By: Victoria H
The summer is here and it’s time to get out and play. If you are feeling stuck in the house, there are tons of opportunities to help you beat cabin fever. Here are some safe and simple activities for you and your family.
You can start the day off with a stroller or carrier walk. Switching up your environment can be a stimulating start to the day. You get to take in the peaceful, fresh morning air and hear the birds sing. Creating this new habit also provides opportunities to connect. While your phone is away, you have a chance to ground yourself and be present with your little ones. An early morning stroll is a great way to get exercise and beat the heat!
If it’s not too hot, getting some outside blanket time can be very fun! You don’t have to go far. The balcony, porch, yard, or neighborhood park has lots of interesting new things to see and hear. There are so many different textures for babies to observe. Scratchy green grass, rough sticks, smooth leaves, and soft flowers can be very stimulating to young minds. Make it special! Wear a fun outfit, bring some snacks, and find a dry, shady spot where you feel safe and comfortable. For older kids, you can create a list for them to check off what they find, or create a journal to record all of their interesting discoveries! There is so much to observe and hear all around you no matter where you live. If you look closely, you can see your neighborhood through your child’s eyes.
For those really hot days, playing with water is a must! There are so many options from reusable water balloons to water slides and sprinklers. If you don’t have access to a full-sized pool, a few inches of water and bath toys in a shallow kiddy pool or bathtub can provide hours of fun. Try to reserve water play for children 6 months and older. For younger infants, a light mist of a spray bottle may be enough to provide sensory play, as well as ward off the heat. No matter how you choose to play, safety is a priority! Always keep your young ones at arm’s length if they are in a pool and in sight at all times. Remember, drowning is silent and accidents can happen in a matter of seconds so stay alert and stay safe.
If you want to plan a fun outing, your local library often carries passes to zoos, parks, and museums around you! Take your little ones to the zoo to learn about all the different animals or romp around the sculpture park. You can learn about your town’s history, see local art, or an honorable hall of fame. There are a lot of opportunities for you and your family to learn something new at a wonderful discount. The library itself can be an adventure, so take advantage of your local libraries free events and pass programs.
There are so many stimulating activities and new adventures awaiting you and your little ones this summer. Remember to prioritize safety and fun! You all deserve to get out and discover the world around you so relax, and try to enjoy precious time together. Each moment is a chance to love, learn, and grow this summer. You got this mama.