OUTDOOR SATURDAY & SUNDAY!

Let’s start with activities you can do near your home, and then those that need a bit more planning. I hope you’ll get your next few ideas—and get out of the house—with these outdoor activities:

Play with a sandbox or water table

Whether it’s with sand, water, or dried rice, kids love to explore with their senses. A sandbox or water table in your backyard (or inside because of the weather) will keep your preschooler entertained and happy.

To make it even more fun, add a few props. Shovels and toy trucks are fantastic with sand and dried rice or beans, while boats and balls that float work well with water.

Write or draw with sidewalk chalk

Sidewalk chalk is a hit with my kids, even now that they’re older. The best part is you can write with chalk just about anywhere, from the driveway and sidewalk to the concrete paths in the park. Or, inside on paper, chalkboards, etc.

Walk around the block

Preschoolers are still curious about everyday sights, so take advantage of simple activities like walking around the block. Some of the things my boys enjoyed during our walks:

• Finding and counting lights and lamp posts (during evening walks)
• Climbing up and down stairs at neighboring apartment buildings
• Jumping over the lines of the sidewalk
• Exploring tiny bugs, snails, and worms
• Making tracks in the snow or exploring the animal tracks in the snow...
• Splashing in the puddles (perfect for post-rainy days)

It’s these little things that we often overlook but drive their curiosity and imagination.

Ride a scooter or tricycle

safety first - don't forget your helmet!

Plant seeds

Planting seeds in a garden is a fantastic way to get your Preschooler outdoors and to learn about the plant life cycle.

Start with easy-to-hold seeds like green beans, which also sprout quickly. Don’t have a backyard? Twelve-inch pots work well (just check the seed packet to make sure the variety can grow in pots). Check your local garden store for a great selection of seeds.

Play catch

Throw or even kick the ball to each other—with the wide space of the outdoors, you don’t have to worry about knocking things down, either.

Bring toys outdoors

Can’t peel your Preschooler away from his toy dinosaurs or Lego sets? Bring them outdoors! Playing in your backyard, patio, or even the front of your building can make the same toys even more fun for the little one.

Play T-ball

Even if your little one can’t hit a ball that’s pitched to him, a T-ball set will give him the chance to swing a bat and practice hitting the ball.

Do outdoor chores

One of the reasons parents feel strapped for time is because we don’t include our kids in chores often enough. Makes sense, especially when getting them to “help” usually means the task drags twice as long as it needed to.

But when you think of the chore as an activity, then you’re really combining the two. Start showing your child how to do simple, outdoor chores. He can rake leaves, sweep the patio deck, rearrange small pots of plants, water the bushes… anything to get him involved and outdoors.

The best part? He learns he’s a contributing part of the family, and will feel competent and sure of himself.

Blow bubbles

Blowing bubbles is one of those activities that grows with kids. It doesn’t matter how old they are, they’ll still like either blowing the bubbles or trying to pop them.

And since bubbles can get messy, this activity is a perfect excuse to head outdoors. From bubble machines to single bottles to jumbo bubble sticks, this is fun, outdoor entertainment for your little one.

Kick a soccer ball

Does your little one like to kick balls? Grab a soccer ball and goal post and head outdoors! Show him how to aim the ball for the net, or have him practice blocking the balls you try to kick in the goal.

Explore local playgrounds

Our local playground is our go-to park, but to add variety, we also visit others in the city. Each playground is different! For instance, one has a water and sand table, complete with a faucet to turn on and off. Another has a pulley with a bucket you’d raise up a treehouse-like structure.

This is also a fun way for them to socialize and play with other kids.

Now let’s check out a few outdoor activities for Preschoolers that are a bit farther than your home. Here are a few ideas sure to get you out of the house:

Run on a local track

Do you have nearby high schools or college campuses? Many have running tracks available to the public. This is a unique way to encourage your preschooler to run or even walk around and around the track. Plus, he can count the number of lanes or laps you run or walk.

Attend local festivals

During the pandemic, festivals have had to shut down, but down the line, they are a fantastic way to spend time outdoors. When we can gather again, check your city’s website for local events that gather communities and celebrate cultures.

Shop at a farmers’ market

Skip the grocery and buy your fruits and vegetables (among other things) at a nearby farmers’ market.

Many have had to pare down their offerings, so you may not find musicians or balloon-makers like you used to. But even going to pick out items to take home can be a great way to get fresh air.

Visit a waterfalls and state parks

Search nearby for state parks and waterfalls that can allow your preschooler to experience & learn about nature.

Have a picnic

Welcome the warmer weather with a picnic at the park. You can go “all out” with a full meal (sandwiches, juice, fruits, cookies). Or you can keep things simple by bringing whatever snack or meal you were going to eat at home outdoors.

Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding your child's 4K preschool experience.

Email: jennifer.willoughby@superior.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.superior.k12.wi.us/schools/earlychildhood
Phone: 715-394-8700 (10184)