5 Ways To Get Your Kids Outside To Play

In a world full of iPhones, iPads, laptops, computers, televisions, and a plethora of video gaming consoles, peeling the kids away from the screen, having family time, and getting them to go outside and get fresh air is an increasingly-difficult job for a parent.

Moreover, it’s even harder for parents to be able to spend time with their kids outdoors as a family. Outdoor family time is vital to kids’ health and a balanced upbringing. Providing kids with a reason to step away from their devices or TV will help encourage them to get up, get out and go play.

Here are 5 ways that parents can encourage their kids to limit screen time and get outside, especially while the weather is warmer and nature is beckoning you to get outside and explore:

• Consider Getting a Playground: Whether you personally install a playground in the yard or take the time to schedule trips to the neighborhood or city playground, make it a point to take kids outside to do something fun. Unstructured outdoor play times at the playground are great for children’s imaginations to run free. Bringing along some of their friends can increase the fun and the outing is likely to last much longer before anyone claims “I’m bored!”

• Plant a Mini-Garden: Planting a small garden with your children is another way to get them outside and also teach responsibility. Giving them tasks like watering or weeding will help them have a part in the family garden. When it comes time to picking the vegetables (and fruits) of their labor, they’ll love to see how their hard work has paid off. Positive reinforcement can keep kids interested in the garden throughout the entire season. Our family took this step to the next level and built a chicken coop next to our garden.

• Play Outdoor Water Games: There’s nothing on a hot summer day that’s better for a kid than to go outside and cool down with water games. Whether it’s a swimming pool, water park, or even just running in the sprinkler, going outside and cooling down can feel good for everyone. Finish up outdoor family time with a scoop of ice cream or ice pops for everyone! Our kids love making crazy ice pops and even sneak in some fruit into it for some messy but healthy fun.

• Consider Getting a Furry Friend: Getting a family dog and making it part of the kid’s job to help take care it will get them active. Almost any kid will love a furry new family member, and teaching them how to take the dog out for walks or to play will develop responsibility. Dogs bring love and joy to everyone and will develop into great house-friends over time.

• Sign Your Kids Up For An Outdoor Sport: Whether your children play competitively or recreationally, signing up for outdoor sports is an amazing way to get the kids outside. Participating in a team sport will teach your kids how to play by the rules, make new friends, and that winning isn’t everything. Any sport from lacrosse to soccer to baseball can accomplish this feat. See what sparks their interest and sign them up in an appropriate league or group for them to practice, play, improve their skills, and compete!

Getting your kids off of the couch will help limit their screen time, however, this might take some planning and strategizing. It will also likely take involving them in a consistent, ongoing commitment which can help get them up, out, and moving more frequently. The development of skills like teamwork, responsibility, and commitment are a bonus with these 5 ideas for how to get the kids outside.

I’d love to hear from you about what you do to get your kids outside!