A Parent’s Guide to Getting The Kids Outdoors
Let’s be honest: getting kids off their tablets and out the door can feel like a daily struggle. Between YouTube, video games, and TikTok, the idea of playing outside doesn’t always hold the same excitement it once did. But as parents, we know just how important fresh air and movement are – for their health, creativity, and mental well-being.
So, how do you convince your child to trade their screen for sunshine? Here are some easy, fun ideas to make outdoor play part of your family routine!
1. Keep It Fun (and Low-Effort)
The key to getting kids outside? Make it fun – and simple to start. You’re probably not going to convince your 8-year-old to take a jog because it’s “good for their cardiovascular health.” But you can turn outdoor time into something they actually look forward to.
- Scavenger Hunts: Create a quick list of things to find – like a red leaf, a smooth rock, or a butterfly. Bring it to the beach and add seashells, driftwood, or bird tracks to the list.
- Classic Games: Think tag, hide and seek, Simon Says, or Red Light, Green Light. These old-school games burn energy and don’t require any supplies.
2. Lead by Example
If you want your kids to go outside more, the best thing you can do is go with them. Make outdoor time a family habit – whether it’s an evening walk, weekend bike ride, or a beach day with snacks and games.
Try:
- Beach picnics: Pack lunch, bring a few shovels and buckets, and let the day unfold naturally.
- Nature walks: Even a short stroll through your neighborhood or local park can be a chance to spot squirrels, lizards, or different types of flowers.
Kids notice when we enjoy the outdoors, and they’re more likely to follow suit.
3. Use the Space You Have (Yes, Even a Small Backyard)
You don’t need acres of land to have outdoor fun. Whether it’s your front porch, backyard, or a small neighborhood park, you can turn just about any space into a mini adventure zone.
- Outdoor art: Sidewalk chalk, painting seashells, or building nature collages with leaves and sand.
- Tiny garden or wildlife corner: Set up a bird feeder, plant a butterfly-friendly flower, or make a bug hotel out of sticks and pinecones.
4. Make the Most of Living Near the Beach
Coastal living comes with a built-in playground: the beach! Don’t overthink it – kids don’t need a Pinterest-worthy setup to have fun by the water.
Try these easy beach activities:
- Sandcastle contests (bring a few dollar-store tools and let creativity lead)
- Beach bowling with water bottles and a rubber ball
- Shell collecting races
- Beach yoga or stretching games (great wind-down after running around)
- Tidepool treasure hunts if your coast has rocks or shallow water areas
- Driftwood building challenges – who can make the coolest sculpture?
Just remember sunscreen and water, and you’re golden.
5. Incorporate Learning Without Making It a “Lesson”
Outdoor play is a natural gateway to learning – no flashcards required.
- Bring a nature journal and let your child draw what they see.
- Ask open-ended questions like “What does this shell remind you of?” or “What kind of cloud do you think that is?”
- At the beach, identify different types of birds or shells together, or see who can count the most boats or crabs.
They’re learning through exploration – and they don’t even know it.
6. Make Outdoor Play Part of Your Routine
The more consistent outdoor time becomes, the more natural it feels. Try starting small – just 15 minutes a day after dinner or before school. It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated.
You could:
- Walk the dog together
- Water plants as a morning ritual
- Head to the beach for a short stroll before bedtime
- Declare Sunday afternoon “Family Outside Time,” no exceptions
Routine builds habits – and those habits can help balance the screen time that’s so hard to avoid.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor play isn’t just about burning energy – it’s about building memories, strengthening family bonds, and giving kids a space to grow, explore, and reset. Whether you’re in your backyard, at a local park, or lucky enough to spend time by the sea, you don’t need to over-plan it. Keep it simple, consistent, and fun.
So go ahead – grab some snacks, your flip-flops, and the sunscreen. There’s a whole world waiting just beyond the front door. 🌊
