Four Free Outdoor Activities To Do With Kids + Buddha Pants

*Thanks to Buddha Pants for sponsoring today's post!

I'm pretty excited to be sharing this post. As a stay at home mama, I've had to be pretty resourceful when it comes to free things to do. Now that Summer is in the past and Autumn is in full swing, we are spending a ton of time outdoors again. I just feel better when I get outside and breathe fresh air. Here are five things that I do almost weekly to get out of the house with my (almost) toddler.

Also keep reading below for a review of these amazing mommy and me matching pants that G and I are wearing for these photos. I am actually wearing them right now and never want to take them off!

FREE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH KIDS

1. Feed the ducks some oats at a local pond.

This is our go-to activity right now, mostly because it's two-fold. First I babywear while I take G on a walk around the pond. She is super into all things nature, so we talk about our surroundings. I've noticed kids can get bored with constant silence, so I try to talk about the mundane things I see that are actually really exciting for her. haha.

2. Check your local town calendar for movie nights, toddler craft days, etc.

This is such a big one, I feel like - I never knew things like this existed before becoming a mom. My mama friends and I are always scouring our town's calendars for activities. We've done Movies in the Park where they show a movie one afternoon or evening on a big screen in the grass! There are also free craft activity days too, so check your town's calendar, and maybe even the ones surrounding you. If you live in a giant city you are bound to have tons of free options!

3. Play with your kids at a local park/playground.

Okay, I know what you're thinking... "Wow, a park, what an innovative idea" but honestly this one is underrated. I feel like we all spend time at parks, but have you ever played the "lava monster" game with your five year old? It will make you feel like a child again, in a good way. All of your worries will melt off. My kindergarten teacher side is coming out a bit, but when I used to teach my students would beg me to play with them. When I finally would give in, it would seriously make them so happy to see me running around the playground playing 'tag' or 'freeze monster' because it made me more relatable and likable.

You don't have to do it all the time, but it's honestly the best feeling and you'll be surprised how good you feel if you do try it out.

Tip: Bring special toys that are only "park toys" to the park.

If you are a parent you've probably already figured this one out, but rotation is sacred. Keeping the same toys in the living room, playroom, car, or using the same ones at the park can be a curse! It's important to keep a rotation going so that you keep your kiddos guessing! If you always play with a ball or scooter at the park, eventually your kids will get bored with them. Try to switch up your supplies each time you go and it will make for a better experience! 

4. Have a picnic outside and bring books to have a special readathon.

This one is big if you have kids that love reading like little G. I do have to keep her books in a rotation but she is a total book lover. I plan whole outings based on books! Bring a special "book blanket" and some snacks with a bag full of books and you have a good hour of entertainment! (I keep snacks close by to entice G to stay on the blanket since she is fully mobile and all over the place now.)

*She is blowing kisses in these photos haha!

My Outfit: Buddha Pants c/o | Hat || G's Outfit: Buddha Pants c/o

G and I are wearing our matching Buddha Pants in these photos! I wear them to do yoga in the mornings and evenings (I'm such a beginner, but learning more every day) but I also wear them out! These harem pants are SO comfortable, stylish and why on earth would I turn down a chance to match with my little one?! I wore them sort of folded up, but you can also pull them down for a different look. They are 100% cotton and come in several colors and patterns!

Honestly, chasing around my little toddler is hard enough - I need to be comfortable while doing so! I love that these pants are super easy to take along with you too! They actually fold into the pocket and it turns into a little bag to hold them! I am going to get a pair to put in my diaper bag since they are so easy to store. You can never have too many back up outfits with kids, right?

Where would you wear your Buddha Pants? Be sure to check out their site here: BuddhaPants.com, and use this code for 20% off if you decide to get some for yourself: LivingInColor

xo. L