With schools all across Ohio extending spring breaks and closing for three weeks due to COVID-19, things may get a little crazy inside our homes. I’m picturing kids with tons of energy bouncing off the walls, needing new and different activities to keep them entertained. And although the weather in Ohio can throw us for a loop at any moment, there’s no doubt we will have some days perfect for getting some fresh air.
Getting outside is good for our mental and physical health, and there are a ton of things kids can do just in their backyards. Aside from playing toss, taking a walk, or riding bikes, here are six other ways to play and be creative outside.
Bubbles
These have been a huge hit at our house lately. If you don’t have any bubble solution on hand, here a couple of simple recipes to make with your kids:
- 2 cups warm water, ⅓ cup dish soap, ¼ cup corn syrup
- 4 tbsp water, 1 tbsp dish soap, 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Sidewalk Chalk
Kids can channel their creativity or you could even use the chalk as a learning tool with letters, numbers, shapes, etc.
Make a Rock Garden
Using a few rocks outside and some acrylic paint, your kids can create all sorts of colorful arrangements. You can even draw on little eyes to make rock creatures.
Yard Clean Up for Spring
Yes, I realize this may not sound fun, but it can be! This was something that made it onto our chore list frequently as kids. My dad did NOT want to run over any sticks with the mower! You can make a game out of how many sticks your kids can pick up in a certain time frame, or even have a friendly competition between siblings of who can pick up more. Even more fun, sticks can be awesome for building or making letters or designs on the ground. This helps parents get their yard cleaned up and the kids burn off some energy! WIN-WIN!
Create a Scavenger Hunt
You can use a piece of paper or index card to list out the items to look for, and kids can check them off as they go. It can be for finding little things like a leaf, stone, feather, or worm, or spotting things like a bird, squirrel, or airplane. Even hearing a certain nearby sound – an animal, vehicle, train, etc.
Look for Four-Leaf Clovers
All kids love finding one of these! I also realize this activity may take up some time, but you can always settle for a three-leaf clover if kids get a little antsy. A fun thing to do with the clovers is pressing them in a book to preserve. I still have one preserved in a photo album from when I was a kid.
It’s amazing what you can find in nature if you take the time to slow down and appreciate it!
