Attracting children outdoors for some outdoor play time has many physical and cognitive benefits; however, doing so may be challenging when dealing with toddlers.
There are plenty of ways to encourage your child to go outside into nature. Here are a few suggestions to get them going: 1. Pack a Picnic.
Go for a Walk
If you loved outdoor adventures before having kids, that doesn’t have to change now that your family has grown. Your outdoor excursions using a baby k tan might not be as grandiose; any plans will need to be modified for their safety – but you can still enjoy nature by going for small trips such as taking a walk or visiting a park; simply getting outside can boost concentration, mood and overall health!
Babies benefit greatly from new sensory experiences, and nature offers plenty of them. Encourage your infant to touch, feel, and hold objects like pinecones, sticks, and dried leaves; or let them enjoy hearing wind or water splashing onto a beach or watching kites fly by them in the sky.
On a rainy day, allow your baby to explore puddles and other muddy areas by wading. Your child will love feeling the sensations of water and dirt! Wading can also teach your young one about weather patterns, soil erosion and environmental concerns.
While it is essential to consider your child’s age, temperament and physical ability when planning outdoor activities for them, be careful not to overdo it. Remember that children do not possess the fat reserves or muscle mass of adults, thus necessitating regular rest breaks – sometimes every hour! In this regard, be vigilant of warning signs such as grumpiness, slowing pace or faraway looks before deciding when it is time to stop exploring and turn back.
Always pack plenty of snacks and water for your child when planning any outdoor activity, since even in sunny climates the weather could change quickly. They will need this fuel in order to remain happy and healthy throughout their adventures!
Take a Picnic
Picnics can be one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities when the sun is out, spreading a blanket on the grass and enjoying an enjoyable meal in an idyllic setting is sure to put anyone in an excellent mood – including toddlers! You can make this experience even more engaging by getting them involved with planning, packing and serving their meal – this will encourage them to try new foods while learning how to prepare and serve it correctly!
Young children need the chance to explore nature and become acquainted with flowers, insects, plants and trees. Picnics provide a perfect platform for this exploration as they provide safe spaces where children can wander about freely while uncovering all that resides within their local environment. They’ll discover all sorts of interesting interactions among all of these organisms in a safe manner.
Once your children are full, there are a variety of activities you can do at your picnic location to keep everyone occupied and amused. Try classic games such as hide and seek or catch, or set up a twister mat for an epic game of family Twister!
Another fantastic way to keep your kids entertained at a picnic is reading them stories about nature – there are numerous beautiful books that focus on this genre that you could read together while on your journey. Or lay out some blankets beneath an overcast tree, so they can enjoy some quality time together.
Go for a Ride
Even simple outdoor activities may feel too taxing when dealing with an easily bored one-year-old, but just getting outside for some fresh air and change can have an incredible impact on how your toddler behaves.
Under a shaded tree, spread a blanket and read your child their favorite books. Choose stories set in nature so they can associate trees and grass as part of the tales they hear every day.
Nature scavenger hunts can be an engaging outdoor activity for infants. These hunts can range in difficulty from simple (pointing out various textures in the grass for baby to touch) to asking them to identify all clouds they see from above).
If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not take your kids on an adventurous bike, scooter, or boat ride? Depending on where you live, they could also visit the beach or take day trips to nearby cities; such outings could help expose their child to different cultures, foods, and experiences that they might otherwise remain unfamiliar with.
Build a Sandcastle
Building sandcastles can be one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities for kids, both cheaply and effortlessly. All it requires are buckets and spades (although hands work just as well!), perfect for preschoolers to develop fine motor skills while older ones can add creativity or problem-solving into the mix! Just be sure that they wear appropriate attire, including sunscreen application if required!
Alternately, you could make this an enjoyable sensory experience for your toddler by filling a small plastic bin or large cardboard box with sand and inviting her to explore it with some small toys or trucks, providing opportunities for touch and feel interaction with the material, even adding natural objects such as shells for an interactive touch!
After reading The Sandcastle That Lola Built with your little one, have her build her own castle out of sand by hand or using sandcastle molds to help her create something spectacular. Add seashells as an incentive for using language from the book as well as building bridges, moats or even turrets on top.
After your child has completed building their sand castle, take time to talk about its construction and discuss its implications should it rain or blow away. It’s an ideal chance for problem-solving and cooperation as they work together to preserve their creation! Additionally, encourage their creativity by inviting them to draw and write in the sand using different tools, shapes and colours.
Go Camping
Camping is an enjoyable outdoor activity suitable for people of all ages, providing them with a relaxing respite from everyday life and into nature for rejuvenation and pleasure. Camping may take place in tents but can also involve caravans, camper vans or motor homes.
Finding ways to enjoy nature with a one year old can be challenging, but it is certainly doable. A little structure will go a long way towards keeping them entertained and engaged – one great way of doing this is through organizing an outdoor scavenger hunt which encourages children to use all their senses while asking questions along the way and keeps their focus on task!
Bird-watching can be another enjoyable outdoor activity. Once considered an “old person’s activity”, bird watching has seen a recent resurgence in popularity among younger audiences. Bird-watching provides the chance to get outside while also learning more about your environment and wildlife around you.
Discovering nature is essential, but can be especially difficult for young children. Luckily, there are numerous fun outdoor activities you can do together with your children that will ensure positive experiences in nature – something they will remember for a lifetime! So grab your gear and explore this magnificent world together; you won’t regret it.
