If you’re like a lot of adults, your favorite childhood memories probably include spending loads of time outdoors. Doing things like swimming in lakes and building forts in your backyard. Why is that’s less true for our children today? If your kids are spending less and less time outdoors, keep reading.
Only 6% of children ages 9 to 13 play outside on their own in a typical week, according to The Nature Conservancy. Among preschoolers, almost half aren’t taken outside by their parents for a walk or playtime each day, says a study published in the journal Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
That same study found that the factors affecting outdoor play probably aren’t what you’d expect. Family income, neighborhood safety, and hours spent watching TV had little effect. What mattered was having plenty of playmates and parents who exercised regularly.
What can you do to help your kids spend more time outdoors? Take a look at these ideas for encouraging your children to go outside.
Benefits of Outdoor Play
Build healthy bodies
Sun exposure provides Vitamin D, which builds strong bones. Physical activity also promotes motor skills and agility.
Develop strong minds
Spending time outdoors has been found to stimulate creative thinking, problem solving abilities, and higher IQ scores. It’s good for mental health at any age.
Connect with nature
Direct contact with plants and animals can help children to understand and value the environment. They’ll be more likely to make responsible choices as they grow up.
Outdoor Activities Close to Home:
Add water
Kids love getting wet. Even if you can’t build an inground pool, you can spray the hose for your kids to run through.
Do messy crafts
Paints and markers can be tough on your living room furniture, but almost anything goes outdoors. Draw chalk game boards on your driveway. Create clay vases or paper mache animals. Fool around with face painting or tie-dying.
Eat al fresco
Meals give you at least 3 opportunities a day to pull up a chair outdoors. Serve breakfast on your deck, and make lunch a picnic on the grass.
Talk with your school
Many schools have cut back on recess time. Advocate for recess, outdoor sports, and other programs that help students spend time outdoors.
Limit hours online
While moderate TV time is usually okay, observe reasonable boundaries. Set a curfew on any screen time before bed, and limit internet usage apart from schoolwork.
Allow for downtime
How many activities are your children enrolled in? Block out hours for unstructured play in between dance lessons, language classes, and science labs.
Outdoor Activities Away from Home:
Take a hike
Walking and hiking are great exercise at little expense. Keep comfortable shoes in your car so you can go exploring when you come across something interesting.
Visit a park
Take advantage of local and national parks. Look up what amenities they offer like pools, fountains, and workout circuits.
Go camping
Invest in some tents and other basic gear to see if your family likes sleeping outdoors. You can plan longer and more adventurous trips as you become more experienced..
Plan active vacations
How many vacation days do you have saved up? Choose destinations where your family can spend significant time outdoors. Go snorkeling in the ocean or skiing in the mountains.
Ride your bikes
Take your bikes out for leisure trips or even to run some errands. Check out the bike trails in your community, and make sure to wear your helmets.
