Engrossing videogames, wet weather and even fear of getting muddy are all excuses British kids use to get out of playing outdoors, according to peeved parents.
When parents ask their kids why they don’t want to go outside and play, 42 per cent have heard the excuse that it’s too cold to go out, and one in four say their little ones have been too tired to leave the house according to research by Little Tikes, which surveyed 2,000 parents with children, aged two to 16.
Psychologist and spokesperson for Little Tikes Emma Kenny said: “Outdoor play is a great way to bond with your child while allowing them to experience the fresh air and freedom outdoor activities can provide."
EMMA KENNY’S TOP TIPS FOR GETTING KIDS OUTDOORS
1. Have fun with them! Kids absolutely love to spend time with their parents. Whether you create an obstacle course in the garden up and over the slide and around the sandpit, or a simple game of hide and seek, playing together is fantastic for bonding and ensures lots of healthy activity.
2. Get kids growing! Connecting children with nature is a sure fire way to spark their interest in and connection with the outdoors. Planting sunflower seeds and having a ‘whose grows tallest’ competition is a simple way to get things growing!
3. Get creative with the outdoors, messy play becomes a lot more fun when it doesn't matter how messy you get. The sandpit and water table are great places to start making memories, and why not take the paints, paper and brushes outdoors and help your kids with their messy masterpieces.
4. Go on a nature treasure trail. Grab some bags and go out on a nature walk, take their stunt scooter or trike making sure you gather interesting pebbles, and leaves along the way. When you get home you can make creative collages that you can keep as souvenirs.
5. Get them den building! You’re never too old or too young for den building. Aside from building imagination, dexterity and divergent play skills, there is nothing more exciting than having a secret den to play in
6. Go moon watching as a family. From counting stars, to learning all the shapes of the moon. Getting outside at night can help relax children before bed and help with a restful sleep
7. Play bug detectives! Get muddy looking under rocks and digging in the soil to see how many bugs and worms you can spot. This activity brings nature to life and helps kids feel a sense of excitement in the outside world
2. Get kids growing! Connecting children with nature is a sure fire way to spark their interest in and connection with the outdoors. Planting sunflower seeds and having a ‘whose grows tallest’ competition is a simple way to get things growing!
3. Get creative with the outdoors, messy play becomes a lot more fun when it doesn't matter how messy you get. The sandpit and water table are great places to start making memories, and why not take the paints, paper and brushes outdoors and help your kids with their messy masterpieces.
4. Go on a nature treasure trail. Grab some bags and go out on a nature walk, take their stunt scooter or trike making sure you gather interesting pebbles, and leaves along the way. When you get home you can make creative collages that you can keep as souvenirs.
5. Get them den building! You’re never too old or too young for den building. Aside from building imagination, dexterity and divergent play skills, there is nothing more exciting than having a secret den to play in
6. Go moon watching as a family. From counting stars, to learning all the shapes of the moon. Getting outside at night can help relax children before bed and help with a restful sleep
7. Play bug detectives! Get muddy looking under rocks and digging in the soil to see how many bugs and worms you can spot. This activity brings nature to life and helps kids feel a sense of excitement in the outside world
We try and get outdoors when we can and one thing Lily and I love to do is play with our Little Tikes Sand and Water Tray.
This sand and water tray has provided us with hours of fun so far and the great thing about it is that even on a wet day it can be played with. What better fun to be had than playing with the water section in the rain. There is never an excuse to get out and play with this Little Tikes Sand and Water tray.
It has 2 sides to it. One for water play and one for sand play. The sand play section comes with a lid. In the middle there is 2 water slides and at the water side there is a diving board and a dump bucket to pour and dump water into. Then at the sand side there is a sand spinner that you pour the sand onto.
It also comes with a 2 in one rake and shovel and a little cup for pouring.
It is quite large at 82cm by 76cm but when put together it offers so much for play.
It is quite large at 82cm by 76cm but when put together it offers so much for play.
Another added bonus to this water park is that it comes with 2 characters for play. The characters also have a dingy to float around the water in and can slide down the slides by pressing a button at the back.
All the items are so colourful and so child friendly and made with a real sturdy plastic. The side with the water also has a plug so you can drain away the water when you have finished.
You can read a full review of the Sandy Lagoon Waterpark here.
Or head to the Little Tikes Website to buy it now at £49.99
What do you love to get up to with your kids outdoors?
You can read a full review of the Sandy Lagoon Waterpark here.
Or head to the Little Tikes Website to buy it now at £49.99
*Disclaimer - We were sent a Sandy Lagoon Waterpark for this post*
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*Disclaimer - AD*
Anything - once i entice them outdoors game game is GREAT
ReplyDeleteWe have one almost identical to that we got from a local seller on facebook, for 99p! Its been one of my favourite bargains, as we have ours set up under our gazebo, so the kids can go out no matter the weather and play. I had one like it as a kid that I played with all my Star Wars figures in lol. Lovely review! x
ReplyDeleteCarrie Talbot-Ashby
My niece likes going to the park with her dolls and pram
ReplyDeleteNice to go for a walk in the park. We have a local park which has an area with animals :- Such as ducks, rabbits, chickens, etc. We love to visit the animal area. Good to get outdoors for part of the day :- Some fresh air and exercise, etc.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
Some good ideas my daughter Sheriah loves going to the park or picnic but equally loves her tablet 😱😂
ReplyDeleteYou have given some nice ideas.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
Little Tikes Samd and Water Tray looks great. Lots of fun for outdoors in the summer sunshine, etc.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
Messy Play sounds like fun, and outdoors seems practical. Nice for children to get the opportunity of play, adventure, etc without any concerns in getting clothing messy. Once finished with Messy Play :- all clothing can be washed. Child can have a bath, have fun playing with bath toys whilst getting cleaned.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
Some great ideas here for outdoor fun!
ReplyDeleteGetting outdoors can be fun, good for the various generations of the family, etc. The children love it when we all have company of family and friends, can then be more fun and excitement :- Playing chase games, having refreshments together, etc.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
We used to love painting outside as it didn't really matter about the mess hopefully the sun comes back soon so we can do more messy play activities.
ReplyDeleteMy kids love nothing more than playing outside
ReplyDelete2. Getting Children Growing :- Seems a great idea. Lovely to see plants and trees grow and blossom, etc. Little ones can assist and learn about gardening. May encourage a new hobby, invrease enjoyment of gardens, parks, etc. Maybe even grow some fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig