Kids Outdoor Fun Checklist

Kids Outdoor Fun Checklist

With a little ingenuity and careful planning, kids outdoor fun doesn't have to put a drain on your pocketbook. Here are seven ideas for creating ultimate kid fun:

1. Think outside the box. A good example is your local municipal golf course. Most municipals have a practice putting green adjacent to the clubhouse which you are welcome to use free of charge. You can turn this into a free putt-putt activity for your entire family.

2. Shake things up. What's the best way to create the best kids outdoor fun activity? Consider a technique made famous by the father of creative problem solving, Alex Osbourne. It goes like this: When you need a new idea, substitute, combine, adapt, modify, eliminate, rearrange, reverse, or redefine something you've read or seen. It works wonders for coming up with fun and exciting activities. You just have to keep your eyes and ears open, then work the formula.

3. Try these low-cost kids outdoor fun activities. Fly a kite. Go fishing. Go for a hike. Go swimming. Go for a bike ride. Go camping. Build a fort. Shoot hoops.

4. Form a play group. This is where a small gathering of parents or caregivers and their children get together on a regular basis for play and interaction. The venues range from parks, playgrounds, or each other's homes. Each gathering could have a theme or be open ended.

5. Survey your child's interests. It sounds simple if you remember to do it regularly. By asking your child questions about his interests, this will help you create memorable kids outdoor fun.

6. Hold a multi-family outdoor game night. For starters pick the best park in town and invite three or four families. Find the best outdoor games you can get your hands on and play in the park together for an hour or two. Don't forget snacks and refreshments.

7. Think fun. If it's not fun, what's the point? You have to keep in mind you're competing with game boxes and iPods. Kids are curious. They want to do new things. They need to jump, play and laugh. With a "think fun" mentality, you can engage your kid in wholesome fun and recreation.

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