7 ideas for getting outdoors with your child
When the temperature drops in winter, the number of colds and bugs our kids pick up can sometimes go up.
But that doesn’t have to mean keeping them cooped up indoors! If they’re bundled up when it’s cold, getting a good dose of fresh air can help kids strengthen their immune system to better fight bugs in the future.
In fact, our kids are exposed to cold and flu viruses indoors much of the time, such as at daycare or school.
We’ve teamed up with Biostime, kind sponsors of this article, to bring you some top ideas for getting out and about with your child, plus ways that you can help support their immunity.
7 outdoor play ideas for kids
1. Create an obstacle course
If your child has grown a bit too fond of screen time at home or school, being outside is a great way to hit the reset button. If you have a backyard, you won’t have to travel far or plan.
Grab toys, tunnels, hoops and whatever else you can lay your hands on and ask your child to create an obstacle course for you to undertake.
When you’re done, switch roles and make one for them!
2. Host a park playdate
A trip to your local park can encourage your child’s curiosity and let them explore and create adventures.
It’s a time to be social too, so invite their friends or host a park playdate and let the kids burn off some steam together.
3. Blow and catch bubbles
What is it with little ones and bubbles? They can’t get enough of them!
Grab the bubble mixture and head outdoors to create bubble-popping memories together.
4. Scoot or ride
If your child has a scooter or bike, it’s time to hit the streets, paths or parks and explore on wheels.
5. Make a nature collage
Hunt in your back yard or local park for interesting leaves, twigs and petals and then bring some home to create a colourful collage with what you’ve found.
6. Explore local attractions
Is there a wildlife park, zoo or trail nearby that you haven’t visited yet? Check out what’s on in your area and check off the local attractions together.
7. Muddy puddle jumping
An outdoor adventure doesn’t need to be costly and you don’t need to travel too far.
If in doubt, take a leaf from Peppa Pig’s book, throw on the gumboots and go muddy puddle jumping! Tip: If you’re driving to a park, take some spare socks and shoes with you for the car journey back, plus something to put the muddy boots in to protect your car.
Top tips for being outdoors
1. Dress for the occasion
If you’re going to be outdoors with your child in the cold weather, dress them in lightweight layers that can be added and removed as the temperature changes. Don’t forget hats and gloves too.
2. Pack the right stuff
Taking a well-stocked bag will make your outdoor adventure stress-free. A backpack is a great option that’s easy to carry to most places and you can pack it with drinks, snacks and a camera to capture your new memories.
3. Clean up to keep germs at bay
Encouraging regularly hand washing with your child is essential in or outdoors, says KidsHealth: “hand washing is by far the best way to keep kids from getting sick and prevent the spread of germs”.
You can read more about the importance of handwashing and how to do it correctly here.
The benefits of being outdoors
Getting outdoors with your child in the cooler weather can have more benefits that help to build their immune system. Sun exposure helps our bodies to make vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones, muscles and overall health.
BetterHealth says, “Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is necessary for the production of vitamin D in the skin and is the best natural source of vitamin D.”
Being out and about more with your child is also a great opportunity to spend quality time with them outside of the home, to encourage exercise and show them new environments.
How else can you help to support your child’s immunity?
Protecting our children’s immunity in winter is a must and being out in nature (aka: the dirt!), eating a balanced diet full of fruits and veggies and getting a good night’s sleep all help.
This is also where Biostime Infant Probiotics with Vitamin D can support your little ones.
Biostime, the world’s No.1 brand of Childrens’ Probiotics Supplements*, has been continuously refined for over 20 years, and is specially developed to help support gastro-intestinal flora of healthy infants. This specifically formulated probiotic-prebiotic combination is designed to support digestive and immune function in healthy infants.
If you want to know more about how Biostime can help you support your little one, click here.
When the temperature drops, playtime can still go outdoors and spending time in nature is a great way to foster your child’s creativity and curiosity!
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Supplements may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.
*Euromonitors’ research findings as generated via desk research and trade interviews, measured in terms of retail sales value in 2017. Claim issued on 10 January 2019.
