Remember the joy of running barefoot in the grass and spending hours having fun in the warm summer air? The first Saturday of every month is Play Outside Day and we’ve compiled some family-friendly ideas to help you recreate that same joyful experience and keep the outside activities going all summer long.
- Make your own rules. If “playing outside” means grabbing a stack of books and sitting in a shady spot to read the day away, do it! It’s about changing up your normal routine, getting outside and doing something you love — whatever that may be.
- Chalk your driveway or pavement. Grab some chalk from your local supermarket and get creative on your driveway or pavement. There are tonnes of clever things you can do with chalk, from writing positive messages for passersby, to creating backdrops for creative photoshoots.
- Play mini golf in your own backgarden. Set up a mini golf course using household objects and spend the day practising your putt.
- Take it easy. Try yoga in the shade, or do a guided walking meditation in nature and enjoy the relaxing benefits of these mindfulness practices.
- Literally play! Games like Drip Drip Splash, Capture the Firefly and other games using a torch, Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe, and Sponge Bullseye are fun for kids (and adults!) of all ages.
- Build something. Bird lovers, try making a small birdfeeder or garden lovers, how about a DIY planter for your mums?
- Go camping at home. Set up a campsite right in your own garden. Even if you don’t have real camping gear, you can use sheets to make a fun “tent” to hang out in during the day using sheets and some rope. It’s the perfect spot to read, play or snooze.
- Watch movies after dark. If you have access to a projector and speaker, you can host a movie night in your garden for a crowd. But if all you have is a laptop or smartphone, that makes for a cozy viewing party too! Stream a family favourite — and bring blankets and comfy seats so you’ll be warm and cozy. Don’t forget the popcorn!
They say the days are long, but the years are short, so make the most of the time you have together and enjoy making new summer memories — and maybe even a new tradition.
