A Guide to Getting Outside with Young Kids
I recently saw a statistic that kids today spend an average of 44 hours per week on screens and less than 10 minutes per day playing outside. That breaks my heart, and it should break yours. Like many parents my age (hello, 30-somethings), I have rich childhood memories of bike riding through my neighborhood, climbing trees, burning my legs on the metal slide at my local park, and jumping on my friend's trampoline. I was also lucky enough to have a mother who took me on nature hikes, camping trips, and exploring national parks, which allowed me to develop a deep love of nature and being outside. As a parent, I hope to give my children the same gift. But it's hard. It's no longer normal for kids to roam their neighborhoods freely without the supervision of adults. Screens and video games call to our children with their bright lights, colors, and addictive features. And as caregivers, we've exhausted and overworked. Sometimes it's just easier to stay home, turn on the TV, hand over a screen, or plop on the couch with a warm cup of coffee.
But still, getting outside with our children is so important. If there's any hill I'm willing to die, getting children outdoors is it. And I'm going to tell you how you can get outside with your kids without having a complete nervous breakdown. Let's explore some strategies you can employ to make getting outside with your kids a breeze.
Start Small: If you and your child aren't used to spending much time outdoors, start with short, manageable outings and gradually increase their duration and complexity over time. Head into your backyard for 30 minutes, even if you just sit on a blanket with some blocks or books. Choose one day per week where you'll head to your nearest park and explore. Small wins are still wins.
Follow Their Lead: Let your child take the lead in choosing activities and exploring their surroundings. Whether they’re interested in collecting rocks, chasing butterflies, or splashing in puddles, follow their curiosity and encourage their sense of wonder.
Come Prepared: Make sure you have everything you need for a successful outdoor adventure, including sunscreen, hats, water bottles, snacks, and any necessary gear for the activities you have planned. In the summertime, we always bring extra water bottles and sunscreen. In winter, extra jackets and gloves, if necessary. Pro tip: it's always a good idea to keep an extra set of clothes in your car or bag for your kids.
Embrace Unstructured Play: While it’s tempting to fill every moment with planned activities, don’t underestimate the value of unstructured playtime. Give your kids the freedom to roam, explore, and make their own discoveries. You'll be surprised to see what sparks wonder in them.
Lead by Example: Children learn from and mimic the behavior of adults in their lives, so be sure to model a love of the outdoors yourself. Even if you're not an outdoorsy person, keep in mind the why behind your outdoor adventures. Just like exercising, budgeting, and making healthy food choices, getting outside is important for your family's overall well-being, even if it's hard to find the motivation to get out the door sometimes. Prioritize exploring nature as a family, whether it’s a hike in the mountains, a trip to the beach, or simply a walk around the neighborhood.
Just remember: it doesn't have to be complicated. "Earth below you, sky above you" as often as you can manage (which doesn't have to be a lot to start) and you'll be well on your way to improving your family's overall health and wellbeing.
There are also some great resources out there to help inspire you, like 1,000 Hours Outside, which has an active Facebook group, free printable trackers, and even a podcast.
I hope this post has helped motivate you to spend some time outdoors this week. I'd love to see your pictures and read about your experiences! You can find me on Instagram @maddiecrackcorn.
Peace,
Maddie
