This is more of an ode to playing outside in our neighborhood, than it is a list of suggestions. However, let me shower you in tips for making your outdoor play a wonderful experience for everyone.
1. Scooters or Bikes
PROS: My kids love the freedom of speeding away from me with lightning speed. I love not pushing my children around.
CONS: You will have to teach your children how to stop at certain spots. Depending on the age, this may be more effort than you're willing to exert.
2. Outdoor Picnic Lunch
PROS: This is the best tool in my arsenal. I'm already making them lunch, so why not let them keep their messes outside in our yard?
CONS: My son cannot handle when his sandwich gets "crusty" (a.k.a. slightly stale), so the window for forcing my kid to eat his food is a lot smaller outside. This is probably a problem that's weirdly specific to my family, but I'm hoping I'm not alone out there.
3. Go to the Park
PROS: We live at the park when the weather is cooler. I sit and drink my Dr. Pepper, and my kids run around without making a mess at my house.
CONS: There will inevitably be fights and whining, especially if you are not the only family there. Be at peace with this.
4. "Organized" Play
PROS: I'm a sucker for Five Below garbage, and they have a lot of fun outdoor toys to use when free time at the playground isn't enough.
CONS: There will be fights. You will be the referee.
5. Ride-on Cars
PROS: We were generously given a hand-me-down ride-on electric car from my in-laws. My kids love to think they are actually police officers hunting down the criminals in our neighborhood.
CONS: This one has a lot of cons. There is a steep learning curve that requires a lot of screaming and crying.
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