The summer may be coming to an end, but we are not ready to give up the outdoor play! I mean, we live in such a beautiful place why would we want to? We are so blessed to live on lots of acres that my grandfather worked very hard to earn for our family. There are fields, a lovely creek and lots of woods to explore. I grew up here and I am thankful my own boys have the opportunity to explore this same land. With that said, here’s how to make time for outdoor play every day no matter where you live!
CREATE A ROUTINE
Kids are such creatures of routine. Really, they need a routine for every single thing. When it comes to play, I am much the same with them. Now, this doesn’t mean I dictate WHAT they play, but I do dictate WHERE they play. As soon as we wake up in the mornings they have a little screen time. This can either be the television or an electronic device. They have breakfast, play a little or watch television and then we are heading outdoors. They know to go ahead and have their play clothes on after they are finished with breakfast because outdoors is happening!
USE THE SPACE YOU HAVE
I realize that not everyone is blessed to live on sprawling land that has creeks and woods and lots of dirt for road tracks. Here’s the thing, you have to make it work for where you are. Even if you are in a small apartment, find a place on the patio or maybe there is a park right down the road within walking distance. Do you have city sidewalks? Grab a bike or some roller skates and get moving! If you have a routine and you have even the smallest space you can get creative.
LESS RULES
When it comes to play, you really have to let kids be creative and use their imaginations. It may even mean letting them run ahead of you a little further than you might like. The boys get so excited when we are headed to the creek. They are often so far ahead that I have to run to catch up. I guess that’s good for me too. However, they know the rules before we get there (the safety rules) so that I can let go of a few fears that may hold them back from their creativity. I let them get dirty because they need to get dirty. I let them get wet because they need to get wet. Let’s face it, kids need to be kids! You may be surprised with the new games they invent and the dirt roads they create.
BE A ROLE MODEL
If you aren’t willing to get out in the dirt then your kids might not get out in the dirt. No one is asking you to roll in it, just get out there and play with them. Have a bad back? Well, take a chair and sit with them. Have a conversation. Engage them in what they are doing. Put down your cell phone for just a minute. Look, I’m guilty as charged for having my cell phone 24/7, but maybe set a timer and be completely present with them for 30 minutes.
KEEP THEM FUELED
Being outdoors means that they are going to get hot and tired. It is important to keep them fueled and hydrated so that they can play more. I like to keep quick and healthy snack items on hand that will fill them up. Kids really should eat about every 3 hours in order to give them energy to keep going. The boys really love the CLIF Kid Zfruit rope twists. I have to admit that I’ve eaten my fair share as well (Shhh.. don’t tell them where they went). We also grab the CLIF Kid Zbar Protein in order to keep them full longer. Davis really enjoys the Iced Lemon Cookie flavored Zbar. Make sure to check out the CLIF Kid Come Out to Play website for more tips, tricks and important information about getting outside! CLIF is committed to helping families find a digital detox and that is just fine with us!
So, what would you add to this list? Make sure to share how you spend time outdoors by using #outtoplay!
I do try to get my kids outside as much as possible. It’s good for them 🙂
Great tips! I’m raising 5 boys and I’ve found that spontaneous trips to the beach, park or even for a little nature walk are always super fun! The messier they can get, the more fun they seem to have! haha!
These are all great tips. We live in an are of Georgia where it’s easy to get in outdoor play everyday. The kids just roam. At least these days, we all have cell phones!
What great tips. We spend as much time as we can outside. We go to the pool or beach several times a week.
Boy, did I need this article today. I’ve been cooped up in my office for days and days.
We play outside all the time. These are all great ideas to make it easier to get out and about.
My kids love playing outside. These are really good ideas, I’ll have to add some of these to my playtime routines.
My kids definitely liked less structure so they could be creative. These are great ideas!
Like all good habits, being a role model is so important. My kids will spend a grand total of two seconds outdoors unless I go out with them. It’s good for all of us to be outside playing.
These are all such great tips. I have always enjoyed outside time with the kids.
I think it is very important to have the kids play outside every day. My son is a gamer and it is like pulling teeth to get him outdoors.
We don’t have a lot of outdoor space, but we’ll walk to nearby shopping centers and visit neighborhood parks every weekend with our 5 -year-old.
I don’t have kids and I have a very hectic schedule, so as for me, I make time for ‘outdoor play’ when I plan a Caribbean Vacation and spend a few days in the sand soaking up the sun on a tropical beach! Does that count for ‘outdoor play’? =)
I think a routine is necessary. For instance, when I was little we would go play outside every night after dinner until the sun went down.
We get out as much as we can when we can! These are some really great tips. Outdoor play is super important!
Since moving out of LA we have so much more outdoor space. We’re loving it too!
We try to get out to play at least once a day. we often go out in the evening for a walk and we stop at the park for the kids to play.
My son never goes outside, but he plays a lot at our church’s basketball court which is indoors. It is so good to get fresh air outside
It’s so important to me to get them outside to play during our short Chicago summers. I’ve been taking them to the park and the pool, since J has a hard time “just playing” outside.
I love that you’re enjoying outside. Love even more that it’s land that was from your grandfather. 🙂
OMG YES! I see so many more hands-off parents. You have to get dirty with them
Getting out and enjoying it is so good. Great advice.
This article is so true and gives mom’s great advice. No matter the space, a designated play area is key for kids.
My youngest loves being outside! My other two like it, but moreso if we can go to the beach or a ballfield!