Page 15 - Outdoor Living October 2024

LIFESTYLE

3. Building Forts and Hideaways
Creating a space where children can
build their hideaways — whether with
sticks, old blankets, or branches —
fosters creativity and problem-solving.
These simple structures also improve
gross motor skills as kids lift, carry, and
arrange materials.

4. Outdoor Craft Stations
Install a small garden craft station
where kids can paint, sculpt with clay,
or use natural elements like leaves,
flowers, and twigs to make art. This
nurtures creativity and fine motor skills
as they learn to manipulate different
textures and materials.

5. A Water Play Zone
A simple water play area, whether
it’s a small fountain, a hose, or a
makeshift water wall, provides endless
entertainment. Water play is sensory-
rich and helps children with balance
and coordination as they splash and
pour.

Stimulating Both Mind and
Body
In addition to the pure joy of play, these
activities offer developmental benefits.
Fine motor skills are honed as children
dig in the dirt, handle small bugs, or
create art. Gross motor skills develop
when they climb, run, or balance in their
forts. Even more importantly, gardens
stimulate a child’s mind, fostering
independence, creativity, and a deep
connection to nature.

As the garden beckons with its infinite
possibilities, it becomes clear that the
magic of growing up in a garden isn’t
just nostalgia — it’s a timeless gift we
can pass on to our children.

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