Autumn is upon us and although many of us feel robbed by summer this year (we won’t even go there on that one!), I’ll be honest and say Autumn is actually my favourite season. I love a good crisp Autumn morning, sunny days (hopefully!) and cooler temperatures at night. It’s the perfect season for getting outdoors and is a great time to encourage children to explore and connect with nature. Not only does being outdoors provide them with fresh air and exercise, but it can also help them develop valuable skills like problem-solving and creativity.
If you're looking for some inspiration for outdoor activities to do with your children, here are ten ideas to get you started:
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Go on a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of things that you can find in nature such as leaves, flowers, rocks, or insects, and then head out to a local park or nature reserve to see how many items you can find. You can also make it more challenging by asking children to find specific colors or shapes.
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Take a bike ride. Biking is a fun and active way to explore your local neighborhood or park. You can also make it into a learning experience by talking about road safety or identifying different types of trees or animals.
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Have a picnic .Pack a lunch or some snacks and head to a nearby park or beach for a picnic. You can also bring along some outdoor games like frisbee or soccer to play after eating.
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Build a fort. Using branches, leaves, and other natural materials, build a fort or shelter in your backyard or local park. This is a great way to encourage creativity and problem-solving skills.
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Play some outdoor games. There are many classic outdoor games like tag, hide and seek, or kickball that children love to play.
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Have a sand-castle building competition either at the beach or in the sandpit if you have one.
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Go on a nature walk.Take a leisurely walk through a nearby park or nature reserve and observe the plants and animals around you. Bring a guidebook or app to help identify any species you come across.
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Have a backyard campout. Set up a tent or sleeping bags in your backyard and spend the night under the stars. You can also make a campfire and cook s'mores or hot dogs.
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Visit a zoo or aquarium. Many zoos and aquariums offer outdoor exhibits and activities for children. This is a great way to learn about different animals and their habitats.
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Plant a garden. Planting a garden is a great way to teach children about responsibility and the natural world. You can start small with a few herbs or flowers, or create a larger vegetable garden to harvest produce together.
Overall, spending time outdoors with children provides endless opportunities for learning, exploration, and fun. These ten activities are just a few ideas to get started, but with a little creativity and imagination, the possibilities are endless.
