Outdoor Activities You Can Do With Your Child Today

 
 
 
 

Getting outside has always been important for your kids to encourage exercise/ movement, not to mention absorb some good old vitamin D! Now more than ever, it is imperative that we encourage our kids to go outside and play! They need a break from sitting in front of a computer screen for hours at a time, they need the exercise, and they need the sensory experience! Are you having a hard time coming up with creative ideas? We’re here to help!!

Activities for Preschoolers:

  • Make an obstacle course with a variety of objects and incorporate different gross motor movements (i.e., walk, run, hop on one foot)

  • Practice balance by walking on chalk lines or curbs

  • Jump over cracks in the sidewalk

  • Walk on pool noodles to target balance

  • Tap a balloon back and forth using your hands or feet

  • Kick a ball to knock down paper towel tubes

  • Play Follow the Leader

  • Pop and blow bubbles

  • Plan a scavenger hunt by making a list of common (or not so common) items outside to collect. Free Scavenger Hunt ideas can be found here as well.

    • A green leaf

    • A flower

    • A stick as big as your hand

    • A piece of tree bark

    • A rock

Activities for School Aged Children:

  • Make an obstacle course using:

    • A 2x4 as a balance beam (or simply a chalk drawn line in the side walk

    • A hula hoop for jumping in/ out of (or chalk drawn circles)

    • A playground ball to kick or catch

    • An old box to crawl through

    • Ropes to pull or jump over

    • Balloons to carry between the knees or toss

  • Have a race as different animals.

  • Play games!

    • Freeze tag

    • Red light green light

    • Hopscotch

    • 4 square

    • Play catch

    • Kickball

    • Basketball (use a laundry basket if you don’t have a hoop)

    • Simon Says

    • Jump Rope together

    • Hide and Seek

  • Plan a scavenger hunt. There is a fun, free printable to use here.

You can use these ideas as brain breaks between table top tasks and schoolwork to improve overall coordination, improve muscle strength, and develop all 5 senses. If you have additional questions or would like more ideas, please contact our physical therapist at susan@collaborativecorner.org.



Susan Robins, PT
Pediatric Physical Therapist
susan@collaborativecorner.org

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Physical Therapy, EducationJessica BarisanoCollaborative Corner, Parenting, Special Education, Child Development, Physical Therapy, Developmental Milestones, Gross Motor Skills, Early Intervention, School Age Children, Physical Movement, Exercise, Scavenger Hunt