7 Must-Do Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids

Summer is in full swing, which means that it is prime time for young children to play and explore the outdoors!

Outdoor play is fun because it is the place where kids are allowed to be loud, messy and boisterous. It is also a rich learning environment, helping kids develop important physical, cognitive and social skills. Think back to your own childhood, chances are you learned to kick a ball, invented a make-believe game, and fostered friendships on the playground.

Here are a few ideas for local outdoor fun with your child. There’s still enough time left this summer to do them all, so get out and play!

1. Go to the beach. Beals Point at Folsom Lake has an ideal beach and swim area for kids. Bring along sand toys like cups, pails, shovels, large spoons. Have a treasure hunt on the beach. Collect pretty rocks and shells. Just don’t forget the sunblock!
2. Visit the Placer Nature Center. The Center has a free program just for families with young children called Our Day Outside. The next Our Day Outside event will encourage little ones to use their senses in nature and is Saturday, August 25th from 9:30am to 11:30am.
3. Play at a local park or school playground. These are great places to find other children to play with. Did you know that Roseville has SIXTY-EIGHT! developed parks?
4. Find a bike or walking trail. Roseville has miles and miles of beautiful trails. If your child is too young to ride a bike, go for a walk. Bring along a wagon or stroller in case your child gets tired.
5. Turn on the sprinkler in your yard on a hot day. Children love to run in the water and get wet. Or visit a sprayground! Click  here for a list of spraygrounds in the Roseville/Rocklin area.
6. Wash the car together. Make buckets of soapy water to rub on the car. Let your child rinse the car with the water hose.
7. Play 'kick ball' in the yard. Make a target in the yard and practice kicking the ball into it.

EarlyChildhoodNews.com, "Take it Outside" by Rae Pica 

PlacerParent.com