In these days of electronic gadgets for toddlers and television programs aimed at children of all ages, it can sometimes be difficult to persuade your children to enjoy the great outdoors and play outside. Of course outdoor play is not always possible, particularly if you live in a very wet or cold climate, but the more time your kids spend outside, the better for their physical, social and mental health.
Playing games outside will give your children a great opportunity to exercise, communicate with other kids and take more notice of the world around them. It is a well documented fact that children who have little or no opportunity to play outdoors are generally unhealthier than their peers and can even suffer from communication and social difficulties.
So what toys can work wonders to get your kids out of the house?
- Balls – the simplest ideas are often the most effective. Children have loved playing with balls for many hundreds of years and whether it is a tennis ball, a football or an inflatable beach ball, there are an infinite number of play opportunities that can be conjured up with this simple item.
- Toys on wheels – whether it is a dolls pram or a ride-on car, wheeled toys are just best enjoyed in the open where there is more space to ride on them and wheel them around . Scooters are a great active toy for older kids and even the youngest toddler will love pushing her teddies in a doll pram on a walk to the local shops.
- Water toys – water pistols, paddling pools and other water toys are obviously only suitable for outdoor use and are a great way to entertain your children all day long in the summer months. You can even fashion a home-made waterslide by leaving a hose pipe running on a length of plastic sheeting.
- Bicycles – an essential for older kids and even the younger ones will enjoy riding on their very own tricycle. Encourage walking or cycling instead of taking the car out for short trips and your children will soon reap the benefits.
- Sidewalk chalk – bring art lessons to the outside with some fun outdoor art materials that encourage creativity as well as getting your kids out in the sunshine. There are endless play opportunities using a simple piece of chalk.