hit a new trail or do a few laps around the neighbourhood. Don't forget your helmets!

Go on a picnic.

All you need are some sandwiches and their favourite drinks and you're good to go.

Hit a splash park.

These local spots are perfect for hot days.

Tie-dye t-shirts.

Sure, it's one heck of a mess, but you can't beat the end result!

Play hopscotch.

They'll love hopping and you'll love the fact that they're practicing their numbers.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/parenting/Outdoor-Activities-Preschoolers-44927273