Teach your child about composting by starting a compost area at home. Place food scraps in a compost bin and put leaves and cut grass on the pile. Children can help layer the compost with soil, and water the combination to keep it moist. They can then see how the compost is used to fertilize your garden. Children can also garden, placing seeds in soil and watering the seeds. Children will enjoy watching the seeds grow into plants and flowers. Children can also plant vegetables or herbs in a small garden. If you don't have a yard, you can plant seeds in pots.
Play outdoor games such as kickball, horseshoes and volleyball. Games that keep children moving will improve their health. Not only can school-age children benefit from playing outdoors, babies and toddlers should play outside as well. In addition to an improved cardiovascular system, outdoor physical activities help children's bones, muscles and coordination.
Take school-age children to museums, art galleries and performances. Seek out museums and art galleries with areas designed for children. Search for performances, such as puppet shows and plays, based on children's themes. Children not only should be exposed to the arts but should also be allowed to sing, dance and play instruments. Their motor skills will improve and they will have better socialization skills. Children will also become more disciplined if they practice regularly.
Make a family scrapbook with your child, read or play a board game on rainy days. Use the rain as an opportunity for active, creative or mind-stimulating activities that will draw children away from the television. Scrapbooking, reading or board games such as Scrabble create opportunities for discussion and family bonding as well as learning.