Fun Freetime: Let's Play Outside Week

PBS KIDS is celebrating “Let’s Play Outside Week,” featuring five days of special Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood episodes that will encourage preschoolers to go outdoors, explore and learn! On Monday, July 15 the world premiere of the episode “Safety Patrol”/“Safety at the Beach” will air (check local listings). On Tuesday, Daniel Tiger will take a trip to an enchanted garden and a crayon factory. Wednesday's theme is sharing. On Thursday, Daniel helps is dad, and goes fruit picking. Finally on Friday, Daniel will imagine fantastic adventures.

 

Playing outside is about more than just having fun, it’s also about staying safe. In “Safety at the Beach,” Daniel and Katerina learn that it’s important to stop, listen and pay attention when they’re at Jungle Beach with Mom. And in “Safety Patrol,” Prince Tuesday takes his friends on a walk through the Neighborhood and they practice their safety rules all along the way.

 

Inspired by Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and the exciting upcoming “Let’s Play Outside Week,” here are some fun ideas for summertime exploration in your own neighborhood – and a few simple safety tips, too!:

 

·         Go Fruit or Vegetable Picking! If you don’t have your own garden, visit the farmers’ market or local orchard. Many local farms will let you pick your own seasonal produce right off the tree, plant or vine! Be sure your kids drink lots of water to stay hydrated – it’s hot out there!

·         Take a swim! Plan a trip together to a nearby lake or beach. Be sure to slather on the sunscreen and reapply after water play! And, for safety’s sake, always make note of lifeguard stations and stay within arm’s reach of children when they’re in the water.

·         Visit the playground! Bring a picnic lunch and let your preschooler swing, slide, climb and run around. Remember to check out the playground equipment to make sure it’s not too hot – and teach kids how to use it the right way! (And remember, hydration is key.)

·         Take a hike! Explore a nearby nature trail or walk through the woods. To avoid any “pesky” situations, be sure to tuck pants into socks, wear light clothing, and use child-safe bug spray when in wooded areas. And for everyone’s safety, stay in the center of trails or paths.