Spring is the perfect time to encourage more outdoor play. Getting creative at the same time adds to the fun, and the whole family can get involved in the making as well as the playing.
A simple length of fabric is a great starting point for 5 fun DIY outdoor activities. This fabulous stripe is Sofia from Ikea. Grab a long length of cord, some pegs and scissors and you’re set.
1. Make a shelter for a picnic or tea party
To create a fun hang-out for a picnic or a shady place to read a book secure the cord between a couple of trees and throw the fabric over it. Clip the fabric to the cord with a few pegs, weigh the bottom corners of the fabric down and you’re done. Spread out a blanket, throw in a few cushions and enjoy your cosy hideout.
2. Create an outdoor theatre
Cut the fabric in half to make two curtains for a fun garden theatre. Use the pegs to attach the fabic to the length of cord. Gather up some dress ups, props and your imagination and start the show!
3. Make a giant memory game
When the actors tire of their stage you can make a giant memory game from one of the curtains. Use patterned fabric or gift wrap to create matching pairs on the backs of the fabric squares. Or ask the children to draw pictures for the game. Get them to draw 2 horses, 2 apples, 2 unicorns, or whatever they fancy. Glue the drawings to the back of the fabric squares, mix them up and take turns trying to remember where they are.
4. The shoot and score game
For this game you’ll need balls of various sizes – a soccer ball, tennis balls, or whatever you have at hand. Take the other theatre curtain, cut various sized holes in it and write a number above each hole for point scores. This is a fun competitive game that can be played in teams and is great for improving gross motor skills and coordination.
5. The ground is lava game
Use the fabric from the holes you cut out to create another game. Pretend the ground is hot lava as you jump from circle to circle – if you touch the grass you’re out! Increase the challenge by placing the circles further and further apart, or try hopping on one leg instead of jumping. Place the circles up a slope for an extra workout!
Head to Ikea for toys, balls, play food, tea sets, and other props to make your outdoor springtime fun complete.
Photos and concepts courtesy of Ikea.