Children’s Night Night Activities
Kids can sometimes get really scared of the dark, but a good night-light can make them feel more safe. They’re also more likely to fall asleep at night if they have a comfortable place to rest.
Some kids may get night terrors, a sleep disturbance that’s often caused by stress or fatigue. But nearly all tots outgrow them by adolescence.
1. Go for a Night Walk or Bike Ride
Getting out and about at night can be a great way to get some exercise, burn off some extra energy, and enjoy the scenery. However, it is important to be mindful of your surroundings and stay safe.
The best thing to do when going for a jog or bike ride at night is to find a route that is well lit and has minimal traffic. This will make the trip that much more enjoyable and safer.
Also, be sure to use the right side of the road and don’t be afraid to walk on the sidewalk if it is there. This will give you a better chance of being seen and avoid collisions with pedestrians, motor vehicles, and cyclists. In fact, it is recommended that you wear a helmet to protect your head in case you do bump into something!
2. Look Up at the Stars
The sky is a place full of wonder and mystery. From the clouds, auroras, and stars to birds flying overhead and even the International Space Station, there is much to see in the night sky.
Looking up at the stars is a great way to learn about the universe and how it works. It’s also a way to relax and unwind during childrens night night, which can help your child get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer.
It’s also a good idea to have a baby night light in your child’s bedroom to provide just enough illumination to see if your child wakes up during the night. This can encourage your child to go back to sleep easier and sleep longer than if she was sleeping in a room with no night lights.
3. Have a Story Time
Storytimes are a great way to introduce young children to books, rhymes, songs, finger plays, and crafts. They encourage language and pre-literacy skills, and help kids to think of library visits as exciting events.
Tip 1: Choose a routine that your child is comfortable with. Set aside a time that they know is a normal part of their day, such as when they wake up, before or after a nap, or before bedtime.
Generally, parents and caregivers sit in a circle with their children as a children’s librarian or children’s book seller reads short stories and sings songs and rhymes. This 30 minute activity should be fun and lighthearted for your child, and can be a great opportunity to bond with them!
4. Talk About Their Favorite Characters
Children often have their favorite characters from movies, books or even video games. Talking about them may make your child smile. If your little one is a fan of Harry Potter, he’s sure to love hearing about his favorite characters.
It’s also fun to see them interacting with their favorite characters during a nighttime movie or video game. This can make for an exciting family movie night, and is especially impressive if your kids can’t stop giggling when the special effects get to work. The best way to go about this is to keep it lighthearted and impromptu. This will ensure that the best character interactions don’t get buried under the shuffleboard table. The most important rule of thumb is to be present, but not overbearing or invasive.
5. Play a Game
It can be hard for kids to get up and go out in the evening, but night games are a great way for your kids to stay active outdoors. They’ll also have fun playing a game together, which can help bond the whole family!
One of my favorite outdoor night games is Night Guard. The night guard (or you can have one child be the night guard) stands at one end of the field with a flashlight and everyone else lines up at the other end of the field.