25 More Things Every Kid Should Experience
I’m on a quest for my kids to experience absolutely everything childhood has to offer.
Ever since I took my kids to the snow for the first time about a month ago, I’ve become obsessed with getting to see that look of wonder and amazement in their eyes again. It’s addictive I tell ya!
I wrote a post a few weeks back, 25 Things Every Kid Should Experience and the reader response was ah-mazing. I shouldn’t be surprised, Babble readers are the best of the best.
I took your brilliant ideas, along with a few more of my own and developed an amazing list of 25 more things every kid should experience!
-
Going for ice cream
Whether it's a million degrees outside or your kids simply had a rough day, going for ice cream is guaranteed to bring a delicious smile to their faces.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Having a best friend
Perhaps one of the most enriching experiences we ever have is growing up with a best friend. As the basis of all future relationships, best friendships teach our kids the importance of loyalty and trust.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
A factory tour
A sneak peek behind the scenes on a factory tour will give your child a whole new appreciation for the items he uses every day.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Hopscotch
A little sidewalk chalk, a favorite marker, and presto! A perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon with friends.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Riding a bike
Pedals in motion, wind in their hair, and the power to go anywhere their little legs can take them. It's no wonder riding a bike is synonymous with sweet, sweet freedom.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Jumping in a pile of leaves
Sure, stomping on fall leaves is fun, but jumping in them is even better!
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Catching a frog
Difficult, dirty, and totally awesome, catching a frog is something cool your kid can be proud of.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Failing
Often the greatest triumphs come from challenges. Whether your child needs to try harder, or simply ask for help, rising above a bad grade is a valuable learning experience.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
A road trip
Crank those tunes, grab those road snacks, and take to the open road as a family! Road trips create memories to last a lifetime.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Visiting a museum
Museums offer children the unique opportunity to bring history to life. Reading about history in a book is one thing, but seeing it with your own eyes is an entirely different experience.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Cloud watching
Allow your child's imagination run wild as she lies on the soft grass and gazes up toward the clouds. I see a turtle!
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Playing alone
Allowing children the time and space to entertain themselves encourages imagination and self-motivation.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Staring into space
Whether your child is searching for an undiscovered planet or simply wishing on shooting stars, staring off into space is great fun.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Building a fort
Gather up all the blankets and bed sheets you can find! The meticulous planning and creativity involved in constructing the perfect fort is well worth the amazing end result!
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Volunteering
Volunteering teaches our children that with a determination and teamwork we can make a positive difference.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Getting picked last
You bet it hurts to get picked last on a team, but humbling experiences such as these build character.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Fighting with a best friend
As hard as fighting with a bestie is, these fights teach important lessons involving accountability, compromise, and forgiveness.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Climbing a tree
The danger! The adventure! The wondering how the heck you're going to get down!
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Playing an instrument
Music matters. In fact, music is correlated with higher academic performance so introduce music whenever and however you can.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Playing in the rain
Kids never seem to mind getting cold and wet in the name of a splashy good time!
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Having a crush
Aww, he "like-likes" her! Schoolboy/girl crushes are the stuff mushy love poems are made of.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Attending a funeral
As hard as loss can be for a child to understand, their age appropriate exposure to death as a part of life is necessary.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Learning from dad
I previously mentioned boys should be learning how to fix things from dad. As many of you pointed out, dad needs to be teaching his daughter to fix things too! I couldn't agree more.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Catching fireflies
There's something magical about racing around the backyard on a warm summer night catching fireflies; a beautiful childhood experience indeed.
[Image credit: Shutterstock] -
Going on a family picnic
Grab a blanket, pack some sandwiches, and gather up your very favorite people for a day of togetherness outdoors.
[Image credit: Shutterstock]
What else should every child experience?
Get your daily dose of Mommyfriend here where nothing is sacred.
Follow Mommyfriend on the Facebook and the Twitter too!
Get the latest updates from Kid Scoop – Like us on Facebook!
MORE ON BABBLE:
25 things every kid should experience
The 7 most disturbing toddler movies…EVER
10 things that don’t make you a lazy parent
21 hilarious bumper stickers for parents
7 things you should NEVER say to a mom in her 20′s
Wwwwwhhhyyyy with the slideshows?!?!?! It’s taken mr several minutes here to navigate 3 slide from mobile. There is such a thing as a simple list.
I agree it takes quite a while for each slide to load on my computer, I like the article though.
Great, but not all kids have a mom or dad. You should be more sensitive to the modern family.
Moms can teach kids how to fix things too. (I think you’re being a bit sexist) I’m a widow and I’ve taught my teen son to change a spark plug in the lawn mower, where to put the windshield washer fluid in the car, how to change an air filter in a car, and how to use a power drill. It’s the 21st century! Not only men fix things!!
I think kids can learn so much by having a pet….
I agree Judy. Everyone should have a pet. Invaluable. Also, everyone should swim in the ocean, hike through a forest, and know a love as deep and wide as both.