Last week we talked about ways to keep an only child entertained without an iPad. Today we’re heading outside with these 6 Safe Outdoor Activities for an Only Child During Quarantine!
Outdoor activities can and should still be a part of a child’s life during this quarantine time. Of course, you can’t just go out and do whatever wherever, but there are some things your child can do outside that won’t expose them to any danger. These outdoor activities never take your child further from his or her yard. A big bonus is that they also keep your child both physically and mentally stimulated. That’s important right now when kids out there are beginning not get really stir crazy.
6 Safe Outdoor Activities for An Only Child
Outdoor activities don’t have to be anything that exposes your child to the public. Each and every activity here keeps your child safely on your property and way from coughs, sneezes, and other potentially infectious nasty stuff. They’re also great learning tools because almost all of these activities have educational value, from science and math to the arts.
Build and Fly a Kite
Kite kits are great because they’re fun to make and to use. Putting together a kite is a mentally stimulating task, and flying it is just plain fun. Kite kits are also an excellent way to introduce kids to aspects of STEM like engineering (how the kite is held together) and science (how the wind lifts the kite).
Gardening
Gardening is a whole lot of fun…and a life skill every child should learn. It’s amazing to watch your plants grow and know that you made it possible. Whether you decide to use raised or traditional beds or plant veggies or flowering plants, gardening is a lot of fun for both you and your child. Gardening is also an excellent vehicle for discussing math and science, improving reading comprehension, and even a bit of P.E. time.
Chalk Art
Doing chalk art is one of the best outdoor activities for creativity. Chalk art is a triple threat in today’s quarantine situation. It serves as part of your art curriculum, promotes creativity, and it gets the kids out and into the fresh air.
Obstacle Course
An obstacle course serves a couple of functions. It’s a great way to cover simple STEM principles like engineering and science as you build the course. Of course, after that, it makes for the perfect physical education tool. It’s also a lot of fun to simply race with your child through it. There’s nothing quite as fun as seeing which one of you will fall down the most! LOL
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
An outdoor photography scavenger hunt is probably my favorite of all the outdoor activities that I’ve listed here. It’s probably the best way to keep your child distracted and getting fresh air at the same time. A scavenger hunt like this really keeps the kids engaged because they can use their devices to help them find the required items, so they don’t feel like they’re being deprived of their screen time.
In addition, the fact that these are items with specific attributes and not specific things in and of themselves, the hunter is left to use his or her own interpretation and creativity to find things that might be surprising but actually fit the description.
Stargazing
Discuss the solar system and the scientific laws that helped form it or just lay and look at all the twinkles in the skies. The choice is up to you or your child when you stargaze together. Stargazing is one of those activities that can be as scientific or relaxed as you’d like. It’s a great way to open up conversations about science or even just discussions about life in general. The quiet and serenity of the night and the stars are always excellent conversation starters.
These Outdoor Activities Keep Kids Engaged
From a scavenger hunt to stargazing, all the outdoor activities on this list are great for getting the kids outside and in the fresh air without being bored. Many of them can also be done together with you, the parent, so they’re great opportunities to incorporate some learning and bonding time, as well. So get out there in the sun. I know after all this time, the big yellow ball could be scary, but don’t worry, it’s actually a good thing.
