Fun Places for Preschoolers

• Parents can find many entertaining things to do with preschoolers. Summer child image by Sergej Razvodovskij from Fotolia.com

  Preschool children are at a perfect stage to explore their community and find fun things to do. Their attention span has lengthened since their toddler years and often they are not in school full time so their schedule is flexible. Parents can find a variety of activities for preschoolers that are engaging, educational and memorable.

Visit the Zoo With Preschoolers

• Visit the zoo to see some animals that fascinate preschoolers. The elephant with the elephant's baby image by wolandmaster from Fotolia.com

  Preschoolers have a fascination with animals. They enjoy playing with animal toys and reading books about them too. A chance to see some of the animals they have only seen in pictures would be an exciting experience for a preschooler. Even small cities have zoos that have unique animal habitats and the larger ones offer some amazing close-up opportunities with large animals like elephants and giraffes.

Nature Centers

• Take a hike on a trail at a nature center with a preschooler. beautiful trail image by Tracy Horning from Fotolia.com

  Many communities offer a nature center that provide activities for children. They offer educational programs that focus on the environment and conservation. Most offer guided trails to hike on where children can learn about trees, plants and animals native to the area. Preschoolers enjoy being outside and these centers provide a place to do some exploring.

  Each state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will have more information on nature centers in their vicinity.

Preschool Children are Welcome at the Public Library

• Young children benefit from having books read to them. reading with mum image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com

  The library is a wise choice when looking for a fun place to take a preschooler. According to Kids Health, reading books aloud to three and four-year-olds encourages their language development. Find out when the library offers a story time for children and then stay afterward to read some books or check some out to take home. Many libraries have extensive children's areas that include games, puzzle and other quiet activities. Best of all, it's free.

Playgrounds and Preschoolers

• Playgrounds provide an opportunity for kids to work on gross motor skills. playground image by Lori Pagel from Fotolia.com

  Preschoolers have a lot of energy and one of their favorite places is the playground. According to Healthy Children in "Developmental Milestones: 3 to 4 Year Olds" children this age need to work on skills such as climbing, arm strength, running and jumping. Most communities have several playgrounds and children will have a blast exploring each one. Some fast food establishments offer indoor playgrounds that are perfect for a cold or wet day. For the price of a cup of coffee, parents can sit and relax while preschoolers work on those gross motor skills.

Swimming with Kids

• Swimming is great fun and exercise. happy kid image by Marzanna Syncerz from Fotolia.com

  Three and four-year-olds are at a great age to learn how to swim. Many communities offer indoor or outdoor pools that the public can use for a small fee. Not only is learning how to swim essential to water safety and great exercise, but most kids find it lots of fun too.

  The Red Cross offers swim lessons in communities across the United States for preschoolers. Parents can also check with their local parks department for additional options for lessons.

Hands On Science and Discovery Centers

• Preschoolers can learn concepts such as buoyancy at a science center. ball , sky and water image by ELEN from Fotolia.com

  At one time, science museums were all about looking and not touching. Times have changed and many communities offer science and discovery centers that have hands-on exhibits that encourage children to learn through touching. In addition to simple scientific concepts such as buoyancy, electricity and gravity, many of these centers have places that provide the materials so that children can pretend to be firefighters, construction workers, doctors, dentists or artists.

  While there is an entrance fee to these establishments, many offer a membership for not much more than a one-time visit which gives a family entry for a year at many different centers.

Make-It and Take-It Stores

• Visit a store where you can make something to take home. stuffed bear image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com

  While more expensive than most of the other options, there are many stores that offer the experiences of making a product that the child will get to take home. Stores that allow a preschooler to make their own stuffed animal or paint a piece of pottery for themselves or for a gift will not only be fun, but it comes with a built-in souvenir to remember the day.