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Summer is here!! And with it comes the perfect excuse to unplug, get messy, and lean into the kind of play that doesn’t need a plan. Between camps, travel, and routines that never seem to slow down, this is your gentle reminder that it’s okay to keep it simple! Warmer weather creates new opportunities for sensory exploration, movement, and unstructured play and spending time outside is one of the simplest ways to support your child’s development.
Unstructured play isn’t just “free time”. It's where some of the best learning, regulation, and joy happen! It helps children reset and invites movement, exploration, and sensory input that supports their nervous systems and encourages independent learning. Being outdoors can support everything from emotional regulation to creativity, and the best part? You don’t need much to make it happen. Sensory experiences like digging in the dirt, splashing in water, or watching bubbles float through the air not only help children feel grounded and connected to their environment, but also promote neural connectivity, creativity, and problem-solving skills!
Research shows that unstructured outdoor play supports executive function, self-control, and overall emotional well-being in children. And play that is self-directed and open-ended has been linked to stronger social-emotional development and resilience than highly structured activities.
At PlayWell, we’re big believers in simple setups that offer big opportunities for growth. We want to support your child’s sensory play and not just in our space, but out in the world, too. This summer, here are a 20 PlayWell-approved ideas to inspire your backyard, park, or stoop play this season:
Water tables and splash pads are fun for movement, cause-and-effect, and sensory regulation.
Bubbles and even Bigger Bubbles support motor coordination and visual tracking and fun for all ages!
Bubble Lawn Mowers are great for toddlers and younger kids and encourages walking and imaginative play with rich sensory feedback.
Chalk play supports toddlers’ sensory, motor, and cognitive development through creative, hands-on outdoor exploration.
Mud kitchens and gardening tools are perfect for sparking creativity and strengthening fine motor skills.
Bug Catching and Nature Explorer Kits can support curiosity, fine motor skills, and connection to nature.
Stomp Rockets are great for turn taking, motor planning, and full-body movement while providing instant sensory feedback.
Tetherball Set provides resistance, coordination, and proprioceptive input. These are fun for older kids who like a challenge.
Pop-Pass-Catch ball game set that gets you running, chasing, and catching and supports gross motor coordination and active movement.
Corn Hole, but make it Glow in the Dark, offering a new sensory experience and supports visual attention.
Wind Spinner crafts add calming motion and visual interest to your outdoor space.
Making your own Wind Chime encourages fine motor skills, sound exploration, and sensory calming through natural sound.
Bring the outdoors in and build a terrarium. Kids can dig, plant, and decorate their own mini ecosystems while exploring nature up close.
Brighten a rainy summer day with a window art craft—kids can create colorful designs that catch the light and bring cheer indoors.
A Sunprint Art Kit lets kids create mess-free art using sunlight. Perfect for calm, creative, nature-based play.
Paint, decorate, and hang a wooden birdhouse in the garden and combine fine motor, planning, and tactile engagement in one activity!
Whether you’re working with a large backyard, a small balcony, or you’re at Prospect Park, these ideas are easy to set up and encourage natural curiosity and connection.
Wishing you a summer filled with fresh air, movement, and meaningful play! And when you need a break from the heat, come cool off with us at PlayWell! Use code summer2025 for 20% off your next Open Play drop in!
Here’s to a season full of sunshine and play,
- The PlayWell Team
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