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Outdoor games

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Outdoor games

What to do with this activity?

Playing out of doors whenever possible is great for your child. Children can explore the world through their senses by looking, listening and touching. Outdoor activity is good for their physical and mental health. Let them explore – rolling over, crawling, walking and running on different surfaces. Here are two outdoor games to enjoy.

Catch me if you can


Toddlers love to be chased! The object of this game is to be caught - especially if your child knows they will get a big bear hug every time you manage to catch them. For variety, pretend to be different types of animals - a roaring lion or a gorilla. Let them have a go at chasing you. Chasing is a great game for building up your toddler's stamina - and yours, too!

Tea party


On a sunny day take a toy tea set outdoors and fill a large plastic basin with water. Pretend you've 'come to tea' and encourage your toddler to fill the teapot and pour out the tea. This fun game will challenge your baby's co-ordination skills and help them learn about the properties of water - for example, that it always flows down, not up.

 

  • Why am I doing this?

    Play is one of the main ways that babies and toddlers learn about the world – it’s also one of the most effective ways they learn. When a child plays they refine learning skills that continue to develop during childhood and beyond.

  • How can I do more?

    As a parent, you are your child’s best playmate so try to spend time every day playing together. As your baby gets older, don’t try to teach them anything during play. They will learn best if they choose what to play and you follow their lead.

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