At Kare-A-Lot Daycare, summer brings more than just warmer weather—it opens the door to outdoor learning, movement, creativity, and wonder. With sunny skies above and the world in full bloom, our team embraces this season as the perfect time to take learning beyond the classroom walls.
From bug hunts to sidewalk art, every summer day is packed with opportunities for adventure, discovery, and joy.
The Power of Outdoor Learning
Children are natural explorers, and the outdoors is one of the best classrooms they could ask for. When children engage in outdoor play and learning, they’re developing essential life skills such as:
-
Gross motor development: Running, climbing, balancing, and jumping help strengthen their bodies and build coordination.
-
Curiosity and observation: Nature sparks big questions and big thinking—from “Why do ants march in a line?” to “How do leaves grow?”
-
Creativity: Sticks become magic wands, rocks turn into treasure, and patches of shade can transform into a secret hideaway.
-
Emotional regulation: Fresh air and open space give children the freedom to breathe, move, and self-regulate.
-
Connection with the world: Outdoor experiences nurture an early appreciation for God’s creation and our role in caring for it.
Big Adventures in Small Moments
At Kare-A-Lot, we don’t have to travel far to find adventure. Our outdoor spaces become places of growth and imagination every single day. Here are some of the activities our children look forward to during the summer:
Nature Walks
Even a stroll around our playground can turn into an exciting nature walk. We take time to notice the birds, butterflies, flowers, and trees. With magnifying glasses in hand, our little learners become scientists, inspecting leaves, watching ants, and asking big questions about the natural world.
Sensory Exploration
From feeling warm grass beneath their feet to digging in a sandbox or making mud pies, children engage their senses in meaningful ways. These experiences help build brain connections and promote calm, focused behavior.
Treasure Hunts
We love organizing simple outdoor scavenger hunts where children search for pinecones, feathers, smooth rocks, or other natural treasures. These hunts turn into wonderful opportunities for teamwork, problem-solving, and observational learning.
Outdoor Storytime & Art
There’s something magical about reading books under a shady tree or painting at an outdoor easel. We regularly bring art and literacy into our outdoor areas to encourage expression and imagination in the fresh air.
Garden Moments
We invite the children to help tend small garden beds or potted plants. They water the flowers, observe the insects who visit, and watch the growing process unfold. Gardening teaches responsibility and gives children a sense of pride in nurturing something living.
Safe, Supervised, and Sun-Ready
Of course, our outdoor learning experiences are built on a foundation of safety and preparedness. Here’s how we make sure our summer adventures are safe and healthy:
-
Sun protection: Sunscreen is applied before going outside, and we prioritize shady areas during the hottest parts of the day.
-
Hydration: We take frequent water breaks to ensure everyone stays refreshed and cool.
-
Supervision: Our staff is always actively engaged and attentive, making sure children are safe and supported as they explore.
-
Bug safety: We check for ticks after wooded activities and use natural, child-safe repellents as needed.
Every Day is an Adventure at Kare-A-Lot
Whether it’s a nature walk full of surprises, a painting session under the sky, or a simple game of tag with friends, summer at Kare-A-Lot is filled with experiences that shape the whole child. We believe in the power of fresh air, open spaces, and joyful play to inspire growth and learning in young minds.
So, as the sun shines and the birds sing, we’ll be outside—laughing, learning, and living out big adventures one sunny day at a time.