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How to Encourage Your Kids to Play Outside
75% of kids aged 6-15 do not get the required 60 minutes of activity a day needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Since being active is beneficial to the mind, body, and emotional wellbeing of our children, parents will want to get kids moving as much as possible, but these attempts are usually met with resistance. Here are some quick and easy ways to get your kids outdoors and on the move.
Wooden swing sets are larger than life, have loads of possibilities, and come with different accessories to keep playtime a constant joyride. Your children will have a blast sliding down the slide, pumping from a tire swing or other types of swings, and playing imaginative games beneath or way up high in the fort. In fact, check out how much your kids can benefit from playing on a backyard swing set.
Get a Good Pair of Binoculars
Kids are naturally curious, so why not utilize this innate interest for getting them out into the fresh air? With a good pair of binoculars, kids can explore the outside world on a totally new plane. Have kids walk around with a notebook so they can record the different types of birds, animals, insects, and wonders they see.
Plan a Treasure Hunt
Treasure hunts are always exciting, so hide some “treasure,” and set them off on the hunt. If you want to make it more entertaining and interactive, write up clues, place them around the yard or town, and it’s a scavenger hunt.
Plant a Garden
Gardens are not only fun to plant, but they yield results as well, making this an activity that keeps on giving. Whether it’s beautiful flowers or delicious veggies, everyone can benefit from a flourishing garden.
Build a Fort
Help your kids build a fort in the backyard. This will provide them with hours of fun every single day. Forts are so popular, kids frequently invite friends to join in the fun too. Depending on the age of your kids, this project can be more or less complex. Younger kids will enjoy a simple sheet fort, while older children will be able to build something more elaborate with a little help.
Go on Nature Walks
If you’re up for it, take your kids on a nature walk. Not only is this a great way to promote healthy activity, but nature walks are fascinating for kids. Let them collect items they find along the way like rocks or leaves, explore insects, discover new animals, watch the clouds or star gaze (if it’s at night).
Jump in Leaves
Make a huge pile of leaves, and let kids take turns jumping into it. The idea is laughably simple, but you’ll be amazed at how much time your children will spend on this activity. It’s also a fabulous way to get the kids to help clear the yard of all those fallen leaves without a fuss!
Jump in Puddles
Pull on a pair of good rubber boots, and let kids splash away in those puddles. They’ll have a blast, get their blood pumping, and you’ll score big points for being such a fun, cool parent!
Go Bike Riding
Bike riding and other wheeled toys (ride-on toys, scooters, etc.) are fabulous forms of exercise that keep kids outdoors and moving constantly. They also promote gross motor skill and coordination development. Of course, bikes and other toys require a bit of an investment, but they are well worth the price when you consider how much your kids will gain from them.
Turn Off Devices
As long as they’ve got their cell phones in hand or the TV/computer screen on, your chances of getting kids outdoors are next to none. Make a rule that technology gets switched off at a certain time, and your children will be much more agreeable to playing outside.
There’s also berry or flower picking, camping out, or snapping pics of your favorite outdoor scene. Check out our free ebook about setting up the perfect outdoor space and swing set with the Ultimate Swing Sets Guide for Parents.
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