5 Fun Activities To Try With Your Children From Gardening to Storytelling

As the new year unfolds, I’m making a pact to become more mindful about more dedicated playtime with my kids in whichever way they like  be it football with my younger two or cooking more dishes and watching boxsets with my eldest.

This is the perfect time to explore new activities that can bring joy, education, and quality times with the kids!

Below are five fun activities to consider:

 

Explore nature

Family hikes and walks in the open countryside (or even the local park) whatever the weather (simply wrap up warm if it’s cold), offer fresh air and a chance to exercise and even a chance for your kids to learn, opening up their world to nature. We like using nature apps to help us discover, name and learn about local wildlife, birds, plants and flowers such as the iNaturalist app so we can learn as we roam!

Being in the great outdoors is also a useful way to discuss the environment with your children, the importance of conservation and protecting wildlife (why not try litter picking as you walk) whilst keeping your step count up whilst observing the beauty of nature.

 

 

Family cooking time

My kids started helping out with cooking and baking from a young age.

Florence, my toddler, was stirring pancake mixture at 13 months old. Involving your children in cooking and cleaning, in an age-appropriate way, involves them in your life which is what they like most, and it educates and entertains whilst introducing them to important life skills.

You can start by experimenting with simple, three ingredient recipes boosting creativity whilst harnesses your kinds’ fine motor skills.

Alongside this, you can teach your little ones about nutrition, how to measure ingredients and follow instructions.

Cooking and baking is a combination of creativity, maths and science.

Plus, what’s better than enjoying the fruits of your labour afterwards? Pass that pancake please!!!!

 

Arts and crafts

I started drawing at two years old and still find nothing more mindful than doodling in a notebook. I hope to pick up the paintbrush again one day as art really is my first love.

All of my children enjoy drawing and painting and I recently introduced my toddler to the concept of colouring in recently which keeps her entertained and provides a tech-free way to stimulate her.

I know arts and crafts can be a messy activity so if you have the space, why not consider creating an area dedicated to artistic activities. Place a wipeable mat underneath a desk and add some drawing utensils, paper and craft materials.

Whether it’s painting, drawing, or making DIY crafts, artistic endevours encourage self-expression and potentially foster a new favourite hobby.

Why not even create a family art gallery to showcase everyone’s masterpieces?

 

Storytelling sessions

Immerse your children in the magical world of storytelling and reading to elicit excitement whilst honing their literary skills from an early age.

Make it a priority to set aside time to read books together, allowing your children to explore different worlds, learn about different characters and expand their vocabulary.

Why don’t you take turns to create your own stories or encourage your children to write their own stories down. Listening to audio books is another brilliant way to introduce children to fiction and non-fiction. We like to play audio books on car journeys.

FYI: literacy helps every single subject at school.

 

 

Gardening

Why not teach your kids where fruit and vegetables come from and get them involved in potting and planting on your windowsill or in your garden if you have one.

It doesn’t matter whether you have a sprawling garden or a few pots on a balcony or by your window, watering and feeding plants, fruit and vegetables will provide life-long skills on self-sustenance and nutrition.

It is also a tactile opportunity to teach children about plant life cycles, and harness their patience in growing food.

 

As the new year begins, why not let these activities be a gateway to meaningful shared experiences, greater happiness, and growth for you and your children?

Let me know what you try?

 

For more inspiration, see Grandir nurseries