Guest Blogger: Charles Carpenter
Photo Credit: Pexels
The weekend’s here again, and you are struggling to find something fun for your family to do. Spending time in front of the television is not good for anyone, so why not plan some time for some exciting, educational activities to enjoy with your kids? Here are some ideas to start.
Explore Your Own Backyard
You can have educational weekend fun right in your own backyard. Our yards are filled with plants, insects, and animals for your little ones to observe. Even the ground can be interesting when you create an afternoon of geological exploration. You’ll need to pick up some basic tools, like bottles, shovels, magnets, and assorted supplies. Once you have your gear, help your child go through the yard and collect different rocks to take a closer look at. Use a magnifying glass to identify markings and figure out what kind of rocks make up the ground in your backyard.
Learn Some Fun Science
Another way for kids to learn about science (and have a blast doing so) is to put together experiments at home. Best of all, no expensive or special equipment is needed. You can use ingredients you likely already have in your cabinets to make your own glass of lava. Be sure to set your kids up in a space that you don’t mind getting a little messy, and use some basic safety equipment, such as goggles, gloves and aprons, to protect those small hands, eyes, and bodies.
Work on Some Cooking Skills
Learning to cook is more than just an important skill for kids to have. Baking and cooking require all sorts of measurements and heat that all boil down to basic home science. So, pick a yummy cookie recipe or a basic pizza dish to prepare. Grab some kid-friendly kitchen equipment to make their cooking lessons a little easier and always supervise their work. Accidents in the kitchen can happen in a moment’s notice, so go over cooking safety rules and keep essentials, including a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit, nearby.
Visit a Local Museum or Gallery
If you want to get out of the house and help your kids learn something new, why not plan a trip to your state’s best museum? Your children can learn about space, nature, science, history, or just about any other topic you can think of. If you can’t find a local museums, galleries can be a wonderful way to spend time on the weekend as well. Art galleries and museums help children learn by allowing them to process historical information visually. They can ask questions to take the learning even further, or you can come up with questions for them to answer as well.
Take a Hike Through History
Did you know that there are over 400 national parks in America? That’s more than 400 locations for you to travel to and explore with your children. Each national park is filled with history, and your kids can learn about nature as well. Consider signing up for a guided tour from park rangers, and encourage your children to ask questions along the way. Spending time outside has other benefits for your little minds as well, such as improving focus and boosting overall mood.
Explore New Cultures Together
The minds of your little ones are so open to new experiences and lessons. Take advantage of it by helping your children to explore cultures that are different from their own. You can use music, art, and even dance to learn about a different region of the United States or even another country. Make a day of it, and make several activities to keep things interesting. Take your children out to a different restaurant or cook a new style of food. Look up facts online, or help your kids pick up the basics of a new language. Opening your kids’ minds to other cultures is a wonderful way to open them up to the world.
Weekend plans for your family don’t have to be stressful. With some fun, educational options, you can keep everyone learning and making memories that will last a lifetime.