This is a paid partnership with Studio
When I think back to my own childhood, some of my fondest memories are ones from time spent outdoors. Playing with friends at the local play park, enjoying a kick around on the field and even heading down to the river for a dip and a slide down the weir.
There is no denying that times have changed and as much as parents would love to give their children the freedom that we once enjoyed. It is sadly not something that we are always able to give them. However, it ‘s not all doom and gloom, children can still have lots of fun and games in their own gardens… but how do you inspire them to get outside into the garden?
What fun children can have in the garden
As part of my Studio Ambassador role I’m going to share with you some ideas on how you can encourage and inspire the children to get out into the garden. I’ve included a few links to Studio items that we have at home for the children as well as ones that I think are great additions to a family garden.
Messy play
Let’s face it kids and dirt go hand in hand. This is not necessarily a bad thing, after all, almost everything can be washed – from clothes, toys and even the children. So why not embrace the dirt attraction by adding things to the garden to bring out their creative side. Wooden mud kitchens are huge right now enabling children to get hands-on with mud, kitchen utensils and even adding water for that extra sensory fun.
Ways to utilise a mud kitchen
- Making mud pies – using old kitchen pans and utensils or even their toy versions found in their toybox
- Measuring water – the water function on the mud kitchen is great for adding that learning through play feature of measuring and moving water from one container to another
- Utilising the space for kids gardening – using cleaned out yoghurt pots, compost and seeds to make their own mini garden (which will look fab on the shelf above the kitchen
- Washing up – utilise the mud kitchen sink to it’s fullest by adding some soapy bubbles and letting the children wash up the picnic lunch (plastic/bamboo plates, of course, I wouldn’t advise letting them loose on your best plates)
Water Play
Switch on the hosepipe or sprinkler for some water fun. Which can have the added bonus of cooling things down in the summer sun. Whilst watering your lawn and possibly creating those all-important muddy puddles for the children to jump up and down in.
If you decided to add in a paddling pool, do make sure that children are supervised at all times. Plus adding a fitted bed sheet over it on an evening will ensure that the water is kept bug and dirt free overnight ready for all the fun to start again the next day.
Getting active
There is always a push for children to be more active – let’s not get started on the screen time debate. Getting them in the garden and enjoying activities may seem like an uphill struggle. However, adding activity sets like the 6-in-1 sports game set is a great way to encourage them to be active.
- Host your own mini family sports day
- Learn new skills
- Improve basic skills such as throwing and catching
- Just having fun with siblings, family and friends
Helpful helpers
Children, for the most part, love to be helpful so this is something that can be used to your advantage. Encouraging them to help out in the garden tasks. Depending on their age they can help out with a number of small garden tasks, which gets them outdoors, helping you and enjoying the fresh air all at the same time
- Weeding, planting or raking up grass cuttings
- Sweeping the patio and pathways
- Moving bins for bin day
- Wiping down garden furniture
- Setting the table (or picnic blanket) ready for an al fresco lunch
- A water bucket and paintbrush to ‘paint’ the fence is great for younger children
So there you have it just a few everyday ideas to inspire the children to get out in the garden. If you are looking to create an extra special way to enjoy the garden this summer, perfect for family get-togethers or parties, then stay-tuned for my ‘how to throw a festival in your garden‘ idea that I’ll be sharing with you next month.
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