Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Landscape Structures as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. All opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Getting your kids outside to play is growing harder with technology being so prevalent. Find a local Landscape Structure and let their imagination run wild!
Raising kids in this time where technology is so prevalent, it’s really important for us to make sure our girls actually PLAY. Growing up, I was always outside and using my imagination–I strive to have my three kids (soon to be four!) be the same way. I make sure to supply my girls with plenty of fun, imaginative play resources: chalk, bubbles, obstacle courses and more! Inside, we do science experiments, cooking classes and puppets. If you put less emphasis on technology (which is hard, I know), they’ll see it as something special, not essential for everyday life.
As the elementary school’s PTA President, I also see how important imaginative play is during the school day too. With such rigorous schedules and long hours, recess should provide them with an outlet to not only get rid of some cooped up energy, but also for exploration. I’m always looking for new ways to provide fun for the playground–balls, jump ropes and more.
I absolutely adore the Landscape Structures idea to create an environment which encourages bravery, leadership and teamwork. We have a few in our area and we truly love visiting those playgrounds. Best part: they’re for kids of all ages and abilities. No one gets left behind!
Problem solving in an outside environment is essential too. I love that these structures encourage children to go above and beyond…and that it’s okay to fall down, just dust yourself off. (Can you say that without thinking of the Aaliyah song? I cant…”dust yourself off and tryyyy again)
To see if there’s a Landscape Structure in your area, check out the Playground Locator. I am hoping to be able to provide my girls’ school with a new structure in the near future!
With summer coming up before we know it, I’m already creating a list of must-have imaginative play items we love. You don’t have to break the budget, either! Many great finds are at the Dollar Tree. Here’s some of our favorites:
- Orange Cones. These are great for so many uses: creating paths for the bikes, obstacle courses for the backyard or markers for throwing balls.
- Bubbles. We buy them in bulk…because who doesn’t love chasing around large bubbles.
- Container Gardens. Planting seeds together, then watching them grow is SUCH an amazing activity for kids of all ages. I love to keep herbs at kids’ level so they can help me water and harvest them.
- Stopwatch. What kid doesn’t like to be timed? This is great for bringing to the playground. You can set goals and see growth all year long!
- Chalk. We keep ours in an old milk gallon with the top cut off (the handle is perfect for carrying!). Aside from artwork, think about making roads for bikes or scooters or hop scotch!
Check out and be inspired at shapedbyplay.com and share this heartwarming video by global playground manufacturer Landscape Structures, which celebrates the promise of our future as kids play and develop skills that shape them as adults on playgrounds
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What are some of your favorite imaginative play items for outside? I would love some new ideas! Have you visited a Landscape Structures playground before?
I couldn’t agree more with your post. I have two daughters and I try to get them to go outside and play as much as we can. We recently moved to a new house out farther in the “country” and they appear to enjoy being outside more these days. Great post and thanks for sharing.
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