Get your child moving this summer! Physical activity is essential for child development, and summer is a great time to get outside and soak up some sun. Read this blog to get ideas for summer activities to get your children outside and active.

Stage a Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are a great way for your child to get outside and get moving while also stimulating their mind. Scavenger hunts allow kids to move around and exercise as they are searching for the next item on the list. The hunt can be scaled for different ages and amounts of children: two kids playing can race each other, while a playground’s worth can divide into teams. A scavenger hunt will also build problem-solving skills and ability to work with a team. Exploring nature is a great way to get your child outside and introduce them to new things!

Floor is Lava Challenge

You can do this inside on a day that is too hot or too rainy to go outside! All you need is some materials to set up an obstacle course. The only goal of the game is to only step on the materials and not the ground, or you’ll touch the lava! Inside, use sturdy furniture such as sofas and armchairs, and make sure breakable items are removed from the play area.

Encourage Children to Help with Gardening Work

Not only is gardening a huge help for the parents, but it will allow children to learn a sense of responsibility while being active! Gardening is a great way to get the heart pumping and relieve stress. It’s also a great opportunity to bond with your family and grow healthy foods. A few ways to get kids involved in gardening are to let them pick out what you’re planting, let them help plant the seeds, and give them the responsibility of watering the plants. You can even section off a small part of your garden for your children so they can have their own!

Make Water Balloons Out of Sponges

This activity is like a water balloon fight but without all the time filling the balloons and cleaning them up. Cut your sponges into one-inch strips, stack nine strips on top of each other in rows of three, wrap yarn or string around the middle, soak them with water and you have a fantastic, reusable alternative for water balloons! Now your children can run around outside and stay cool.

Don’t forget to regularly apply sunscreen and drink lots of water when you’re out in the sun, but most importantly of all, don’t forget to have fun while you’re being active!