Do you remember your parents kicking you outside during the summer to go run around the neighborhood? You’d come home at the end of the day sunkissed, a little bit sticky, and maybe even covered in dirt, but you were happy and fell into bed exhausted but ready to do it again the next day. I don’t feel like that happens as much anymore, whether for safety issues or because we lead such busy lives; our kids just aren’t spending as much time outdoors anymore.  

The weather is warming up and there is no better time to get outside to shake up the learning experience. It is as simple as moving typical indoor activities outside--lego building on the patio--or going on a leisurely walk looking for the many things in bloom! Do a kid-friendly workout class to music near the playground or practice those yoga moves in the grass; there are so many fun options.  

Check out how Taylor Wyatt at @CompleteMomSense is spending her time outside, incorporating science and discovery as well as lots of fun!

Spring is officially in full bloom and it is the perfect season to spend time outdoors doing activities and experiments with your kids! It’s easy to think of outside play including water and sand activities, but this time of year my daughters and I really enjoy exploring nature and learning about the insects that we see everyday. 

My whole family is currently watching the life cycle of a butterfly with the butterfly garden. Every day we check on our caterpillars and wait for the changes to occur. It’s a great talking point to go outside and see butterflies and have a dialogue about how they start as caterpillars and over time change into butterflies. I also love that it comes with manipulatives that represent each phase - egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly! This helps us to see the stage they’re in and what’s to come. We can’t wait to release our butterflies into the wild!

Water tables, sand pits, and mini pools are all the rage and for good reason! Not only are they every child’s favorite, they encourage pretend play, aid fine and gross motor skills, and promote sensory experiences. With any of these options you can throw in cups, scoops, utensils, bowls, and have your kids do transfer activities to improve hand eye coordination. If you add in some food coloring you can watch primary colors transfer to secondary colors. 

Outdoor play is essential for children. The good news is there are so many activities available to help keep it engaging and fun! We are looking forward to having all the fun in the sun this year. Be sure to follow along with us to see how our butterfly garden progresses in the coming weeks!

                                              FEATURED PRODUCTS:

Board Book Classic - The Very Hungry Caterpillar - PU-690

Encased Butterfly Collection - ESE-422

Tree Rings - TEB-12

Butterfly Dominoes - MTC-385

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