3 Night Time Play Ideas

At this time of the year it’s so tempting to head inside as soon as it gets dark and get all cosy. But have you ever thought of adding twinkly lights to your mud kitchen area and letting the play continue into the late afternoon/ early evening? ✨

As it gets dark outside let your children still play outside. Everything changes as we get to dusk, more shadows, different sounds which offers children a different sensory experience. There is so much joy to be had. 

The night sky is one of our weekly themes in our Rewilding Wanderlust Nature Study Programme. Night time offers a great opportunity to explore dark and light. Perhaps by going on a full moon walk, laying beneath the stars, searching for the Northern lights or seeing what wildlife comes out at night. Have you ever looked under a log or stone at night to see what you can spot? Or what about shining a torch into a pond at night to see who’s awake!

Here are three more ideas to try tonight!

1. Night Time Mud Kitchen

We've had so much fun playing in the mud kitchen after dark. We've especially loved making potions and autumn soup! Above is an invitation to explore the theme of wizards in the night time mud kitchen. 

Resourcing:

• Twinkly lights
• Light up stars water toy
• Potion bottles in different sizes
• Glow in the dark playdough
• Natural loose parts ( Leaves, conkers, flower heads, sticks)
• Fish bowl 
• LED Candles (always be button battery safe)
• Sarah's Silks and wand
• Sensory Grain

2. Storying Outdoors

We love to take our small world story telling characters outside along with a little jar of fairy lights to explore some beautiful story telling opportunities. 

3. Make new friends at night

Why not explore what minibeasts are still awake under a rock or tree stump at night. Simply lift up the rock and shine your torch underneath. 

For more ideas check out my free Night Time Play Download here