Do you remember childhood days gladly spent outdoors until dragged home for dinner? Parents know outdoor time is essential for their kids’ health and well-being. If only it weren’t so challenging to get them off the couch, off their screens, and into nature! It is possible to show them how to enjoy time outdoors with some creativity and effort. Here are some tips for getting kids excited about exploring and playing outdoors.
Get Them Involved
Let your kids help plan your next outdoor adventure. That way, they will be more invested in the trip and more likely to be excited about it. Let them pick the park, a game to play, a snack to bring, or a friend to invite. Ask for their feedback afterward to find out what they enjoyed best to help plan the next outing.
Provide Prompts
Transitioning from one activity to another is challenging for a lot of kids. If outdoor time is in the plans for the day, let your kids know. Provide ample warnings and time to complete their current activity and prepare for the next. This prep includes putting on shoes, applying sunblock, and using the bathroom. Get yourself ready with bags and snacks before their five-minute warning to get everyone out the door.
Bring Their Favorite Things
Sometimes the hesitation to head outdoors is due to leaving favorite items behind. It’s best to leave the most beloved ones at home that might feel tragic to lose. But older, less used ones could be designated as outdoor toys. Some toys that are fun in whole new ways outdoors include race cars, dolls, action figures, weather-resistant blocks or large Legos, and play kitchen dishes. Books are also fun to read together outside under a tree or while taking a snack break.
Invite Friends
Many outdoor games are more fun with more people. Plus, older kids will likely be more enthused about an outdoor outing if they know there will be other kids. Arrange an outdoor play date or find local family meet-up groups. Community organizations such as the library, parks, or nature centers may have activities where you can meet other families.
Make it a Game
Kids love games, so bring some fun into exploring the outdoors. Pop online to find free printable scavenger hunts for kids of all ages. Or see how many different types of leaves they can find or bugs they can catch. Obstacle courses are a ton of fun and are easy to set up using items you already have or can find in nature.
Remember the games you grew up playing like four square, hopscotch, spud, capture the flag, Simon says, and different ways to play tag? Pass these classics down to the next generation! But, don’t forget to ask what games they have learned at school or camp and have them teach you how to play too. Once kids have a few games in their pockets, they can invite others to join in and create their fun variations.
Teach them About Nature
Kids are naturally curious, so feed that curiosity with information about the trees, plants, and animals found in your area. Bring nature spotting books or discuss the weather. Nature is something you can take in with all five senses. Ask your kids what they smell, feel, hear, see, and taste if safe-to-eat foods are available. Taking a bit of nature home and creating a craft with it is a fun way to expand on the experience. Plus, they will have a visual reminder of their time spent outside.
Be a Positive Role Model
Your goal is to teach your kids the joys of being outdoors, and one of the best ways to do this is by showing them how much you enjoy it! Invite them to join in with your favorite outdoor activities such as hiking, tennis, basketball, gardening, biking, boating, or golfing.
Show them that being together outdoors is fun for you, too, and be conscientious about time spent on your phone. Some hesitant or shy kids will need encouragement to engage in an activity or to connect with another kid. So, go ahead and model for them how to play or make a new friend!
Above all, make sure that exploring outdoors is fun for your kids. They will likely want to do it again if they are having a good time.
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This content is brought to you by Metroparks. One of America’s premier metropolitan park systems, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks have served the people of Southeast Michigan since 1940. Managed by the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, the Metroparks are made up of 13 properties in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. The Metroparks are open 365 days a year and encompass 25,000 acres of nature and recreational facilities. Each year more than 1.5 million people engage with the Metroparks to enjoy amenities such as picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, nature study, biking, golf, disc golf, cross country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and a diversity of outdoor programs and special events. The Metroparks also provide educational resources on science, nature, history and the environment. Learn more at Metroparks.com.
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