We’ve all done it at least once, we cave and let our kids watch too much TV in one day. The problem becomes when our kids start choosing TV over other activities. So, here is a few activities to keep kids outdoors and away from TV.
Activities to Keep Kids Outdoors and Away from TV
Studies show that the brain uses entirely different areas for viewing TV than it uses for creative play. Having our kids outdoors more often and away from TV can assure that they are using their brain in all areas. Today, I’m sharing some fun activities for kids to do outdoors.
Visit a Farm or a Friend who has Farm Animals
Visit a farm who will let your kids pet them and perhaps feed them. If you’re lucky enough to have friends who have farm animals, I’m sure they would love for your kids to come over and feed the animals.
How to set up a waterpark in the backyard
Wait – it’s not hard. It can be done, Just let the kids take control of the water hose and let them have fun. We have a playset in the backyard, and my son takes the water hose up to the top, points the hose down the slide and slides down into a small pool. This one should keep kids outdoors for a while, and hey, you’ll get your lawn watered too!
DIY Splash Pad
Gena at Ginger Casa has a step-by-step guide to purchasing and setting up a splash pad. She says it keeps her boys busy every summer, year after year!! For complete instructions and photos see DIY Splash Pad.
Backyard tentingÂ
Almost every adult did this one as a child, and your kids will love it too. Yep, go ahead and set up a tent outside and let them have a ball inside. Serve them lunch inside the tent. If you’re brave enough, let them sleep in it overnight. I am not brave enough!
Buy a Metal Detector
If it’s in your budget, buy your kids a metal detector. Kellyco Metal Detectors has some great options and finding coins not only will keep them busy, but it can also pay for the equipment you just bought. That’s what we are doing.
Sidewalk and chalk
Kids, no matter their age, love to write with chalk on sidewalks. There’s all kind of creative art just waiting to happen with a piece of chalk. Just give them the canvas!! Check out what else kids can do on the sidewalk. This is my son spelling the word “FUN” with empty drink bottles.
Never underestimate the power of a box
Cardboard boxes can deliver a lot of imagination and fun to kids. Get some clean cardboard boxes, help your kids cut any doors or windows they may want, and give them markers for decoration and let them have at it. A simple cardboard box can suddenly become many things, and all of them are fun to kids. My 7-year-old still likes to make things from boxes.
Books, Books, and more Books
It’s a good bet your child has a fair number of books on their bookshelf. Have a backyard book party where you both go outside to read. After that, take books they’ve outgrown and donate them to your local library.
Lawn Games
Have several lawn games for kids to play. Have you heard of the game Cornhole? That’s a fun game and a game they can play by themselves.
Here’s to keeping our kids active outdoors and using another part of their brain. Watching TV isn’t a bad thing; however, it’s best that kids not sit in front of it all summer long…wouldn’t you agree?
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These are such great ideas! outdoor play is so important!
We like to get out the lawn games and challenge the neighbors. Gets everyone involved that way and makes it a social event!
Great ideas! No kid can say no to interacting with animals. Heck, I’m all grown up, and I can’t say no to it, either!
Thanks for including my Summer Bucket List! These are all great activities to have ready for this Summer! Great list!
These are cute ideas. I get so frustrated with the kids wanting to have screen time all the time! Anything to get them outside or keeping busy without electronics is great.
Send Brody over to feed my animals and play with the baby goats before they get new homes!
These are some great pointers. My son is about to be done with school this year and I am desperately looking for stuff to do over the summer.