Today Im Inspired: OUTDOOR SPACES

Outdoor Spaces

One of my favorite place to be is Outside! Creating an outdoor space can be one of your spots that you can be the most creative. If you are limited on space or you have a large area for your daycare kids to play. It's about keeping them busy without buying expensive toys. You do not have the biggest playset or newest toys for your daycare kids to enjoy being outside.

I serve snack outside at the picnic table, it becomes dural purpose so they can play dishes and sit and hang out. Having areas that can be used for more than one purpose is something I try to create so I don't have to have so much equipment or toys and it keeps them busy and engaged.

My kids tell me, they can't play hide n seek because everyone can see them, I tell them I have to see you no matter where you are in my yard. I have a shed that I use for storage for toys, one side they use as a playhouse for the kitchen toys. The sandbox is the most used area, I'm not a huge fan so another option would be, corn or bean totes, they can be used to load their trucks or drive in.

Coming up with ideas is fun and can be inexpensive to change throughout the time your outside. I have a homemade water table. I use bus table totes from Sam's Club my table fits 4. I made smaller water totes so my 1 and 2 year olds can play separately. My kids can fish, scoop fish and have plenty of squirter toys to help keep them cool when playing this summer. I'm going to try something new this year with pool noodles that I sliced, then the kids can use turners or slotted spoons from the $ Store to scoop them up.

DIY Chalkboards, noodle binoculars, noodle horses, tunnel, ball shoot, bubbles, microphones, bean bag toss and ofcourse we have a bluetooth speaker so we can dance and sing.

Providing somewhere safe for children to play is my first priority. I do not have a swing set, climbers or slide in this outside space. I have had all of those things when I was raising my daughter and at my house of 22 years. When I moved to this house I decided a fence, playhouse and sandbox were going to work the best for this space. I have several ride on toys, bubble machine, DIY Chalkboard, tunnel, balls, farm, kitchen set with dishes & food, sand toys and pool noodle horses (yes, I said pool noodle) lol. (I can share a photo if you are interested!)

Playing outside is a great way for the kids to exercise and explore. We play games also: What time is it Mr. Shark?, freeze tag, musical hula a hoop (musical chairs) are just a few examples. Singing and playing music outside is a must, we can be as loud as we want. My neighbors love us! Thank God!

I love keeping the kids busy and the bonus is learning while they play.

In conclusion, designing a space with what you have is very doable and working on one area at a time is great place to start and the easiest. If you need information or additional ideas, please contact me I would love to share more of my ideas specific to your needs. Remember think outside the box, you can create new and fun ideas for your children. These ideas can work for your space even if you aren't a daycare provider. Thanks again for taking time to read and allowing me to share my experience and information with you.