Today Date Triggered Content

We know spending time in nature helps our children to learn about looking after the world around them. As it's Earth day on Monday, we thought we’d share a few ideas to get you started playing and learning outdoors (and there are lots more among the ideas on your activities page).  

If you live in a built-up area you might feel that activities with nature aren’t for you, but even in a busy area you can find the natural world, either by finding a green space, noticing the plants and insects which do manage to grow in your street or even planting some seeds to bring nature into your home. 

Simple things often are the best, and that applies to play too. As is gets towards the end of the summer holidays, we thought we’d share some ways to use one of our favourite playthings – the humble cardboard box 

If you have a big cardboard box you might not need any of these ideas, because children of all ages love getting in a box, or filling it with some of their favourite things.  

Nursery rhymes – some parents love them, and some don’t... but babies, toddlers and even older children often find them irresistible making a rhyme time-type group an ideal way to fill long days together. Over the summer lots of these groups will have paused, so we’ve been sharing ways to create your own mini-versions at home.  

This week it is all about rhymes and songs, with ideas for all ages which can be done one-on-one with your little one or with a group of friends.  

It can be easy to forget to walk – not as in not knowing how, but that when life is busy sometimes it’s just easier to jump in the car or on a bus to get from A to B. We know walking with a toddler or young child can make getting where you need to be slower, but if you have a bit more time why not try some of these ideas to get everyone walking. 

Giving your child the chance to walk when you’re going out, rather than going in a buggy or in the car, helps to build their strength and stamina, supports a healthy heart and creates good habits for the future.  

This week is zero waste week – a week focused on encouraging everyone to reduce the waste that ends up in landfill. While actually achieving zero waste might feel unrealistic, if you’ve looked round your home and wondered how you already have so many toys (lots that aren’t played with anymore), you might be ready for some zero waste play ideas.  

As always, if you’re going to give your child anything to play with that isn’t a toy check it is safe for them and their current skills and be there to supervise their play.  

World Photo Day takes place on 19th August every year, and is a day devoted to celebrating the history of photography. This year’s theme is ‘Understanding clouds’ and we thought it could be perfect inspiration for a weekend of fun and learning!  

A blanket under the dining table, a sheet over the washing line, or simply a box big enough to sit inside becomes magical when you make this your den. Just having their morning snack in it might be something your child remembers for years – we've got some ideas to get you started.  

Younger and older children playing together 

If you have both younger and older children, having their own separate den or cosy corner might be best.  

If your usual groups are taking their summer break, or you’re taking some annual leave, you might have a bit more time to play. Your activity page is a great place to start, check it for ideas which will be linked to the skills your child is working on now. If you’re looking for inspiration for a rainy day indoors – play dough and sensory games could be just the thing.  

Play dough is great for building strength in hands and fingers, and for older children can be a fantastic way to get creative.

We love a kitchen disco, and we think dancing and enjoying music can be part of everyday life – but if you fancy a bit of time focusing on tunes we’ve got some ideas for you.  

It’s all too easy to find yourself drawn in to feeling you need more expensive or elaborate toys, or even simple ones, especially when you’re feeling a bit lost for something to do. But the best memories and most important skills are often built from the everyday things we do.  

This summer we're celebrating all the ways that play is brilliant for development, mental health and social connections – for children but also for parents. And we want to make sure it's all as free, or cheap, as possible so your family can focus on the fun to be had, without barriers to get there.