Most children nowadays spend very little time in the outdoors or in the open air. They are always cooped up at home with either a tab or watching television instead of reaping the benefits of fresh air outside. It is important for parents to encourage the kids to play outdoors and here are a few ways to do the same.

Play in the yard

The yard is the closest you can get to nature without having to go on a trek. Allow the child to play in the dirt, catch insects or at least observe them through a magnifying glass. Planning a scavenger hunt for things that you can find around the yard is a great way to make the whole family spend time outdoors.

Enjoy the rain

Kids enjoy water, so just letting them splash around and enjoy the different scenes after the rain is a great adventure for them. By just asking them to observe certain features and changes that occur after the rains, it can be a very good learning experience for the child and they will not even know they were tricked into learning.

Go on a hike

What better way to teach the child to love nature than to take them for a hike? Any kid-friendly trail is perfect for a stroll through nature and it also helps to develop family bonds without any distractions. Point out pretty sites and teach the child to be inquisitive in nature.

Visit a nature centre

Nature centres usually have kid-friendly activities and also easy to understand displays. When the child is allowed to interact with the displays, they learn to appreciate it.

Plant something

Involve the children in light gardening. Get them to plant something that is easy to maintain and give them the responsibility of caring and watering it. Watching the plant grow will instil a sense of achievement.

Climb a tree

Playing on a jungle gym is just not the same as climbing a tree. As long as the child is safe and within your line of sight, let them make their own way and choose which branch they will use to climb.

Camp

Once you have successfully made the child interested in nature, take the child camping. Being completely immersed in the wonders of nature is a sure shot way to cement the love for nature that is instilled in them.

Many infant care centres in Singapore can also help in a way by promoting outdoor activities in preschools and day cares.