Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers
As parents, we know how important it is for our preschoolers to get fresh air and enjoy the wonders of nature. Outdoor activities not only promote physical health but also provide valuable learning experiences for our little ones. In this blog, we explore a variety of fun and educational outdoor activities for preschoolers that will keep your little one engaged and excited to get outside.
Obstacle Course
Work as a team to design an obstacle course using items like hula hoops, cones, jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, or anything else you may have in the garage or backyard (perhaps a swing set, basketball hoop, sand pit, etc.). Challenge your preschooler’s physical skills and coordination while having fun. You can also time them as they complete the course, turning it into a friendly competition. It doesn’t have to be purely physical though – consider adding a station where they have to solve a puzzle or sing a song before moving to the next spot!
Sink or Float
Fill up a large bucket of water and gather 10-15 objects of varying shapes, sizes, and weights. These can be rocks, twigs, leaves, or even toys. Before placing the items in water, ask your preschooler to pick up each one and guess whether it will sink or float. Discuss the differences between the objects and help your child hypothesize as the science experiment continues!
Splish, Splash, Alphabet Dash
Use sidewalk chalk to write letters on your swing set, deck, patio, or driveway, then call out each letter for your preschooler to locate, repeat, and carefully trace with a spray bottle or squirt gun! You can also do this with numbers, your child’s name, and any other word or phrase you want them to practice. This outdoor activity for your preschoolers is a fun way to improve letter and number recognition, which are key components of most kindergarten readiness checklists. Visit our blog for other tips on preparing your child for kindergarten.
Nature Scavanger Hunt and Craft
A nature scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to introduce your preschooler to the world of exploration. Create a list of items they can find in your backyard or local park, such as pinecones, leaves, rocks, and flowers. Armed with a small bag or basket, your child can embark on a treasure hunt while learning about different natural objects and enhancing their observation skills. Include objects on your list that will stay put, too, such as a bird’s nest or a babbling brook.
When you get home, create leaf rubbings, make nature collages, or press flowers into beautiful botanical art. Consider making your art more personal by having your preschooler shape the objects into letters to spell their name! This makes for a nice, frameable keepsake.
Insect Investigation
Preschoolers are naturally curious about insects and other critters. So, cultivate their curiosity through a bug-hunting adventure! Grab a net, sketchbook, pencil, container with air holes, and a magnifying glass for your expedition. Explore your garden or local park to observe insects and other small creatures, collecting tiny friends in your bug container as you go. Take note of their movement, size, coloring, and any other notable features. Both you and your child can sketch each critter and compare the drawings. Be sure to snap a photo before releasing your creepy crawlies back into the wild.
Check out this guide from Childhood by Nature for advice on making the most of your bug quest!
Outdoor Storytime
Take story time to a whole new level by enjoying books outdoors. Set up a cozy blanket in your backyard or at a nearby park and read your child’s favorite stories together – or discover new ones! Encourage your kiddo to use their imagination and act out the characters in the story. Outdoor story time fosters a love for reading while allowing your child to connect with nature and soak up some good ol’ Vitamin D.
Gardening Adventures
Engaging in gardening activities teaches your preschooler about plants and nature but also instills a sense of responsibility and patience. Allow your child to plant and care for flowers, vegetables, fruits, or herbs. Watching their little garden grow can be a rewarding and fruitful educational experience. Berry fun, indeed! Plus, when kids are actively involved in growing new foods, they’re more willing to try new things, helping prevent them from becoming picky eaters.
Schedule a Tour at Kiddi Kollege
We hope this list of outdoor activities for preschoolers was helpful for your family. Outside activity is a fantastic way to keep your kiddo engaged and excited about learning. So, pack a picnic, grab your sunscreen, and head outside to explore the great outdoors with your preschooler – it’s a journey of discovery and fun that you’ll both cherish for years to come!
Looking for more enrichment opportunities for your preschooler? At Kiddi Kollege, we offer early childhood education classes for children as young as six weeks all the way through pre-K, and we offer afterschool care for kids through sixth grade, too. Schedule a tour today!