The Obvious:
Materials
- Sunscreen
- Bottled Water
- Snacks- whole wheat pretzels, crackers, dried fruit etc.. Choose items that won’t melt when left in a hot car
- Tennis Shoes
Educational/Developmental Activities
Materials
- Colored pencils- because crayons, markers can melt!
- Coloring book or notepad
- Deck of cards- “Go Fish” is a great game for young children to start recognizing numbers. Sort or match buy color or number is also great for younger kids. Older kids can play Hearts, War or any other favorite games
- Jump rope- if jumping roping is too advanced, have your child place a jump rope in a line on the ground and hop back and forth over the rope. One foot, two feet etc…
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Books to read
- Tennis ball/Soccer ball etc..
- Legos or Duplo blocks
- Etch a Sketch- mini ones retail at just $10.00
- Playdoh- save for outdoor situations (the park, sibling soccer game etc..)
*Play Charades or Simon Says- no materials needed but great activity to do anywhere and at anytime!
In the Car Activities/Games
Directions
- Treasure Hunt Jar- fill a clear plastic jar with screw type lid (used peanut butter jar, etc..) with bird seed or sand and hide small object such as paper clip, marble, and rubber band. Have the child shake the jar around to find hidden object. Make sure to tap jar closed : )
- 20 Questions -think of an object and child can ask 20 yes or no questions to figure out the object. Trade roles of who asks the questions!
- I Spy- observing either out the window or in the car. Ask them to find something red, something bigger than a car, find something about 4 feet long etc… Another way to play, give the child a picture book or magazine and have them Spy something in the book or magazine
- Music- from the Library check- out sing along CD’s or audio books based on your childs age and interest.
Tips
* Use materials with your child at your discretion, some children can handle coloring in the car and some cannot. Use your best judgment and have fun!
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