Fun Activities for the Older Child 
from ChildGuide.com

Introduction.  As your child gets older, you will find that he will enjoy a lot of the same activities he enjoyed as a baby or toddler. The main difference will be his level of participation. He will enjoy hands on activities that utilize his continually improving intellectual, physical, and social skills. As a parent, do not let your child get into the habit of constantly sitting in front of the TV or playing video games for hours each day. There are so many other fun things to do!

Childguide^SM will provide a list of some recommended activities.  These activities will be discussed as they pertain to children three to eight years old.  Below you will find a list of recommended activities to do with your child.  Go ahead and venture out of the house and have fun with your child!

Go For a Walk Or Bike Ride.  In today's fast-paced world, we are not as physically active as we should be.  This applies to children as well as adults.  Two of the easiest ways to get exercise are walking and bike riding because you can start right outside your home.  Remember, children eight years and under should not be allowed to ride their bike in the street without adult supervision.

Go for a walk or bike ride in your neighborhood.  Instead of taking the car for that quick trip to the neighborhood store, walk or ride your bike.  You will get to see what is happening in your neighborhood, get some exercise, and make a mundane task a fun time spent with your child.

For a change of scenery, walk or ride along a forest preserve trails in your area.  Now that your child is older, turn it into an all-day adventure by taking a picnic lunch along.

If the weather is not favorable for outdoor activity, consider taking your child to an indoor mall for the day.  Many malls open before the stores actually open so that you can walk around without being lured to buy something.  If you go during shopping hours, make sure that you have a plan in place for the "can I have that" demand.

Go To The Park.  Walk or ride your bikes to the neighborhood park.  As your child becomes more adept at social skills, he will enjoy playing with other children and may even be ready to participate in team sports.  Get to know the other parents at the park and plan some team activities so that this socialization can be encouraged!  Even if your child is not interested in participating in the sports yet, he may want to watch the activities.

Set Up Some Playdates.  An important part of development is achieved through interaction with other children.  Now that your child is older, and has probably graduated from a playgroup, you can arrange for one-on-one play dates.  Arrange a time for another child to come over and play at your house.  Make sure that you have a special activity to suggest and also a special treat.  Invite the other parent in for a cup of coffee to tell any funny stories or interesting conversations that took place while their child was visiting.  Set up another play date before the parent leaves.  You may want to plan on meeting at another location, such as the mall, movies, or park.

Take A Parent/Child Class Together.  Many organizations classes for children and their parents.  For the older child, many dads like to take part in any sports activities!  Encourage dad to get involved too!!  A great place to find fun classes is your local park district.  They offer classes specifically designed for children (and their parents) including both indoor and outdoor activities.  Call your park district today for a brochure.

Visit Your Public Library Or Local Bookstore.  Children have great imaginations and one way to inspire your child's imagination is to continually expose him to the characters and faraway places found in books.  Public libraries and bookstores have many special events for children including story times, arts and crafts, and visits from literary characters and authors.  Call your local library or bookstore and ask about the special events they are having this month!

Visit A Museum.  Museums are great places to learn and explore.  Most cities have many different museums, including those focusing on art, culture, history and science.  Visiting a museum is a fun way to quench your child's thirst for knowledge!  Museum exhibits demonstrate different cultures, faraway places and historical events.  Remember that museums host special events and change their exhibits periodically.  Therefore, visiting them once is usually not enough.

Visit A Farm, Ranch Or Zoo.  Animals have a way of bringing out a smile in anyone, no matter how old they are. Children love to visit the local zoo and see the animals. Local farms or ranches will show your child how animals and humans work together.  These activities can help your child to cultivate a love of and concern for animals.  Another fun activity for the whole family is to visit a farm that allows you to pick your own crops (fruits and vegetables).  Many of these locations also have special seasonal events for the whole family to enjoy.

Visit A Nature Center Or State Park.  As the Earth's population increases, environmental awareness becomes increasingly important.  In order to learn to live in conjunction with the environment, children must first develop a love of nature.  But you might ask, how can a parent instill this love of nature when their children grow up in a large metropolitan area?  Luckily, there are usually nature centers and state parks within easy access of most metropolitan areas.  Spend the day with your children enjoying the outdoors at a local nature center or state park.  Many of them have special events designed just for children and their families.

Teach Your Child To Swim.  Does your child know how to swim?  Many parents believe this is one skill that every child should possess.  And once he has learned to swim, your child will spend many hours of enjoyment splashing in the pool.  Find out about swimming lessons by calling your local public pool today.

More Water Play:  A Day At The Beach, Water Playground, Or Water Park.  Besides going to a neighborhood pool, a full day of water fun can be experienced at the beach, a water playground (play area with sprinklers), or water park.  Children love bobbing with the waves at the beach, pretending they are part of a Navy Seal Rescue Team at the wave pool, and splashing into the water down a super duper waterslide.  Take advantage of the great water play that your area has to offer!

Visit A Miniature Golf Course.  Is your child feeling restless and bored at home?  Take him to play miniature golf.  This game requires children to learn to take turns and follow rules, thus helping to prepare them for working in a team.  And it's FUN too!

Visit An Amusement Park.  There's nothing like spending the afternoon enjoying the rides, games, food, and carnival atmosphere of an amusement park.  And your children will enjoy it too!

Visit A Batting Cage.  Is your child (boy or girl) interested in baseball or softball?  Take him/her to a batting cage for practice.

Go Bowling.  Does your child have pent up energy after being cooped up inside during a rainy day?  Take him bowling.  This physical activity is a perfect way to release this energy and have fun at the same time.  Call your local bowling alley and ask if they have bumper lanes for younger children to learn how to bowl.

Go To A Children's Theatrical Performance.  Another good way to spend the morning or afternoon is to enjoy a theatrical performance.  Many theatres perform classic fairy tales and contemporary stories geared especially for children.  Besides being fun, this is a great way to enhance your child's cultural development.

Go See A Movie.  Going to the cinema can be a pleasant family excursion when the weather is uncooperative.  As the images flow across the screen you and your child will be transported into a world of make believe; to a galaxy far, far away; or into the mind of a historical character.  Don't forget the popcorn!

Go Skating.  Once your child is comfortable walking, running and jumping the next step is to learn to skate. Skating is not only fun but it is another good form of exercise for you and your child.  All that is needed is a pair of skates.

With a pair of roller skates or roller blades, you and your child can go skating around your neighborhood or along the forest preserve trails.  In the case of stormy weather, visit an indoor skating rink.

With a pair of ice skates, you and your child can go ice-skating at one of the indoor or outdoor ice-skating rinks in your area.

SUMMARY.  There are so many fun things to do in most metropolitan areas.  Don't just sit at home!  Get out and go!

Do you have any suggestions for activities for older children?  
Send your comments and suggestions to olderchildactivity@childguide.com.  
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