EVERYDAY ADVENTURES

 

Make every day a Playday with these simple tips on how you can make play part of your daily routine!

 

Make getting places fun

If you’re heading out locally, ditch the car and take a playful journey on foot. Take roller skates, scooters or skateboards, and think of games you can play on the way. Don’t forget that children are more likely to play if they are with friends, so, whatever you’re doing, why not invite friends along too.

 

Get outside in rain or shine

Kids will want to play whatever the weather, so don’t be put off going outside if it’s raining. Be prepared with wellies, umbrellas and raincoats and get ready for some puddle-jumping!

 

Invest in ‘active’ toys

Classic toys like hula hoops, pogo sticks, skipping ropes and space hoppers are still a favourite with the kids. They’re ideal for playing in the garden, or outside on the street where you live.  

 

Be adventurous

Children need to have adventures outdoors, even if it means a few scrapes and grazes. Let your children enjoy physical challenges such as climbing trees. Children learn through taking risks, so don’t be overly protective if the worst that can happen is a bump or a scrape.

 

Share your play memories

Whether it was a game of tag, rounders or piggy in the middle, think about how you used to play actively when you were a child. Share and recreate your play memories with your children – why not get grandparents involved too!

 

Lead by example

Don’t be afraid to get stuck in and play outdoors with your kids. You’re never too old to play, and being active through play, rather than sitting in front of the TV, embeds exercise into your daily routine in a fun way.

 

Make your household fit for play

Include games and challenges into mundane tasks. Who can pick the most weeds from the lawn (and find worms at the same time!), who can make their bed in the morning (and create an indoor den in the process!) you get the picture!

 

Celebrate Playday!

Get outdoors and experience the adventure of play this summer. To take the first step, get out and play on Playday, the national day for play, on 3 August. There are lots of events happening across the UK to celebrate Playday 2011, find your local one by visiting www.playday.org.uk. If you can’t get to an event, why not celebrate in any way you can. Whether it’s a street party with your neighbours, a picnic in the park, or just an afternoon adventure in the garden with play mates, make sure you have fun this Playday.

 

Find out more about Playday!