One of the joys of having a preschool-aged child is that there are many entertaining ways to facilitate their early childhood education as a family. For example, field trips provide opportunities to get out of the house, have fun, and learn something all at once. Consider a few of the following ideas guaranteed to engage your preschooler’s mind while creating great memories.

Activities for a Family With a Preschooler

1. Have a Picnic at the Park

Bring some simple food — like sandwiches and baby vegetables — along with some balls or crayons and notebooks, and enjoy the outdoors at a park. In Cottleville, Missouri, the Scott A. Lewis Park has plenty of acreage to explore. Residents of St. Charles may love the historic gardens of Blanchette Park.

2. Go Behind the Scenes of Common Places

Make arrangements for tours with local grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, mechanic shops, farms, or other places you frequent. Let your child watch their processes and learn firsthand how they function. This will add a sense of appreciation for community and hard work to their early childhood education.

3. Visit Animals

Whether you go to a zoo, an aquarium, or a wildlife sanctuary, your child will be fascinated by the variety of animals they’ll see. Study up on endangered or rare animals before going so that you can look for them. The St. Louis Zoo is an entertaining and convenient choice for residents of both St. Charles and Cottleville. St. Charles has the Corals & More aquarium for oceanic adventures.

4. Meet First Responders

Firefighters and police officers are often happy to show kids around their districts. In addition to solidifying your child’s respect for the community, the visit will teach them about safety rules and how to call for help if they’re in danger.

5. Check Out Museums

Museums can enhance early childhood education by indulging your kid’s natural curiosity. Depending on what you think your child might enjoy, go to an art, science, or history museum. For example, try the Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum in St. Louis, close to both Cottleville and St. Charles.

6. Make the Most of the Season

There are a few activities kids can only learn at certain times of the year. Late spring and summer are perfect for swimming. In the fall, you can participate in a hayride at a pumpkin patch. When winter comes, go sledding or ice skating.

With locations in both Cottleville and St. Charles, MO, Great Beginnings is a licensed child care center that uses both traditional and progressive early childhood education techniques to foster healthy development. They strive to establish strong partnerships with parents to ensure that every child’s needs are met. To schedule a tour, call the Cottleville location at (636) 447-4212 or the St. Charles location at (636) 724-5048. Explore their services online.