Summer is in full swing and it’s important for kids to get outside and enjoy nature. We have come up with a few fun activities that will help kids get familiar with the outdoors and learn some new skills. These are easy to do, and fun for the entire group.
Ice Block Painting – On a hot summer day, this can be a great way to get kids outside and staying cool. Take some poster paint, and put it into an ice cube tray (preferably long-block ice containers, but normal ice trays can work too). Freeze the paint in the containers. Once frozen, lay out a bunch of butcher paper on a table or an area that you don’t mind getting a little messy. The kids will use the frozen paint to draw on the butcher paper, creating designs out of ice! You can use one color, or many colors of paint to help kids create designs. ( https://myboredtoddler.com/ice-painting/ )
Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course – Sidewalk chalk is not just for making hopscotch boards. You can make a random obstacle course by writing out various activities or challenges for kids to do. Things like “spin in a circle,” “jump like a frog,” or “do a silly dance,” can all be written out on the sidewalk for kids to do. This can turn into a fun game to see who can get the most challenges done first! ( https://passionatepennypincher.com/sidewalk-chalk-obstacle-course/ )
Make a Sponge Necklace – This can be a fun outdoor accessory, especially when its hot out! Take some inexpensive sponges and cut them into different shapes like triangles and squares. Then, attach yarn to a knitting needle or a skewer, and pike a hole through the pieces of sponge and pull the yarn through. Kids can pick out different pieces to create a necklace design. Once you have a few pieces strung together, tie off the ends of the yarn to create a necklace. Kids can wear it as it is or soak it in cold water to cool off during those hot days. ( https://www.onecrazyhouse.com/kid-tip-sponge-lei/ )
Spray Bottle Art – This is an easy and fun way for kids to paint without paint brushes. Take a new or old used spray bottle and rinse it out thoroughly. Then fill it with water-based paint. Your kids can then spray the paint onto a large piece of paper, or a wall you don’t mind cleaning or getting a new design on. This activity is best done outside so the paint doesn’t get everywhere in your home. ( https://kinderart.com/art-lessons/painting/spray-bottle-mural/ )