Getting Out and Getting Active

Spring has sprung and is providing the perfect opportunity to get outside and get moving with your kids. Kids learn through movement and what better way to do so than outside in the community or in nature. From hopscotch to flower picking, there are so many wonderful gross motor and sensory experiences to dive into.  Here are just a few ideas to get you outside and moving!

Sidewalk/driveway activities:

  • Get some sidewalk chalk and create a good old fashioned hopscotch pattern. Hopscotch builds bilateral skills, balance and cognitive skills. Experiment with hopping on one foot as well as both feet.
  • Create a balance beam on the edge of the sidewalk.
  • Use chalk to create a large maze that kids can navigate through.

Nature activities:

  • Climb on rocks or up trees to assist with strength building as well as sensory development.
  • Take your child for a hike to provide them with the opportunity to build muscle, endurance and balance reactions.
  • Jump over logs or in and out of Spring rain puddles!
  • Roll down a hill.
  • Pick flowers, lay in the grass and splash around in puddles to provide excellent and diverse sensory experiences.

Additional outdoor activities:

  • Blow bubbles.
  • Ride a scooter, tricycle or bike.
  • Play on a playground.
  • Fly a Kite.
  • Jump rope.
  • Create an outdoor obstacle course.

*Please always provide proper supervision to ensure a safe and fun time outside!

Check out the Outdoor Sensory Scavenger Hunt at theinspiredtreehouse.com, or their Rainbow Scavenger Hunt to develop sensory motor and gross motor skills. 

Other resources:

The Friendship Circle Blog has a great post with 10 Outdoor Activities That Enhance Gross Motor Skills.

Pinterest is a huge resource for ideas. Check out this board and this board for more fun ideas.

 

Eugene Clinic:
84 Centennial Loop
Eugene, OR 97401
Phone: (541) 255-2681
Fax: (541) 255-3537

Clinic Hours:
8:00 to 6:00 Monday – Thursday
8:00 to 5:00 Friday

Corvallis Clinic:
375 NW Harrison Blvd.
Corvallis, OR  97330
Phone: (541) 255-2681 (Eugene)
Fax: (541) 255-3537

Clinic Hours:
8:00 to 6:00 Monday - Thursday
8:00 to 5:00 Friday

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