How To Get Kids Outdoors More

Kids Fitness 

 

7 Creative Ways To Inspire Kid to Get Outside & Play

Are you struggling to unplug your children from their devices and coax them into the great outdoors? Kids seem to always be on their tablet or on their parent’s phone. It's become increasingly difficult to encourage children to explore the world beyond their screens. But it’s important to make the time because the benefits of spending time outdoors are huge.

MBE partnered with Rollplay, post contains affiliate links

With some creativity, you can make the outdoors fun and educational for your kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently reported that children who play outside experience many benefits. Some of those benefits include: better overall physical health, greater engagement in learning, and improved behavior. They also enjoy better mental health than their indoor-focused peers.

There are countless ways to get kids to enjoy the outdoors, and below are just a few suggestions that are great for the entire family. Read on for some inspiration on getting the kids outside for fresh air in the days ahead.

1. Transform Walks into Interactive Games 

Walks don't have to be mundane. You can turn a simple walk into an exciting game of "Eye Spy" or a treasure hunt. Encourage your kids to identify the various trees, birds, flowers, and wildlife they see during the walk. 

Arm yourselves with field guides specific to your area, and make each outing a quest to discover something new. Engaging with local wildlife in this way not only encourages observation and learning but also fosters a deeper connection with nature.

2. Move Storytime Outdoors

Who said story time needs to be confined to the bedroom? Grab a blanket, some books, and find a shady spot in your backyard or a local park. Reading books that talk about nature can further enhance this outdoor experience, helping your child draw connections between the stories and their surroundings.

This way, you're not just fostering a love for reading but also subtly encouraging an appreciation for the great outdoors.

 

3. Choose Active Commutes 

If the destination is within a reasonable distance, why not walk or cycle instead of driving? Short car trips are particularly harmful to the environment as they burn fuel and create pollution at higher rates than long journeys. By choosing to walk or cycle, you're teaching your kids about eco-friendly practices while incorporating outdoor time into daily life.

Many families recently adopted a dog. Taking your kids for a walk or a trip to the dog park offers an added incentive for outdoor activity. 

4. Embrace Ride-on Toys 

Rollplay Nighthawk is a fantastic ride-on toy that offers kids an exhilarating outdoor experience. With speeds of up to 6 miles per hour and a unique steering technique, it's sure to delight little thrill-seekers. 

Ride-on toys offer more than just fun. They empower children with decision-making opportunities. Whether it's choosing the direction or speed children learn to assess risks and make independent choices. This gives kids a sense of confidence in their decision-making abilities.

Rollplay White 12 Volt Nighthawk Ride-On

5. Start a Miniature Garden 

Gardening is a great way to engage kids outdoors. Create a dedicated space for your kids to plant flowers and vegetables, and watch their excitement as they see their plants grow over time. This hands-on experience not only teaches them about nature and life cycles but also encourages responsibility as they care for their plants.

If space is an issue, you can start with a few pots or containers. As long as your kids can dig, water, and watch their plants grow, the size of the garden does not matter at all! 

6. Opt for Outdoor Dining 

Something as simple as having a snack or lunch outside can make a big difference. Eating outdoors is a fun and easy way to enjoy nature. It can be on a picnic in your backyard or a snack break during a hike. You can make this even more engaging by involving your kids in preparing the picnic or snack. This not only gets them excited about the outdoor meal but also teaches them valuable life skills.

7. Follow The Leader Walk 

Take the classic game of "Follow the Leader" outside with a fun, child-led adventure walk. Allow your child to decide the direction at each crossroads, turning a simple walk around the block into an exciting expedition. When it's time to head home, you can gently steer them back on track. This game not only keeps kids physically active but also nurtures their leadership skills.

Ride-on toy images courtesy of Rollplay

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