Summer is here! That means it’s time for some outdoor adventures. If you have young children, playing outdoors is a fantastic way to not only bring your family closer together, but a way to foster your child’s developing skills.
For families in Wimbledon, outdoor play is a great way to engage children in the fresh air, and it’s something we encourage at nurseries in Wimbledon like Wimbledon Day Nursery. Outdoor activities help children develop physically and emotionally, preparing them for a brighter future. To help your children get the most out of their summer.
1. Water Tables: Kids adore playing with water and a water table is a fantastic way to engage them while keeping them cool this summer. Playing with water while walking and standing also helps them develop coordination and fine and gross motor skills.
2. Bubbles: The possibilities with bubbles are endless. From typical bottles of bubbles to bubble machines to giant bubble wands, there are so many ways to play with bubbles. Children can chase them, blow them, and play games with them all while developing several physical skills.
3. Tunnels and Tents: Play tunnels are great for kids of all ages. Younger children can practice crawling through them while older kids can work on their physical coordination and body-awareness. Pop-up play tents give children their own private space outside where they can bring their toys and books for independent play-time.
Even if you don’t have a garden or yard, there are plenty of open spaces where you can take your children to explore without toys. Encourage them to find plants or flowers of a certain colour, ask them to count the birds in the sky, or play a simple game of tag.
If you’re stuck on ideas, there are plenty of free printable resources online with outdoor activities that will keep the whole family entertained outside. You can also use the time as a chance for independent play, letting your child develop their curiosity and imagination in nature.
As one of the best Wimbledon nursery schools, Wimbledon Day Nursery recognises the developmental and social-emotional benefits play has in relation to learning. Our Early Years curriculum focuses on social, emotional, physical, and language development. Much of this curriculum is done via fun activities and play because we know that children learn best through play.
To help your child have the best start in life, enrol them in Wimbledon Day Nursery’s award winning day care in Wimbledon.