3 Ways To Get Your Kids To Play Outside

Getting your kids to play outside is usually easier said than done. Encouraging them to explore the outdoors comes with many benefits, including giving your kiddos a chance to burn off some energy as they exercise. Running around in the great outdoors also helps decrease any stress they may be feeling and boosts their overall health.

Here are three ways to get your kids to play outside.

Set a Timer for Max Screen Time

Many children are so involved in the virtual world that they’ve forgotten what’s right outside their window. Consider setting a timer for screen time and, once it goes off, suggest they go out and play. This way, getting off their screens doesn’t feel like a punishment and instead feels like a reward. Once the kiddos are outside, they’ll have an opportunity to explore and utilize their imagination. Getting exercise at a young age is critical to their health—it will benefit them as they grow. Kids do best with a schedule, so add this to your daily routine whenever possible.

Create a Space for the Family

Make sure your outdoor living space has an area carved out for the family. Add playsets, toys, and patio furniture. Looking for an addition to your outdoor space for ultimate family bonding? Try adding a sectional—it’s versatile and provides kids with an ideal place to relax after a long day of playing. If your kids are becoming tweens, a cozy loveseat or sectional is an excellent lounge spot. With a space like this, you can sit outside as a family and enjoy a sweet bowl of ice cream on a hot summer day. Regardless of what treasured memories you make here, you’re sure to have many bonding moments.

Invite Them To Go Outside

Of all the ways to get your kids to play outside, this is the most straightforward. Sometimes, children need a little push in the right direction because their minds are so full of ideas that they can’t settle on just one. Suggest going outside to run around or even play a sport. If your kiddos aren’t the athletic type, that’s fine—give them some chalk, and help them flex their creativity. If they want to incorporate mud or rocks into their outdoor time, let them! While these things seem messy, they push a child’s imagination. The important thing is that you get down to their level and remind them that the outdoors can be exciting.

Sincerely,