Get Out and Play!

With the summer coming to a close soon, parents might be wondering: what can my child do for fun outdoors?

Dana E. Friedman, Ed.D., founder and president of the Early Years Institute in Plainview, recently recommended several summer activities for children.

“Summer safety is key, so I wouldn’t want to promote extremely active play in the heat,” Friedman pointed out. “And encourage folks to bring lots of water, sunscreen and bug spray.”

To cool off, children can play in the sprinklers, Friedman said.

For a fanciful afternoon, “a tea party or picnic in the shade” while staying hydrated is something children (and parents) can partake in and “enjoy the outdoors,” she continued. “Talk about your surroundings, the shapes of the clouds, how many color greens do you see, name the bug, et cetera.”

Another activity is to “make binoculars out of toilet paper rolls and look for things in the backyard or park,” Friedman said.

Other summer activities Friedman recommends are:

●      “Bring a magnifying glass and a notebook, and have children make-believe they are Dora the Explorer.”

●      “Sensory play/nature exploration (under a tree to stay cool). Dig, use a watering can, find rocks and twigs (use them later for a project), look for birds or bugs.”

●      “Set up a lemonade stand under an umbrella or tree.”

●      “Visit a local farm or farm stand, or go berry/fruit picking and then make a smoothie (and help with preparation, of course).”

●      “Visit a park by going to www.pickapark.org and find one with bathrooms, refreshment, wide pathways for strollers and playgrounds.”

An activity that brings the outdoors inside is to “go camping in the den,” Friedman said. “Use sheets to make tents tucked into the corners of furniture, bring flashlights and story books or crayons, and have fun camping. You can make s’mores later for a snack.”

Friedman also suggests arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and charades for indoor fun.