SUMMER is all about getting outside to soak up the vitamin D infused sunshine.
For children especially, it is the perfect time to replace screen time with fun-filled backyard activities that will not only improve physical and mental wellbeing but boost immunity and sleep patterns as well.
Camping in the backyard is a popular and easy way to excite the kids. Children love to help set up camp and while little ones will be content with the ‘dramatic play’ of daytime camping, older kids will relish the independence of sleeping outside at night.
Water activities are also a winner during hot weather, and while nothing can beat jumping through the sprinklers and Slip and Slide, setting up bike, car and toy washes can also be a lot of fun.
While big kids get a kick out of helping with cutting the grass, all ages enjoy getting their hands dirty planting flowers, fruits and vegetables. Providing kid size garden equipment can really induce the avid young gardener to get busy in the backyard.
Totem tennis, badminton and fence volleyball are great ways for kids to get a swing in without losing a ball over a fence, while smaller kids can get active as well, by replacing a ball with a balloon.
Roller skating, jump rope, skittles, footy and soccer are all classic backyard activities that never go amiss, while creating dioramas in the sandpit, painting and sensory tables are just some of the ways kids can engage their creative and imaginative sides.
With so many ideas out there to entertain the kids in the backyard this summer, letting children be actively involved in the set-up is key to ensuring their interest.
