Many of us are at home and the weather is beautiful! While these weeks might look completely different than we anticipated, we can lean into the slowed rhythm and make the most of extra time outdoors and with family.
One way my children spent endless happy hours when they were small, was playing with mud. I set up outdoor mud kitchens at three different houses! Mud play is very simple and can engage children in hours of entertainment while you sit nearby.
This project is perfect for making what you can with what you have on hand! Here are some ideas to get you started. I like to provide a bucket of soil, a bucket of sand, and a water source. Soil can be dug from a hole in the garden. Children love to mix the “ingredients” to form different consistencies. Sand provides a wonderful tactile contrast.
An assortment of bowls, pots, spoons, measuring cups, cups, and plates are amazing. Mixing with a stick works well too! Raid your cupboard for seldom used items, dig through the recycling, repurpose the camping dishes.
Leaves, flowers, gumnuts, seeds, pebbles, and twigs create endless creative possibilities. Taking a walk to collect “supplies” can be a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child and engage with your environment.
Trust me, setting up an outdoor mud play station is a great way to foster nature play during these home days. The internet will tantalise you with images of gorgeous mud kitchens, but all you need to start is some mud and a stick!
Words and photos // Adina Oosterwijk