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Spring brings new opportunities for outdoor exploration that can engage children's senses and support their development. Beyond the fresh air and sunshine lie countless opportunities for discovery and growth. Join us as we explore five immersive outdoor experiences that engage all the senses while nurturing natural learning moments your child will treasure.
1. Build Bridges and Dams: After a rainy day, find little streams and puddles of water that have accumulated. Put kids in small teams and find building materials to create mini bridges and dams. Source found items like sticks and rocks, or use crafting supplies (i.e. popsicle sticks). Kids can plan like engineers and think like scientists to make guesses and hypothesis.
2. Mud Kitchen: Build your mud kitchen with a simple table top and large pan of water or repurpose an indoor play kitchen. Use donated or thrifted pots, bowls, and utensils. Provide plenty of water and sand and encourage kids to create recipes and potions. Mud kitchen play creates opportunities for sensory, creativity, and fine motor development.
3. Water Painting: All you need is paint brushes, sponges, and a bucket of water for this fine motor play activity with super easy clean up. Choose a wall or fence on a nice sunny day where kids can write their names, paint pictures, and practice numbers.
4. Nature Bracelet: Create a clear bracelet out of packing tape with the sticky side facing out. Take a nature walk to collect small items to attach to the bracelet in a pretty pattern. Add dandelions, twigs, tiny grasses and small leaves to the bracelet. Once complete, a top layer of tape will secure the look. Skills addressed include fine motor, gross motor, and creativity.
5. Gardening: Collect egg cartons and other creative containers and give them a second life. Make an egg carton bird feeder or plant tiny seeds in a teacup and watch them sprout. Study the plant life cycle first hand while strengthening fine motor skills.
