Play is essential for growth and development. The act of play stimulates brain functions, increases levels of seretonin in the brain as well as natural depomine, and even raises the white blood cells to help fight infections. In short; play is good for people of all ages and crucial to good health.
Playing with your children adds the benefits of bonding as a family as well. For your entertainment, and good health, I've comprised a list of activities I often do with my son, and with what I've shared with children of all ages when I taught outdoor school.

Exploratory walks. These should not be considered hikes, which demand a bit more hardship on kids and a goal in mind. This type of walk focuses on enjoying the journal by peeking beneath leaves and rocks for critters, or taking notice of flowers and how they grow, to even being quiet and listening to the birds and insects around you. The point is to find what is there to find. Taking a long a basket to gather stones or leaves can also be fun for the little ones. Bring a picnic lunch to make it an all day affair.

Rolling down hills. I'd forgotten the sheer joy of getting dizzy from time to time. As an adult, you tend to avoid that sensation, but finding a nice hill to blunder down with your children not only provokes tons of laughter and silliness and isnt that the point of play?

Star gazing might be dull to the younger generation, but if you add the actual stories and myths that go along with the constellations adds to a terrific bout of storytime. Look up the stories of Orion, Andromeda, or Aries. There are also stories from the Native Americans explaining the stars, or other cultures. You can even find stories about the moon, the planets, as well as stars at a local library to share.

Campout in the backyard is another fun activity. You don't even have to stay all night, just until bedtime. The goal is to enjoy the change of scenery, to tell campire stories, sing, and roast marshmallows. Camping in the living room could even work if you live in the city. (Don't start fires in the house though.)

These are just a handful of ideas, but bear in mind the essential key to success is to have fun.

Learn more about this author, Sharon Poffinberger.
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