Summer is the best time of year to get outdoors and explore everything that nature has to offer. With better weather comes a more diverse population of wildlife, vegetation, fruits, vegetables, and so much more. However, as summer comes to a close, fall will begin to diminish the amount of opportunities you have to take your child outside for fun activities. This is why, in our multi-part series, we have come up with 10 fun activities you can do with your child outdoors to help them learn about their surroundings during their developmental stages.
At Valley Child Care and Learning Centers, we have been a family-owned-and-operated child care facility since 1967. Parents trust our trained professionals with their children as we place them in a safe environment where they can practice developing their emotional, social, and physical abilities when they need it most. We offer both infant and toddler learning programs, as well as before and after school care, and teach proven curriculum designed to stimulate and enhance your child’s cognitive development. To learn more about five great activities you can do outdoors with your child, continue reading below.
Ride a Bike
Teaching your child how to ride a bike is a great way to develop your kid’s hand-eye coordination as well as their motor skills. Not only is riding a bike an excellent form of exercise, it is also fun for children who love to explore. Seeing the joy on your little one’s face as they ride their bike without any assistance will make you a proud parent, and will encourage your child to continue perfecting the skill of riding a bike. This also makes for a great opportunity to teach your child about safety and the importance of wearing a helmet. Practicing wearing a helmet, as well as teaching your child how to be mindful of cars, will be incredibly beneficial for your child later on in their life. You can help your child learn how to ride a bike by taking bicycles to the park or by biking around your local neighborhood until they are more confident in their bike-riding abilities.
Go on a Nature Walk
Disconnecting from technology and taking a stroll through natural areas can help your child find a sense of calm by being surrounded by the wilderness and wildlife. You can easily teach your child about plants, trees, animals, and things to look out for while exploring the wild. While many children these days spend an excessive amount of time in front of televisions, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices, your child will enjoy the peace and sense of adventure while exploring unknown areas. Nature walks are good for teaching children how to appreciate the preservation of wildlife while being mindful of leaving untainted areas exactly how you found them.
Look at the Stars
There is a certain sense of wonderment and magic that lies within the constellations, and stargazing with your child is an easy activity to teach your kiddo about the solar system and its many different planets. If your child is lucky, they may even witness a shooting star, which will make the time you spend stargazing more than worthwhile. While there are countless constellations that are confusing to many individuals, you can point out the easy-to-spot constellations such as the Big Dipper or the Little Dipper. Stargazing with your little one will help them gain a better understanding of the world around them while providing them with an unforgettable experience that they will surely enjoy.
Go to the Zoo
While it may not be possible to immerse yourself in the animal kingdom, you can plan for a fun day of learning about different animal species while visiting your nearby zoo. A great way for kids to learn about a variety of creatures, zoos offer a wealth of information on wildlife that children and adults of all ages find fascinating. From elephants and giraffes, to polar bears and otters, your child will be able to witness all of the animals that they have only seen in their picture books. By turning a trip to the zoo into a day filled with walking, picnics, and learning, you will be able to spend quality time with your child, which they will greatly appreciate.
Visit An Animal Shelter
Teaching your child compassion is one of the greatest traits which can be learned. With compassion comes empathy, and with empathy comes a sense of understanding of someone else’s situation. This is why visiting an animal shelter is a great activity where your child can learn more about different breeds of dogs and cats while also understanding the responsibility that comes with properly caring for a pet. Even better, the cats and dogs at your local shelter will be even more excited to see a child, as the animals most likely do not receive an adequate amount of attention throughout the day.
By taking part in the 10 outdoor activities listed throughout our two-part series, you can ensure that your child’s summer is filled with fun and excitement while they learn about the world around them. Connecting with your child is key to teaching admirable values that will stick with them far past their developmental stages. If you would like more information about our child care facilities, or are considering enrolling your child in any of our learning centers, contact the professionals at Valley Child Care and Learning Centers today!
