Rhonda's List: Things To Do With Children

Things To Do At Home -- Outdoors

  • Paint the ground with water
  • Sidewalk chalk
  • Treasure hunt: Create a list of items to find outside (leaves, flower, bird, tree, and so on), list the words and draw pictures so even the smallest child can 'read' it. Have the children find each item. When they do, put a sticker next to it. When everyone finds the items on their list, give prizes like ice cream or more stickers.
  • Tag
  • Play catch, or basketball, or soccer
  • Playground
  • Nature walk
  • Water play: Take a large bucket, fill it with water, and let children play with it with their hands, scoops, spoons, buckets, shovels, and so on.
  • Go for a walk/bike ride with bikes and riding toys
  • Parachute. You can get one at a toy store, or Lakeshore Learning, or borrow one.
  • Teddy bear picnic
  • Creative movement: Dance with scarves to music; make specific shapes with your body; create a large shape with several bodies, photograph it, and show it to the children; act out a song, fingerplay, or story.
    • (To do: Age ranges for each.)