Mini-Golf
Like every mom with preschool-aged children, thinking of creative ways to get my son outside and active is sometimes a challenge. Mini-golf is a great way to provide your kids with an opportunity to get exercise and strengthen their large motor skills. It doesn’t usually take more than half an hour (depending on how many kids are playing), and it has more benefits than you might imagine.
Just a few:
- Enhances hand-eye coordination
- Strengthens large and small motor skills
- Teaches sharing, taking turns, and cooperation
- Helps children practice math skills as they add up their score
- Encourages children to problem solve and think creatively
- Provides an opportunity to discuss sportsman-like conduct and persistence
- Gives parents multiple opportunities to praise and increase child’s self confidence.
My son and I enjoyed playing mini-golf at Swaders Sports Park recently. They have a beautiful course that is designed to be less challenging and more manageable for young children. I also recommend that you check out their child-friendly arcade, which has child-size air hockey and bowling. If you don’t have a mini-golf course nearby that stays open in the winter, then try making your own golf course at home, using empty coffee cans or cups for the holes. It’s easy and fun, with all the same benefits listed above.
