46 Backyard Play Ideas for Children

Children need to get outside and be away from the TV. Especially in the summertime, when
they can get loads of fresh air and exercise. It is even more important if you live in areas
that have cold winters, since being cooped up in the winter happens often!
Pediatricians have also recently concluded that children do not get enough free play during
their day. One great way for them to have free play is by being in their backyards. Setting
up play areas and giving them ideas for play is vital to their health, but now and for their
future.
There are several ways to make any backyard area more fun for the kids.
 
1 – Garden
The love of all things in nature can never begin too early. Start that love with your child’s
very own garden. This garden can be very small or elaborate, depending on their age. A
simple garden that is low maintenance contains sunflowers, green bean plants and
tomatoes. Annual flowers like marigolds, petunias and zinnias offer bright colors and
blossoms all year long. Give your child small chores like watering and weeding (with help).
They can also be artistic and make signs to label all of their plants. A scarecrow can keep
away the birds. In the fall, have them harvest any fruit or vegetables you planted.

The Learning environment

There's often a trap in the words 'after school activities'. One may
easily believe that since these activities are after school, They're not
of much importance. But, one couldn't be more wrong. Research suggests

that children catch some of their most important skills from after
school programs. That's why children who don't participate in any extra
curricular activities are usually slow and less vibrant.

How much is too much?

Should your child go for the football practice 5 days a week?  Are 3 days
enough? It is common for parents to be a little confused when it comes to
deciding how much is too much with reference to after school activities.
They argue that since most of the activities are fun (as different from
studies), children will simply lap up these classes. But, too much of fun
can also make a child sick. Here is a simple guide that will help you
decide how much is too much for your child.

After School Activity Ideas For Kids

After school activities are essential for enhancing the social and intellectual development of children, especially for those in grades K - 12. The following four after school activities are great ways to help kids learn and have fun at the same time.

Effective After School Activities

When there are so many activities on offer, and each one looks as good as
the next, how do you gauge the worth and effectiveness of these
activities? Sure, you want an activity that junior enjoys. But, we really
cannot afford to waste time on pleasure for pleasure's sake, do we? There
needs to be a grain of gold somewhere in there. Given below is a list of
characteristics that any good after school activity must possess.

After School Activities and Burnout

For millions of parents around the world, the day does not end with the school bell. There are still pictures to be painted, songs to be sung and games to be played. This all adds up to keeping children happy, safe and out of trouble. But, parents have to steer away from going overboard.