With some countries having summer and others making ready for mid winter, we've decided to explore four summer outdoor activities. It doesn't matter what season it is, fresh air and exercise is beneficial to children. These activities are a reminder of how easy it is to go outside and play.
It is really so easy, just take the time. With four weeks in a month allocate at least one activity per week and see the results for yourself.

Picnic
This is a perfect summer activity that one should do at least once during the year. You can do this in your own back yard. Don't let a busy schedule get in the way, it only takes a few minutes of your time. It is as simple as filling up a basket or bag with healthy food. Ask children to help you pack and you'll be surprised at their excitement. Things to pack; an old blanket or table cloth to sit on and to unpack the food , cold drink or juice with plastic cups, plates and cut-up fruit to eat. Choose an inviting spot in your backyard where you can listen with your child to the different sounds around you. Let them assist with unpacking. Let them run-around and enjoy play outdoors.

Sprinkler
When last did you put on the sprinkler, not to water the plants but to bring relieve during those hot summer days. Children love running around and to cool off from the heat, just remember the sunscreen. Sprinklers can be turned down in such a way that water wastage is considered. If you don't have sprinklers use a garden hose and try out the following: "the mexican wave" - this is where you flip the hose up and down to make waves of water that children can run through. The momentum can be changed from slow to fast. "The bar" - this is where children can jump over the stream of water, you can adjust this to what they are capable of. If they jump short then the water will get them and you're bound to hear laughter and screams.
Don't be surprised if the children are thirsty and tired after this exhilarating play.

Flower Garden
This is a special kind of garden consisting of only the most beautiful and colorful flowers. This is flowers that your child can plant. With guidance they can plant it in different shapes. If the plants won't survive outdoors, use pots to plant them in, otherwise choose an area from your garden. It is suggested that you let the child pick out the flowers and plant them. First draw different shapes on the ground and let the child name them. Then make little holes just deep enough for one seed per hole. This calls for finger work since the child has to carefully place each seed into the hole. Help to fill it up with ground and let the child water it with a homemade water can. This can be made before-hand as an art & craft exercise. Use a recycled plastic bottle by making holes at the bottom of it and let the child decorate it.

A Climbing Rope
With a little bit of effort and planning you can get a climbing rope up in the garden. This is such a great mechanism to improve coordination, arm strength and muscle development within children. To set this up tie a thick rope around an existing bar structure that is sturdy and safe or around a thick branch of a tree. Choose nylon or rope that won't cause blisters. Tie a knot around the end for children to get a grip on and to stand on. As you'll see this won't take up a lot of space or money and can be so beneficial to children's physical development.