Children enjoy hands on activities where they are free to touch and explore their environment in a way that suits them best. They will touch, smell, and even try to taste the objects around them.
While this is part of the wonder of young children, it also must be taken into account when planning trips so that the experience will be a safe and fun one for all involved.
Inexpensive Trips for Preschoolers
Taking preschoolers on trips doesn't have to be expensive. There are many places children would enjoy that have little or no expense involved.
This would include such places as:
- Playgrounds – children enjoy swinging, climbing, sliding, and playing make believe games at the playground. Even children who have their own backyard play equipment often enjoy the change of scenery and equipment that a playground allows. Some playgrounds have fences surrounding them, which makes things easier on parents. Many children will request the treat of a visit to a playground again and again.
- Nature Trails – many young children are highly interested in natural objects. From plants and trees to animals and insects, there are many things to explore on a nature trail. Adults can have their own sense of wonder at nature through the excitement of preschoolers.
- Beaches or Lakes – young children are naturally drawn to the water. Whether walking by the water and looking at the boats, or going for a splash on a warm day, preschoolers often are thrilled to spend a few hours at the beach.
- Libraries – libraries often have sections set apart for young children which have several toys and books to play with. Children like having children to play with and adults attention for playing and reading stories. Most libraries also have puppet shows or story time scheduled through the week for preschoolers.
- Petting Zoos – many smaller towns have farm stands or markets with petting zoos. Many children love to spend time looking at, and feeding small farm animals.
- Grocery Stores – children can look at, smell, and feel produce that is being purchased. Naming these objects for them in this way can help them to remember what these foods are. Children can be given a picture list of grocery items, and be encouraged to help find the items.
Day Trips for Preschoolers
While the above experiences can be enjoyed frequently, there are some that can also be enjoyed by preschoolers as a treat. These may have some cost involved, but can become treasured memories for children and adults alike.
- Science Centers – science centers are fun for children as they are made for hands on exploration. Children love that they are able to press a button, throw a ball, pull a rope, watch their shadows move on the wall, and otherwise participate in the experiments in science centers.
- Children's Museums – many larger cities have children's museums where activities, toys, and experiences are all geared towards young children. Like Science Centers, these are hands on activities, and usually have many other young children to play with. Often annual passes to these are relatively inexpensive.
- Zoos and Aquariums – while for the most part, children are not able to touch or feed the animals in zoos and aquariums, the experience of seeing the animals close up is often fascinating for young children.
- Indoor Playgrounds – often have the benefit of being safer environments for children to play as there are nets and padding to protect children from falls, and few areas in which children can run away without the parents notice.
Bonding Experiences With Preschoolers
Taking field trips with preschoolers is a great bonding experience. Being able to explore with their senses helps children to learn and grow. Some trips are free, and can be taken frequently, while others cost more and can be used as treats.
Sources
John Thomson. Natural Childhood: The First Practical and Holistic Guide for Parents of the Developing. New York, 1995. Simon and Schuster.
Jennifer Henderson - Jennifer Henderson has a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked in the field of family childcare for the past 12 years, and ...
