Summertime has come. Finally, it’s time to just be together instead of working down the schedule of waking up the kids, getting them ready, working, picking up, feeding them and putting them to bed. Just being together is lovely but adding a few activities in the mix is even better. Of course, there’s countless things you could do, but how to choose? We listed a few fun and simple activities, easy to organize at home or on holiday. Suitable for all ages!
Painting
Painting may not sound so special, but did you know that you can paint with your baby as soon he can sit in a high chair? Babies find it very interesting to feel different structures. What materials do you need? Washable paint, old clothes and paper. Put your little one an old shirt on and make the space ‘baby paint proof’: it is wise to put newspapers on the floor, chair and table. Put the paint in small containers and just use your hands to paint. The artistry will amaze you. Getting dirty is guaranteed, so a nice scrub will be needed afterwards.
Discovering different materials
This activity is ideal for little ones. Put a cardboard box, an old newspaper and a piece of aluminum on the ground. Put your baby between the different materials and let him wrinkle, cramming and ripping the materials. For the biggest fun factor lay down next to your kid and experience what he experiences. And to keep an eye on him, of course.
Do you have older kids? Make a barefoot path together! Sensory play is very educational. To do this you need four or five boxes that are large enough to stand in. Put the different substrates in a container, such as water, sand, pebbles, feathers, mud, shaving foam, aluminum foil, then put the tubs behind each other. Let the children run barefoot through the bins and let them experience the products feel on their bare feet. Do you have space available outside? Even better!
Together to the library
Ah, the library. Do you remember the time you were young and went there every week? The place with hundreds of stories to read, a place that was actually one big fantasy world. It was a magical place. Do you know that libraries have books for all ages, even for the youngest ones? Take them there and go through the books together, read a story to your little one, watch the wonderful illustrations and photos together and dream away. Did you know that reading to your kids from a young age helps tremendously in developing their language skills?
Make your own fresh fruit ice pops
After exploring, painting and reading, you get hungry. What’s more fun than making your own ice pops? You can choose all kinds of fruits, like strawberries, raspberries, and kiwi. Put the fruit in a blender, add a bit of water or yogurt and mix it well. Need a bit more sweetness? Add some lemonade syrup or honey. But we love it just as much without it! Put the fruit mix in the popsicle molds (for sale at Greenjump for example) and put them in the freezer. After about three hours you’ll be able to enjoy the most delicious, healthy ice pops. Easy as that!
All activities can be organized anywhere. With a little preparation you don’t need much, whether you’re at home or at the camp site. Most important of all: take your time and enjoy!
Do you have great tips for activities with small kids? Send an email and who knows we will post it soon on our social media channels!
