As a mom of an active kid, I’m always on the hunt for good ways to keep my active kid happy and worn out. He’s so much more difficult when he hasn’t had enough active time to burn off some of the extra energy he has. It makes everything harder to do, whether it’s homeschooling, working, or even just doing laundry. He has so much energy that it’s often overwhelming.
If you have a kid or kids like this chances are you burn through your bag of tricks quickly. It’s hard to keep your little one engaged enough to use the same things over and over and you’re on the lookout for something else to do.
Outside Time
Although I do use screen time, I deeply believe every kid needs time outside. It’s fun. There’s so much to do, learn, and imagine. Getting outside every day is worth every minute.
Most of the ideas in this post are meant for being outdoors. Even in bad weather, you can spend some time outside (assuming it is safe). There’s no question that being outside changes Aiden’s behavior and attitude. Even an hour has a significant difference.
Why Your Active Kid Need Outside Time
There’s science behind needing to get outside each day. Aside from getting away from screens and a daily dose of Vitamin D.
Health
Have you ever noticed you feel better when the sun shines on your face? That’s vitamin D. It is essential in the development of strong bones and healthy immune systems. [1]
Getting outside is proven to keep chronic diseases away; like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. [2]
You get emotional benefits too. Your physical and mental health is better when you spend time outside. Turns out we need a break from technology. [3]
Risks
Learning how to take risks is a huge part of growing up. As a helicopter mom, it’s hard to let my child. Let him figure out how high he can climb, how fast he can run, and what he can and can’t handle is part of letting him grow up. Risk-taking gives him a sense of confidence and teaches him to be brave. [4]
Executive Function
Kids who spend time outside have time to develop strong minds and creativity. Those who spend time in unstructured play learn how to entertain themselves and important life skills like conflict resolution. [4 & 5]
Attention Span
Kids who find it hard to focus inside actually do significantly better with some outside time every day. Those who struggle with ADHD and hyperactive kids have fewer symptoms with outside time daily. [6]
Social Skills
When kids have to work together they develop social skills. They have games to play and conflicts to handle. With less adult control they have to learn and grow. [1 & 7]
Outside Play
There are so many things you can do outside. The benefits of outdoor play are high and the only thing you really need is a little space. It might be at your house or the park. There needs to be space to run, climb, and play.
What Should We Do?
Check out the woolly bear. 
Playing in the sand 
Toddler helper 
- Go to the park
- Climb a tree
- Build a birdhouse
- Build a fort
- Watch the clouds
- Start a garden
- Plant a tree
- Chase a squirrel
- Chase a frog
- Feed ducks in the park
- Play with a friendly dog
- Scavenger hunt
- Take a walk
- Make an obstacle course
- Go swimming
- Playdate
- Catch a ball
- Kick a ball
- Fly a kite
- Sail a boat
- Ride bikes
- Go on a picnic
- Observe bugs
- Leave some crumbs out for ants and observe
- Read a book outside
- Paint on a poster board with different objects
- Race matchbox cars
- Play with playdough
- Do yoga
- Make up a story from the things around you
- Play tag
- Make up a dance move like an animal you’ve seen
- Play hide and see
- Make a game
- Play I spy
- Make up your own game
- Draw on the sidewalk or driveway with chalk
- Make a race track from cardboard and tubes
- Jump in the puddles
- Search for the smoothest stone
- Make a sandcastle
- Water balloon fight
- Squirt gunfight
- Dig in the dirt
- Make a mud pie
- Play sink or float in a puddle with different objects
- Count the stars
- Catch lightning bugs
- Make a snowman
- Have a snowball fight
- Build an igloo
- Go sledding
Active Kid, Active Life
Get outside and have some fun with your active kid. Whether you have good weather or bad you can find something to do. You’ll both get the benefits for your health and well being.
“Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls.”
~ Erin Kenny
If you need more to do, check out all of these links from our activities:
- Spring Activities
- Summer Activities
- Fall Activities
- Winter Activities
What’s on your list for your active kid? Do you enjoy playing?
Looking for more ways to play outside? Check out these posts:
25 Fun Ways to Get Your Kid Playing Outside
13 Benefits of Outside Play that Are Backed by Science
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P.S. If the Day isn’t that Nice
Sometimes we do need to stay inside. On days like this, it’s priceless to have something to do. Check out our preschool gymnastics class review. It’s 100% online and a ton of fun when you have to be inside.
References
[1] Top 5 Benefits of Children Playing Outside, [2] White House Obesity Initiative, [3] Your Brain On Nature, [4] 6 Reasons Children Need to Play Outside, [5] Executive Function & Self-Regulation, [6] Top 5 Benefits of Children Playing Outside, [7] Play Outside
Wow, this is the ultimate list! I love doing all these activities (by myself or with my boys! lol!)
Loved all of these suggestions. Outside play is really critical for our children. I’ve done many of these with my own son. Thank you for sharing!