Summer time is by far the best time for a "kid to be a kid" in the great outdoors. Whether your little one is two years or ten months, there is plenty of fun to be had outdoors during the coming summer months. It is a fact that simply being outdoors amongst nature stimulates the soul and imagination. One only has to watch a group of young children happily playing about with various sticks, picked flowers, and trees to verify this fact.

Regardless of your little ones age, you can take advantage of all the wonderment this time of year has to offer with a little planning. If you are the proud parents of a precious newborn, what outdoor summer time activities could you engage in? Because your baby is still small and vulnerable to sun, allergies, and irritants you will want to be cautious at first. One great summer time activity for a baby blanket and simply venture outdoors for a journey around your yard. Happily explain to baby the various birds and flowers that you come across. The simple breeze and the soothing tone of your voice is sure to have him napping peacefully in your arms in no time. For newborns, this activity is best accomplished in the early morning or evening hours when all danger of harsh heat has passed.

For an older infant, why not consider practicing "tummy time" outdoors under the comfort of a shaded tree? There are many play mats and play nests that you can purchase to make this essential activity safe and comfortable outdoors. Many of these play mats feature bright colors and textures that will stimulate baby to eagerly explore his environment. You can simply place the mat on a level patch of grass- in a shaded area of course- and watch as baby excitedly takes it all in. For some babies, "tummy time" can be a necessary yet uncomfortable experience. By doing it outside, you will be providing abundant visual stimulation that can distract him from feeling uncomfortable and ill at ease. Watch as his eyes lock onto passing birds and butterflies as he happily explores these new sights.

Toddlers and young children, on the other hand, are far more active and eager to explore the outdoors than their younger counterparts. Their imaginations simply blossom as soon as they exit to the outdoors. How can a parent enhance their young children's already fertile imaginations? Consider purchasing an outdoor play tent for your youngster. Play tents are usually constructed of a durable nylon material that stands up to the roughest of playtime treatment. Many also feature a fold and store design making it easy to tuck away when playtime is over. What kind of play tents are available? Nowadays, a parent can find anything from castles to pirate ships! Another benefit of play tents is that they offer shade and sun protection from the harsh heat of summer. Choosing one of these is sure to get your toddler's summertime fun off to a good start.