The holiday season is filled with magic, wonder, and time spent with family. It’s a wonderful time and a great opportunity to introduce your children to the traditions of your youth as well as a chance to make some new ones as a family.

If you’re looking for some holiday activities that will get everyone in the spirit of the season, here are some tips.

Make Gingerbread Houses or Other Festive Treats

Children love putting together and decorating gingerbread houses because they’re something you can all do together, they look really cool when you’re done, and you can eat them. Plus, before you do, they work as a great decoration! This is an opportunity to really be creative as a family.

Making other festive treats such as gingerbread people, sugar cookies, muffins, and other baked goods are also fun for children. Kids can help with stirring, mixing, measuring, and decorating all the treats.

Read Holiday-Themed Stories

Reading holiday stories is a fun way to spend time together and get into the holiday spirit. There are so many options out there and choices that are great for kids of all ages. Reading the same stories every year can be a fun holiday tradition for your family and finding some new tales is a great chance to expand your child’s library.

This is a perfect way to liven up bedtime for younger kids. You can get nice and cozy, read books together, and talk about your wishes for the holiday season.

Sing Carols Around the Neighbourhood

This year, why not get together with some friends and neighbours and sing carols on your street?

Not only will singing put you in the festive spirit, but you will also get to share the joy with your neighbours. It’s great to catch up with people and perfect for bonding with the entire street during this special time of year.

Take a Walk in the Snow

It sounds simple, but why not take a walk in the snow with the family? Everyone will enjoy seeing the winter wonderland that forms outside at this time of year, with the ground and the trees covered in snow that sparkles in light and makes everything look truly magical.

There is a lot of festive fun that can be had in the snow. Kids can build snow people, go sledding, make forts, and even have a snowball fight. Get the whole family involved and make a day of it!

Decorate the House

Putting up holiday decorations is a great way to spend time with your family. Whether you have boxes full of items you’ve been putting out year after year, or if you’re starting from scratch with a brand new look, this is a great way to spread holiday cheer through the entire household.

Trim the tree with ornaments, place lights inside and outside the house, and hang garland and festive décor wherever you wish. You can even make decorations and ornaments with your family, such as snowflakes cut from paper, painted ornaments, festive scenes, and other art.

Have a Special Holiday Dinner

Spending time together with lots of delicious food is something everyone in the family can truly appreciate. Whether you decide to have a traditional holiday feast or whip up (or order in) something new, this is a great way to bond as a family.

Everyone can help with food preparation, setting the table, and more. Then you can sit around and chat with one another while you eat. It’s a great chance to slow life down and enjoy each other’s company.

One of the best parenting tips anyone can ask for is advice for what to do with kids to keep them entertained and happy. At Jumbaloo Playgrounds, we have created the perfect place to play, host parties, and have a great time. If you’re looking for a great way to add some extra fun to the holiday season, we’re here for you! It’s perfect for burning off some energy after a big holiday meal! Contact us online or call 905-785-3990 today to find out more.

The changing seasons bring many opportunities for fall activities with your children. Since most of us are kids at heart anyway, fun ideas for the kids are also the chance to relive our favourite childhood memories and traditions.

Break out your autumn sweaters and get ready for plenty of giggles and bonding over these fun and inexpensive activities this fall.

Go on a Nature Hike

Fresh air is always good for the lungs and the spirit, and kids love to venture out for nature hikes. Coming across wildlife, discovering interesting little creeks, and jumping around in the falling leaves are all tantalizing good fun for adventurous young minds. 

Exposing children to the outdoors engages all the senses, from crackling leaves underfoot to taking in the changing colours around them. You also get the chance to share some of the knowledge your family gave you as a child, which makes your nature hike a teaching moment too.

Have a Picnic in the Park

Everyone has to eat, but kids get bored quickly. So take your meal outdoors with the bonus of playing at the park. A picnic can be finger food, taco Tuesday, or all the bells and whistles with potato salad. 

Even something as simple as a picnic can spark adventure and creativity. With the park nearby, they can interact with other children, invite friends for playdates, and enjoy the jungle gym. 

Make Pumpkin-Flavoured Baked Goods

Some of the best memories come from baking together in the kitchen, and fall is the perfect time to savour pumpkin-flavoured goodies and other seasonal delectable treats. Tastes and smells help cement memories in the brain, and cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin, and apples are all delicious ingredients that warm the belly.

Add baking to your list of fall activities, especially on days when the weather doesn’t allow for happy outdoor playtime. Whether you make pumpkin cookies, pie, or muffins, all are yummy snacks kids enjoy. Also, consider bobbing for apples and then making an apple pie from the spoils! 

Create Scarecrows Out of Old Clothes and Sticks

Scarecrows aren’t just for farmer’s fields. They make a fun addition to your front yard or doorstep and give your child plenty to chat about with friends. Thankfully, they are relatively easy to make and don’t cost hardly anything.

While on your nature hike, remember to gather some long straight sticks of various lengths. To make your scarecrows, you will need the following:

• Old clothing, hats, and boots
• Sticks or wooden broom handles
• Sturdy craft twine
• Old pillowcases or burlap
• Felt markers
• Straw or cotton batting

Stuff pillowcases or burlap to form a torso and head, then dress them in the clothing. Allow your kids to choose what they wear and draw a face. 

Read Stories by the Fire

Children love the comfort of snuggling in for story time, so why not read to them by the fireplace with comfy blankets? Or, if the weather permits, have a Weiner roast at the park and follow it up with smores and your favourite story from your childhood.

Reading together sets the stage for your kids to become readers themselves. It also presents fun ideas for kids to explore the world around them and ask questions as they learn.

Build Lasting Traditions Indoors and Out

Sometimes the weather isn’t great, and you still need to get the kids out of the house to burn off some energy. Jumbaloo Playgrounds is the perfect place for kids 2-12 in Mississauga, ON, to play, host birthday parties, and jump on the trampoline year-round. 

Bring your kids for unforgettable fun! Book your party or event online or by calling 905-785-3990 today!

As fall arrives and the leaves start to change color, many families in Canada begin preparing for Thanksgiving. 

This holiday is a time for getting together with loved ones, eating delicious food, and giving thanks for all that we have. 

But did you know that Thanksgiving can also be a great opportunity to teach your kids about our country’s history? With a little creativity, you can make this year’s celebrations both fun and educational for the whole family! Here are some ideas to get you started.

Teach Your Kids the History Behind the Holiday

The first recorded Thanksgiving celebration in Canada took place in 1578 when English explorer Martin Frobisher held a formal ceremony to give thanks for surviving his expedition to find the Northwest Passage. 

While this event is often cited as the first Canadian Thanksgiving, it’s important to note that it wasn’t actually held on Canadian soil—Frobisher was still in what is now known as Newfoundland and Labrador, which didn’t become part of Canada until 1949. 

Thanksgiving became an annual holiday in 1879, but it was originally celebrated on different dates throughout the country. In 1931, the Canadian Parliament declared that Thanksgiving would be held on the second Monday in October. 

So why do we celebrate Thanksgiving? Originally, the holiday was meant to give thanks for a good harvest. Nowadays, it’s also seen as a time to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. 

Explain to your kids how different life was back then – no houses made of wood, no roads…and no turkey! Help them to understand how grateful we should be for all of the modern-day conveniences we have. 

Turkey Arts and Crafts

One of the most iconic symbols of Thanksgiving is the turkey. What better way to get your kids into the holiday spirit than by having them make their own turkey crafts? 

There are tons of easy and fun turkey crafts for kids of all ages available online. Just do a quick search and you’ll be sure to find something that your little ones will love. 

If you want to keep it simple, you can make turkeys out of paper plates or feathers glued onto construction paper. Or, get creative and have fun with it! You can even use those decorated turkeys as place cards at the dinner table.

Make a Gratitude Tree

This is a beautiful way to visualize everything your family is thankful for leading up to Thanksgiving Day. 

Find a branch from outside and put it in a pot or vase filled with sand or rocks. Then invite everyone to write down something they’re grateful for on a slip of paper and hang it from one of the branch’s twigs using string or yarn. 

On Thanksgiving Day, you can read all of the notes together as part of your grace before dinner. Not only will this activity remind your kids (and yourself!) to be grateful for what we have, but it also makes for a lovely decoration in your home!

Attend a Fall Parade or Fair

Many communities host fall festivals or parades leading up to Thanksgiving weekend. This is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the autumn weather while also supporting local businesses and organizations. 

Check your local newspapers or websites to see if there are any events happening near you. Bonus points if you can find an event with a historic or educational focus! 

Make the Holidays Count!

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to spend Thanksgiving this year, look no further than Jumbaloo Playgrounds!Indoor playgrounds are perfect for kids of all ages, and they’re a great way to burn off some energy before or after a big holiday meal. Call us at (905) 785-3990 or fill out our online contact form today.

As summer comes to a close, it is essential to remember that the fun does not stop when school starts. You are encouraged to plan fun fall activities for your kids, so they can have a healthy balance between homework and having fun as a family during weekends.

Consider taking them on nature walks or going apple picking. Other ideas include having fun through some creative leaf art or heading to your local library for some quality reading time. Read on for some fun activities you can do with your kids this fall.

Go on a Nature Walk

Fall is an ideal time to get out of the house and explore the great outdoors. The temperature outside is no longer scorching hot, and the foliage is a sight to behold as it changes from a bright green to different shades of red, yellow, and orange. Allow your children to explore without too many restrictions, all while keeping a close eye on them for their safety. 

A stroll on the nearby nature trail at your local park will surely lead your child to a new world of wonder, where they learn about the ecosystems they share with wildlife. On top of getting some fresh air, your children can bring home some souvenirs such as remarkable rocks, a pretty bouquet of wildflowers, or some leaves to later turn into leaf art.

Make Leaf Art 

Kids love being creative, and one of the most popular fall activities for kids includes the impressive foliage that makes its way onto the ground every autumn. All you need are a collection of leaves, some craft paper, glue, and other decorative embellishments to add the final touches to the art piece. 

There is no limit to what your child can create with the leaves, from drawing a tree trunk and gluing the leaves to create an autumnal tree or perhaps using short red leaves to create a lion with a full mane of hair. 

The kids can even create a turkey using the leaves as feathers; this would be a good idea for Thanksgiving celebrations. Encourage your children to be creative and let them express themselves through their art.

Read Some Books About Autumn 

What is a good fall-related activity for kids? We often think of heading outside when trying to entertain our children, but a visit to the library is time well spent. Reading can be just as fun as playing in the park. 

You can use your time at the library as an opportunity to teach your children about the changes in seasons and what causes them to happen. The books you read can also expose children to other popular activities and traditions that many participate in during the fall. 

There is the harvesting season for many farmers, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and apple picking (not to mention all the baking that comes with a bushel of apples).

Go Apple Picking 

Probably the most popular of the outdoor fall activities mentioned, apple picking has become a staple for many children. Often done as part of a school field trip in some parts of North America, apple picking is an ideal activity because kids adore exploring the orchard and searching for the best possible apples to pick. 

It becomes a fun game of who can fill up their basket or bag the quickest. Kids enjoy seeing the fruits of their labour turned into the most delicious desserts ranging from apple pie to apple turnovers and, of course, apple sauce. 

You can even get them involved and teach them the basics of baking. Apples also make a great snack on their own and are healthy. 

Looking for Another Fun Option?

If you have run out of fun fall activities or if your children want to try something different, you can always visit Jumbaloo Playgrounds in Mississauga. Call us at (905) 785-3990 or fill out our online contact form to plan your visit with us. 

Now that summer is winding down and the back-to-school season is just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how to get your family ready for a new year. 

Kids going back to school after a long summer break can be tough. They have to say goodbye to their friends, get used to a new schedule, and start learning new material. For some kids, the transition is seamless. But for others, it can be a challenge to get back into the swing of things.

If you’re wondering how to get my children excited for school, check out our tips to make the transition smoother for both you and your child.

Buy New School Gear and Supplies

Nothing says “back to school” like a brand new backpack, lunchbox, and set of crayons. Let your kids pick out their own supplies as they’ll be more likely to use them if they’re items that they chose themselves. 

Purchasing school gear doesn’t mean you have to break the bank, but a few new supplies can help your child to feel more prepared for the upcoming school season.

Plan Play Dates With Friends Before School Starts

Getting together with friends is a great way to kick-start that back-to-school excitement. Organize a few play dates before the first day of school so that your kids can catch up with their buddies and ease into social mode. 

This will also help them remember how much fun they have with their classmates and get them excited to see them again every day at school. 

Visit the School

If your child is starting at a new school, it’s a good idea to take a tour of the campus together to help ease the transition. By doing this, kids can get to know their teachers and see where their classrooms will be ahead of time. Knowing what to expect on the first day of school can calm any anxiety they may be feeling. 

Create a Homework Nook

Another way to get your kids excited about school is to create a special homework nook at home. This will serve as their designated space to focus on their work and get it done more efficiently. By creating a fun study zone, kids will associate homework time with positive vibes instead of stress. 

Create a Wish Jar

One fun way to help kids set goals and reflect on their progress at the end of the school year is to create a wish jar. All you’ll need is a small mason jar and some strips of paper. 

On each piece of paper, have your child write down one wish or goal for the upcoming school year. Then at the end of the year, go through the papers and see how many of their wishes came true! 

This activity is a great way to encourage kids to think about what they want to achieve and it’s nice to look back on the year to see all the progress that was made.

As summer comes to a close and the kids start heading back to school, it can be a bit of a challenge to get them excited about the new year. With a little bit of preparation and by following these back-to-school tips for parents, you can make the shift to the classroom smoother for everyone involved!

To make the most of the last few weeks of vacation, squeeze in a playdate here at Jumbaloo Playground. Call us today at 905-785-3990 or book your family’s visit online!

School’s out for the summer, and you might be wondering what you’re going to do to keep the kids occupied and happy for the next few months. Summer camps book up fast, and if you don’t have a spot reserved already, you may be out of luck. You might even start wondering how you can start a summer camp for kids, yourself!

Fortunately, even if you don’t have your kids signed up for summer camp, yet, you can still give them the experience of a camp at home! This can be a great idea if you’re looking for a fun way to spend the summer with your kids, or if a few families get together to multiply the fun. Regardless of which direction you go, here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Plan Team-Building Activities

One of the best parts of camp is meeting and having fun with all your fellow campers! You can capture that same spirit at home. A good place to start is by naming your camp. Brainstorm ideas and come up with a name that everyone can support. Having a great name really makes everyone feel as if they’re a part of something special.

You can also create camp flags, t-shirts, and anything else that you think will elevate the experience for the kids. 

Once you’ve set up your camp, it’s time to try some team-building activities. These will help everyone feel more comfortable with one another and set the tone for the fun you’re going to have. Some great ideas include a team obstacle course, a scavenger hunt, a game of dodgeball, a trivia game, and much more. 

Try to think of activities that will get the kids working together towards a common goal, rather than competing with one another.

Come Up With Camp-Like Art Projects

One of the most fun parts of summer camp for kids is doing arts and crafts projects, and you can do a lot of these at home! Break out the markers, crayons, construction paper, glue, glitter, paint, and anything else you can think of and start making some crafts.

Some fun and simple ideas include painting rocks with camp-themed designs, filling water pistols with paint and spraying a canvas to create art, tie-dyeing t-shirts, making bird feeders with pine cones, and drawing giant murals with sidewalk chalk.

Play Camp Games

There are lots of great games that kids can play in the backyard to make it feel just like summer camp. Frisbee, outdoor checkers, giant tic tac toe, ring toss, and much more. You can even get truly adventurous and put together a water balloon fight — at your own risk, of course!

Have a Bonfire, Tell Stories and Sing Songs

Nothing makes for a better camp experience than having a campfire, and your backyard may be the perfect place to do it! Before you do, be sure to check local laws and regulations to see if this is allowed. If it’s not, you can still sit around on rocks or logs outside and still get most of the experience.

Put together some campfire snacks (marshmallows, popcorn, etc.) and sing some of your favourite camp songs. You might even want to change a few of the lyrics to better suit your situation or just to make everyone laugh. Take turns singing songs, telling stories, or playing word games. It’s a great way to celebrate outdoors!

Looking for a break from the backyard this summer, or out of summer camp ideas? Jumbaloo Playgrounds is a safe and fun environment where children can play, get physical activity, and have a great time. Call us today at 905-785-3990 or book your family’s visit online, today!

Every kid loves summer due to the wealth of fun activities and exciting new opportunities. Of course, one of the biggest perks for many children is that they have a few months away from school. But the summer break doesn’t need to be a break from learning and development.

Make time for reading (even if it’s just for 15 – 30 minutes a day)

Improving reading skills is an important part of childhood development, so any summer learning efforts should include some dedicated reading time each and every day.

This reading break doesn’t have to take much time out of the day — just 15 to 20 minutes will do fine. If your child has trouble with this, try letting them choose their own reading material. Children do best when they’re reading something genuinely engaging to themselves.

Plan fun activities that incorporate math

There are plenty of summer activities that are both fun and educational. Take some time to plan some that can help foster your child’s math skills — traditional card games, board games, and other rainy-day activities that can do just that.

Building a better understanding of summer sports can also help develop numeracy. You could try bringing your child to a Blue Jays game and encourage them to follow the score. It’s not exactly sophisticated algebra, but it helps internalize understanding.

Encourage creative writing (on inclement weather days instead of resorting to a screen)

Developing creativity is incredibly important for learning. Encouraging your children to try creative activities like writing, drawing, painting, or anything else where they produce something original can have great results.

These activities can be beneficial for children of all ages. While younger children might appear to struggle, this is part of the learning process. Be patient and give them the time they need. With your support, you may be amazed by how creative your child can be.

Take a trip to a museum of their choice

Visiting a museum is a great summer activity for children. Today, most museums have exhibits geared towards children, with interactive elements that make learning fun.

Depending on where you are, there could be any number of unique educational opportunities. Whether they visit a museum of art or natural history or something unique to your area, your children can learn and have fun all at the same time.

Don’t forget that play is learning too

It can be tempting for parents to develop educational plans for their child’s entire summer. It’s important to ask, “how can my kids learn in the summer,” but you should also remember that children are more than capable of learning, on their own.

When your children play, they’re also learning. Simply taking your child to a playground or other indoor or outdoor activities provides them with new experiences that help them develop — even more so if they’re playing with other children.

Learning how to cooperate, share, and interact with other children is as important as learning reading and math. By giving your child the opportunity to play with other children as they see fit, you’re letting them develop important social skills.

If you’re looking for a place where your kids can be creative, imaginative, and have fun while staying safe, then Jumbaloo could be just what you need. Our amazing, indoor playground in Mississauga is tons of fun.

You can book a playtime, schedule a birthday party, or sign up your child for our summer camp program. Just call 905-785-3990 or contact us online to find out more.

Nearly every parent wishes that their children were more active. Screen time, video games, long days at school, and other seated activities often get in the way of this goal. That leaves parents searching for ideas.

If you’re wondering how to get your kids to be more active and looking for ways to encourage physical activity, here are a few suggestions that can help.

Use Exercise as Transportation

A great way to encourage physical activity is to use active transportation whenever possible. If you can walk or bike to an event or appointment, consider doing so instead of driving. Yes, it might take longer, but it is good for your health and may just give you an energy boost.

Think about all the places you go and determine whether it’s possible to use active transportation to get there. For instance, if your school is too far to walk, can you bike to it? If not, can you bike to the store or the park instead of driving?

If you’re taking public transit, consider getting off a stop or two early and walking the rest of the way. Every little bit matters.

Involve the Whole Family

Of course, while your focus may be on active kids, the whole family needs to be physically active. Consider going on a family walk after dinner or before bedtime — this can be a great way to spend time outdoors, talk to one another without distractions, and get in some additional physical activity.

You may also want to look for more active ways to spend family time on weekends, such as going for bike rides, hiking, or playing sports with your kids, rather than going to movies or dinners.  

Focus on Fun

You know the expression “time flies when you’re having fun?” The same is true for exercise. Kids will be much more likely to do physical activity if they’re having a great time. Running around a track for an hour might seem like a slog but running around a soccer field during a game, climbing on a play structure, or jumping on a trampoline can be a lot of fun!

Think of things your children enjoy and try to make those into active opportunities. Have scavenger hunts outdoors that involve running around the neighbourhood, for example, or play sports together.

Make Activity Social

It’s much more enjoyable to do an activity when you involve friends. Using this line of thinking, consider planning some active play with your children’s friends. Invite them all for a day at the playground or put together a game of softball in the park. When everyone is together and having fun, it won’t feel like they’re forced to be active. Instead, they’ll enjoy the time together.

An indoor playground is a perfect way for kids to socialize and be active at the same time. And you won’t need to worry about the weather since it’s all indoors!

Limit Screen Time

One thing that often gets in the way of physical activity for kids is screen time. We’re all guilty of spending too much time in front of screens, parents included. For this reason, it’s a good idea to set limits on screen time — this is particularly true when it comes to passive screen time, such as watching TV or online videos. These are sedentary activities that aren’t good for your child’s physical or social development.

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to get your kids more active, we’re here for you! Our indoor playscape structure includes jungle gyms, trampolines, slides, ball pits, and many more activities to keep your kids moving and having fun. 

Give us a call today at 905-785-3990 or visit our online contact page to book your family’s next visit.

You might be asking: why is playtime important to child development?  Incorporating constructive play into your child’s daily routines is a great way to facilitate the growth of existing skills and build new ones. 

With the use of blocks, markers, play-doh, or any toy that a child can manipulate to create something new. Children ignite their curiosity while exploring their creativity, improving math skills, and enhancing their vocabulary. 

This powerful learning tool is a fun way to engage numerous skills and create confidence in your child. The following tips will help you incorporate constructive play into your child’s daily routine.

Stick To the Basics

Playtime comes naturally to kids, and we don’t need to overthink it or over-plan when engaging our kids in constructive play. If you provide your child with the tools for constructive play, trust them to choose which toys to play with. 

Try to keep the selection to a minimum, that way they don’t get overstimulated and can’t focus. You can simply lay out some crayons and paper and let your child explore their capabilities, as well as encourage them to try new things or provide your child with building blocks and watch their imagination flourish.

Ask Questions and Be Present to Answer

As your child engages with constructive playtime toys, ensure that you are with them, asking them questions about what they are working on, answering any questions they may have, and assisting them when needed. Your presence will inspire them and encourage them to be confident in their ability to learn and explore new types of play. 

Your company will also improve their ability to communicate and work with others. If they see you building something, they will most likely want to join in and work together.

Use Sensorially Pleasing Objects

Sensory is an essential part of play as it engages all the child’s senses, including touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste. Using their senses during playtime allows children to develop many critical skills like coordination, motor skills, cooperation, and more. When choosing constructive playtime toys, it’s essential to select sensory-pleasing objects, including materials such as wood, metal, sand, and other items with unique consistencies and textures. 

Engaging your child with constructive sensory play is also a great way to calm them if they feel rambunctious. A gooey ball of slime or a bowl of colorful spaghetti noodles is the perfect way to divert their attention and get them focusing on an activity they can genuinely benefit from.

Create a Calm and Not Overwhelming Play Space

When deciding on an area you want to allocate to constructive play for your child, it’s important to ensure the space is ample enough but not overwhelmed with other distractions. Your child will need an area where they can freely build, construct, and create with the freedom of being nosey and potentially messy.

A great way to keep your child’s play space organized is by investing in several storage bins and labeling them in accordance with each constructive activity. They can have a bin for crafts, blocks, etc. Allowing your child the choice between containers is also a great way to encourage independence and decision-making.

Jumbaloo Playgrounds

Jumbaloo is a safe, structured place where creativity and imagination are free to run wild. Our age-appropriate play structures allow children to work on their coordination, balance, and agility.

Our play experts at Jumbaloo love providing children with the experience to work on their gross motor skills while improving their physical activity.

Give us a call today at 905-785-3990 or visit our online contact page to book your family’s next visit.

Instilling an affinity for reading in your children does not need to be complicated. The joy of reading should be met with enthusiasm as an alternative for the common pleasures kids find comfort in. While staring at a tablet is probably the go-to distraction for kids, reading can be more rewarding and beneficial for a child’s development and their sense of imagination. 

If you want to see your kids reading books on a more regular basis, give these tips a try. 

Keep the topics interesting 

Forcing topics you find interesting onto your children is not the most effective way to ignite passion for literature. The best way to make reading fun for your child is to give them some agency in what they read. We recommend visiting your local library and letting your kid loose in the children’s section. 

The moment you place an ounce of control over what they can and cannot read, you will quickly diminish any chance of getting your child interested in books. With that said, if they do come to you for help in what to read, you can steer them in a direction they might favour. Try thinking about your child’s interests, and help them find books that relate to them. 

Read aloud 

Kids absolutely love it when you read aloud. Have fun with this by performing the story with different voices. When they get comfortable with reading themselves, try including them in some bits of dialogue. Reading aloud also helps your kids understand how to pronounce words and makes them feel more engaged with the story.

Make a special spot for reading 

Every avid reader needs a comfortable reading nook. Create a special spot for your kids to read in peace, so they will feel more inclined to open a book. Make it super cozy with blankets, pillows, pretty lights, and even a tent. You can also set the ambiance with some reading music, usually calm instrumental music. 

Have a read-in 

Instead of movie night, why not host a read-in for your family to enjoy? Have your child choose the book, and everyone can take turns to read aloud. Afterwards, you can discuss the story. Think of it as a sort of book club, and you can even invite your child’s friends over and make the read-in part of a sleepover activity.

Reward wisely – avoid screen time as rewards

The great thing about reading is all the worlds that become open to your child. They are exposed to a wealth of knowledge, which encourages them to learn more. Instead of rewarding them with more screen time, think of better ways to expand their interest in learning new things.

If your child has been reading about dinosaurs, why not take a trip to your local museum? Or have they been reading about animals? Then a trip to a zoo should be in order. 

The point is to nurture that innate desire to learn about the world around them. Books are a great starting point; it is up to you as the parent to continue exposing your child to enriching learning experiences. 

Visit Jumbaloo Playgrounds Today

Another great reward would be to get them more active! Life is all about balance, and sometimes kids want to let loose and have fun. Our fun playground will bring more joy to your child than any tablet ever could. The freedom to run around and play with other kids is a sound way to reward your child for hitting the books. 

Call us today at 905-785-3990 or send us a message via our contact page.