Easy Outdoor Activities for Kids
Have you ever heard of summer “summer slide”? It’s a way to describe the learning loss that can happen over the summer when kids aren’t in school. The long days of summer, though, can include other types of learning and exploration—especially outdoors—that help keeps kids’ brains active.
Plus, studies show that just 30 minutes in green spaces like yards and parks can decrease stress, increase physical activity, and create stronger connections with friends and family. It also gets kids away from their devices.
We asked Ozzie Kazarian, Ready Readers Supervisor at the Maring-Hunt branch of Muncie Public Library, for some activities that get kids thinking and exploring outside.
Flower vase and bouquet
Give each person a piece of cardboard and draw your own style of vase with markers. Poke holes above the vase and collect wildflowers to put in each of the holes. Share your bouquet with someone special.
Nature snapshots
Create a frame out of popsicle sticks, thick paper, or cardboard. Go outside with a friend and hold up the frame to objects like clouds, flowers, plants, or insects. Ask each other questions like “What colors do you see in the frame? What shapes? Are there any sounds or smells? Do you know anything interesting about what you see in the frame? How does the object make you feel?”
Scavenger hunt
Grab a piece of paper and head outside. Walk around and write down a list of 10-15 things you see. The harder to see, the better! Give your list to a friend or adult and challenge them to find the items. Then switch and ask them to create a scavenger hunt for you.
Reading (of course!)
Outside is a great place to read new or favorite books. You can even make a reading fort out of blankets, towels, and chairs. Don’t forget to sign up for Muncie Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. There are different programs for different age groups, even adults! Track your summer reading and earn great prizes.
Thanks for the ideas, Ozzie! For more ideas on getting outside, visit the Indiana Children & Nature Network.
The Ready Readers program at Maring-Hunt Library is a free one-on-one reading tutoring service for any child in Muncie in grades K-8. The program provides 30-minute sessions once a week to help kids with their specific reading needs.
To get your student on the waitlist, visit: https://www.munciepubliclibrary.org/readyreaders.
For more information, call (765) 747 8229 or email readyreaders@munpl.org.