Fall is officially here and so is the rainy season where we live. Usually this time of year it can feel like it’s raining every single day and it’s easy to get into this routine of turning to structured activities instead of going outside to play. There is something to be said about getting outside and exploring, even when it can be cold and wet out! This Fall I am trying to not let the weather keep my kids and me from getting outside.
We live in a townhouse and have a very small yard. This means we often go to local parks and playgrounds to give the girls the opportunity to play outside in nature. Plus, it truly is beautiful outside this time of year. I love seeing my girls exploring and adventuring. Often we end up returning home with collections of leaves, rocks, and sticks that the girls have found as they are playing.
GO PLAY OUTSIDE
I’ve also realized how much happier the girls are when we take the time to make sure they get to play outside. That’s why we are so happy to partner withKamik as they have launched a new campaign called #FreeYourPlay. Kamik has found that almost 1 in 5 kids play freely outside only one a week or less! Watching my girls free their play and actually seeing their imaginations run wild and how creative they are is incredible to me and I try to get them outside as much as possible. This is so important for their personal growth as well. They thrive when they have the opportunity to play freely! They are always inventing their own games and coming up with different tales about an adventure they are on. One minute they are living amongst fairy houses as pixies and the next they have traveled into a forest and are visiting the beavers that live there in the home they built.
My youngest daughter just started preschool and one of her favourite things to do is go outside and play! She always asking to go out. Taking her and her big sisters to parks allows them to try new things and go exploring and also allows me to unwind. The girls love to climb up and down tree stumps and jump off. I can guarantee that they will end up covered in dirt with a collection of little treasures they’ve found in their pockets.
PLAYTIME IS LEARNING FOR KIDS
Any opportunity I have to foster free play, I hope to take during this Fall and coming Winter season. I love that Kamik is challenging me to let my kids free play and to also let myself relax and with Kamik boots I know my girls’ feet will be kept dry and warm. Both of the girls are able to put on their boots quickly and rush out the door to jump in puddles or climb anything and everything in sight.
As a family, we have learned to make the most of the weather where we live and to not let it prevent us from going and playing outside. While my kids do have some structured activities in their lives, I know that a lot of their favourite moments have come from the time they get to be outside and simply be kids! I want my girls to have moments in their childhood that are similar to the memories I have from my own; playing outside lots and using one’s imagination.
Do your kids get outside and have the opportunity for free play?
There is nothing better than getting outside to nature!
They are so adorable! Great to get them away from the TV and out exploring, especially from an early age!
So important to get outside, get some fresh air and enjoy nature instead of a screen. Love this!!
Playing outside was I was young was just the best! Love the pics!
Playing outside was all I did as a kid! I wish kids did it more nowadays. Good for you for keeping them active!
My kids get outdoor play time almost daily. We live in California though so, it’s easier. When it rains and we spend the day inside, they are soo cranky! lol
My daughter was never much of an outdoors kids. She loved to use her imagination, she just enjoyed to do it indoors.
Even though it’s harder here in Vancouver with all the rain, it’s importnat. We like going for walks, to the park and bike rides
We try and let the kids enjoy time in nature as often as possible, even if it’s just a walk around the neighborhood looking for leaves, pinecones and other treasures. Seeing them use their imaginations is the best.
What beautiful photos!
I’ve actully been on the hunt for some boots for both girls. I’m going to have to check out the Kamik Website!
Lovely photos of your girls. They look like they are loving frolicking through the forest. We are big fans of Kamik too. I just find the design and quality to be spot on.
Oh I remember playing outside when I was a kid for HOURSSS!!! Kamik look like they could withstand a lot!!