Do your kids play outside? It seems like a weird question to ask, but honestly, do they? With Daylight savings time extending daylight into our days, I love to get the kids playing outside. Years ago, children never had to be encouraged to play outside but with video games, computers, tablets and other electronics, children do not feel the need to get up from the couch and play outside. Add the electronics to overly scheduled days and most kids are burnt out. They need to get outside, breathe fresh air and just run around. Here are 5 ways to encourage your kids to play outside:
1. Go outside with them. On the weekends, we take one day as a “ park day.” We pack a cooler with water, fruit and sandwiches, a bag of sports balls, jump ropes, scooters, etc., and go to the park. We get there around 11 am and we don’t leave until 4 or 5 pm. they play in the playground. They play with each other and then with other kids. They explore. Yes, I let them be. I’m watching them but I let them wander and explore the park on their own. Going as a family makes it an event they look forward to. Also, I get in some exercise, which is always a good thing!
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2. Go for walks or bike rides. Purposefully schedule in a walk around the block, a bike ride to the store or library. Walk instead of drive.
3. If you live in a house, create a child-friendly backyard. Add a swing set or build a treehouse. Get a trampoline. Create a special place that is just for kids. A place where they can just be, let their imagination soar!
4. If you have a backyard, garden with your children. Gardening teaches patience, responsibility and an appreciation for food. Also, kids that grow their own food are more open to trying that food out. My kids have their own sections in a small garden that we have and in that section that get to try to grow whatever they like. My son planted a pineapple, my step-daughter wanted carrots and rosemary and my step-son has peppers.
5. Create challenges for your kids. I love to create scavenger hunts or “Survivor” style challenges for the kids. I will hide stuff around the house and outside in the yard. I create a map that they need to follow or clues they need to figure out. We do this once a month and the first to figure out the challenge gets a “no chores for the day” card. The kids love this challenge since they get out of doing chores and I love that they are off their tablets and running around!
A big part of getting kids to play outside is to go outside with them. Fresh air and exercise is great for everyone not just the kids! How else do you encourage your kids to play outside?
