In the modern world, children prefer using technology devices over physical activity. Therefore, homemade outdoor movement toys are a great solution to help kids boost their enthusiasm for physical activity. This article will outline the benefits children will gain from creating movement-based toys and guide you on how to make some simple and safe toys, helping children have productive and creative playtime.
4 ideas for homemade outdoor movement toys
Ball-throwing target game (bowling)
Materials:
-
Several empty plastic bottles (8–10 bottles)
-
Colored paint, brushes, or colored tape
- A ball
How to make
You use paint to decorate the bottles, decorating the empty plastic bottles to create attractive targets for the game. Arrange them in a zigzag pattern or stack them alternately into a sharp triangle (with the triangle tip facing the thrower). The child can score based on how many bottles they can topple in one throw. This game helps develop the child’s ability to predict direction and maintain focus.
If you don’t want to make a game or are worried that plastic bottles may not be safe for your child to use, you can consider Little Tikes Bowling Set for Kids. This toy set includes 7 pieces: 1 ball and 6 pillar bottles made from safe, high-quality plastic. Moreover, inside the pillar bottles are colorful marbles that, when toppled, produce playful sounds to encourage your child to be more active.
Cardboard-box slide
Materials:
- One large cardboard box
- Clear tape or hot glue
How to make
Place the cardboard box on the ground, use a cutter to cut a section of the box to form a slide shape. Then take the flat cardboard piece from the cut section and place it on the slide to create a flat surface for sliding (make sure the cardboard pieces are wide enough to form the slide). Secure the cut parts with clear tape or hot glue to ensure safety when playing. Place the slide on a flat surface and there you go—your child can enjoy playing. This activity not only helps develop your child’s motor skills but also brings lots of laughter and joy as they create the game with family.
Make a seesaw from a wooden board
Materials:
- One wooden pallet or an old wooden plank
- Two thick wooden posts
- One round tube
- Two eye bolts and fixing screws
- Drill holes
How to make:
Place the two wooden posts on the ground and drill holes on the sides so that the round tube can pass through and be fixed in the middle. In this step, parents should securely fasten the two ends of the tube to the two wooden posts to ensure safety when playing. Place the plank on top of the round tube and use eye bolts to secure the plank and the post. After finishing, try sitting on it and using it to ensure the seesaw has no issues before your child plays. So your child can sit on the seesaw and play together.
Create a mini volleyball court at home with a net
Materials:
- Rope
- Two plastic pipes
- One volleyball
How to make:
Weave the rope into a net large enough to stretch between the two plastic pipes, secure the net to the two pipes, then plant the pipes into the ground. You can stabilize the pipes more firmly by placing large rocks around the posts to prevent tipping. Ensure the plastic pipes are securely fixed and completely safe before use. Your child can form a group with you and other family members to play volleyball, or they can invite friends to join.
Make a mini volleyball court at home to help your child stay more active
Benefits of Outdoor Movement Toys
Children will have the opportunity to improve physical fitness, boost their immune system, and build endurance through physical activities; movement also helps reduce the risk of obesity and health issues such as cardiovascular diseases or cancer.
When children make the toys themselves, they have the opportunity to unleash their imagination and creativity. This not only helps children feel proud of the product they made but also develops their problem-solving skills, encouraging them to cultivate creativity.
Through playing together, children will learn teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution, which enhances their ability to solve social problems as they grow up.
Outdoor play helps children explore and enjoy their surroundings, develop curiosity and observational skills. This also helps cultivate a love of nature and environmental awareness. Additionally, when there is a passion for exploring nature, the child may steer themselves toward becoming a zoologist or biologist.
Outdoor activities help children relax, reduce anxiety and stress after long study hours. Playing with friends and participating in sports games will bring joy and comfort to their minds, helping them sleep well at night.
Making toys together is a fun activity that brings family members closer, strengthens family bonds through interactions between parents and children or siblings. It is also an opportunity for parents to share their experiences and teach children about cooperation and teamwork, adding many useful insights to help them in school.
DIY toys often require children to engage in physical activities such as carrying, lifting, cutting, gluing, or hanging, these activities help develop their muscles and improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
DIY outdoor movement toys not only bring joy to children but also help them develop both physically and mentally. With easily found materials and easy-to-follow instructions, you can completely create interesting toys for your child. With the participation of all family members, these activities will become beautiful memories in your child’s development journey, helping them have memorable moments.
