The world has changed considerably over the last five decades, and these changes have had a significant impact on the way kids are raised. Some parents may remember being free to ride bikes and disappear for hours while playing outdoors with other children during their childhood and mourn the fact that this isn’t possible in most places now.
The need to monitor children and take safety precautions that weren’t necessary decades ago is just one of the reasons why kids spend more time inside now than ever before. Instead of talking to friends in person, kids are more likely to stay home and text, play video games online, or interact on social media. Consequently, kids miss out on the multiple benefits of spending time playing outdoors and interacting with others outside their home. Outdoor play promotes physical exercise, and children also benefit from exposure to sunlight. If you’re struggling to get your kids out of the house, use these tips to encourage them to spend time outside and socialize outside the family home.
1. Take your kids camping.
Camping is a fantastic way to promote outdoor exploration and get your kids out of the home. Even if you have a camper, most recreational vehicles (RVs) are modest. The lack of space and need to use the facilities will prompt your family to head outdoors.
When you go camping, don’t forget to pack sunscreen and the best natural mosquito repellent available. Natural mosquito repellent doesn’t contain harmful ingredients, such as DEET, and it’s safe for kids and pets. With spray-on insect repellent, you’ll be able to prevent mosquito bites, ticks, and other bugs. You can also burn citronella candles at your campsite to keep the bugs away.
Encourage your children to explore the facilities when you arrive at a new campground. Many campgrounds have maps, and you can use their printed maps to help your kids learn how to follow a physical map instead of using GPS to find locations.
Campgrounds can offer convenient access to facilities that promote outdoor play and exercise, including pools, fishing ponds, and hiking trails. Choose campsites that have a combination of preferred activities and new activities your family can try. Some campgrounds also have live musical and theatrical performances your kids may enjoy. There are also camping facilities that offer staff-led activities, such as art activities and games. Visiting campsites that offer age-appropriate activities suitable for your kids is a great way to promote social interaction outside of the home.
If you aren’t comfortable camping you can also invest in a vacation rental and stay in a cabin in the woods or near a lake.
2. Sign your kids up for community activities.
Research activity options for kids in your community and sign your kids up for appropriate activities. There’s a wide range of activities to choose from, based on your child’s interests, your budget, and your schedule.
Recreation and parks organizations offer classes and outings suitable for people of all ages. If you have a child interested in art, you can sign them up for sketching or painting classes. You can indulge kids who like to get their hands dirty and play in the mud with a pottery class.
If your child likes sports, you can sign them up for lessons or let them join a sports league. Whether they participate in gymnastics or bowling, they’ll have a chance to interact with other kids their age in person and develop some social skills while they’re active.
Your family church may also offer suitable programs that your kids can attend, such as vacation Bible school (VBS) in the summertime. Rocky Railway VBS is a week-long program offered by churches during the summer months. Kids participate in team activities, music, crafts, and games focused on the VBS theme. VBS leaders also share spiritual lessons. VSB is a fantastic way to get your kids out of the house and encourage them to socialize in a safe environment.
Some churches also host other kids’ activities, such as drama camps, youth groups, choirs, and handbell lessons. Another venue that you shouldn’t overlook is your local library. Libraries are phenomenal community resources that provide more than books. Many libraries host storytimes for children, as well as regular craft sessions and special performances. Take your kids to see a bubble show or learn how to make ice cream in a bag. One of the best things about library programs is that most of them are free. You can explore your local library’s calendar online and sign up for activities in advance to be sure your kids will be able to attend.
3. Model the behavior you want to see in your kids.
Children mimic the behavior that they see in their parents. If you want to get your kids to spend more time outside or interact outside your home, model this behavior. Kids who grow up seeing their parents spend all of their time indoors at home will be more likely to stay inside at home as well.
Modeling desirable behavior doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time away from home, either. Take a book outside on a Saturday morning and spend some time reading. You can also do craft activities outdoors. Set up a workshop in your garage where you can do woodworking projects. Although you may still be at home, you can open your garage doors to let the sunlight and fresh air inside.
If you have a green thumb, you can plant a garden and spend some time each day pulling weeds and watering the flowers. You can also cut flowers to make arrangements you display inside your home. Encourage your kids to plant their garden and help make flower arrangements. You can also use dried flowers to make artwork.
If you have a family dog, take your dog for a walk every day. Take your dog to local dog parks. Some dog parks are near playgrounds, and you can bring snacks and encourage your kids to play at the park while your dog burns off some energy.
4. Take your family to state parks.
There are over 10,000 state parks in the United States. Plan family outings and explore those parks. Every state park has distinct features that set it apart, and visiting the state parks is a great way to explore the countryside and learn about nature and geography. Head to a site for shore eyes to get a chance to go hiking, visit a Japanese-style garden, explore a World War II bunker, and visit a National Wildlife Refuge.
Some states have a challenge encouraging people to see all the state parks within their borders. They offer special discount passes that include access to all of the state parks for one reasonable fee. You can manage the costs of exploring the state parks and entice your kids with the activity passport book, which can be stamped at each state park they visit.
5. Plan activities for your kids.
Organize activities outside your home. You can reach out to parents you know from church, school, or other community activities and schedule playdates. Playdates can include visiting the other child’s home or meeting up with the child and their parent at an outside venue. Playdates are an affordable way to promote social interaction outside the home. If you opt to meet up for a picnic lunch at a park, you can also encourage outdoor play.
Plan and initiate activities with your child outside your home. If you have a boy who loves electronics, you can invest in a drone or a remote control car and take them to a park where it’s safe to use these toys. This can be a great way of combining their interests with an outdoor activity.
You can also encourage your kids to explore nature by creating nature scavenger hunts. Go on nature walks and encourage them to take photos of different plants and animals they see. You may also collect some items while on a nature walk and use them to make art. These are simple, affordable activities you can use to promote outdoor activities while bonding with your children.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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