There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather | Cheap Outdoor Activities for Kids

I am currently in the process of reading a book called “The Montessori Toddler” by Simone Davies. I came across a phrase that serves as a reminder that children should engage in outdoor play everyday. EVERY.DAY. Unless there is a monsoon or a tornado heading your way, bundle them up and take them outside! The books discusses the importance of allowing space for children to connect with nature by running in the grass barefoot, dancing in the rain, and of course digging in the dirt.

The phrase “there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing” should inspire you. If nothing else it should free you from the burden or having to ‘entertain’ your kids indoors on a rainy day. The truth is that when they are outside, children don’t need much ‘entertaining.’ A few bouncy balls, grass, trees to climb(supervised), rocks to stack, sticks to build, and a blue sky to lay under. There are no words to express the joy a child feels when they play outside.

As I think back about the parts of my childhood that were the most enjoyable, undeniably it was time spent outside playing with my sisters and friends. Think about the part of the school day that is usually most exciting for kids; recess! The outdoors has a way of centering us, grounding us, and reminding us of just how small we really are. Here are a few low maintenance Montessori-inspired outdoor activities to get you started:

1. 5 Senses Walk = go for a walk and ask the kids what they see, smell, hear, taste, and touch.
2. Sidewalk Chalk – find a safe open space on your porch, sidewalk, or backyard and let their imaginations run wild.
3. Cloud Gazing – similar to star gazing but you grab a blanket and watch the clouds roll by.
4. Bubbles (of course) Make your own bubbles and bubble wand and let the wind do the rest.
5. Toy Car Wash (supervised) – A bucket, soap, water hose, and toys. Have kids wash the toys then rinse them outside.
6. Orange Juice – Make your own juice under a tree. Squeeze the juice into a cup and enjoy. Perfect for summer.
7. Bird Watching – This is best in Spring or Summer but birds can be ‘watched’ anytime of the year.
8. Puddle Jumping – Don’t stay inside because it’s raining! Put on boots, find a good puddle, and enjoy the rain.
9. Tree Climbing – Requires close supervision but it free and great for sensory and fine motor development.
10. Barefoot Tag – Feel your toes in the grass and play chase!

These ideas are indented to encourage you to transform the way we think about ‘good’ weather. As long as you and the kiddos have appropriate gear for the weather, go have fun. The outdoors is waiting.