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Home Energy Savings - Published:
July 29, 2015 - Updated:
July 6, 2021
Tricks to Convince Your Kids to Play Outside
Summer is a wonderful time of year. And when you’re a kid, it’s the best time of year. No school means time to play with friends, go to camp, and hang out at the pool. But these days, many children increasingly choose to stay indoors throughout the summer to play with video games or watch television.
Although these activities can be okay in moderation, kids have a near boundless imagination and an energetic spirit that are not given enough room to flourish while they sit around the house. There are so many great outdoor activities that just can’t be beat!
As a parent it can feel almost impossible to pry your kids away from their tablets, but it isn’t as hard as it seems! Below are a few simple tips to get your kids outside and having fun in the sun.
It’s Game TIme!
One easy way to get your kids out of the house is to offer similar interactive entertainment to what they get from their video games, only outside. Show your kids that there are plenty of games to play other than Candy Crush or Clash of Clans with some good old outdoor fun. Some starter ideas are scavenger hunts, hide and seek, or completing an obstacle course. But the sky’s the limit on what you want to try out!
Socialize
Inviting other children and their parents to a little backyard get together can be a great way to get your kids outside and having fun. Make sure to have activities set up outside to keep kids from heading to the living room during the fun. This way the kids can entertain each other while you and the other parents are able to relax a little and get to know each other better. Its a win-win! We know it can be hard to stay social as a parent with a full schedule, and this option allows you to reclaim a little of your time while also helping your kid make friends!
Get a Hobby
Another great way to get your kids outside on a regular basis is by setting up a hobby outside that requires a little upkeep. You could start a vegetable garden or set up some bird feeders in the back yard that you and your kids can look after together. The great thing about this is that your kids will get to learn some skills along the way! Make sure that the hobby is given regular attention by your kids. This will both encourage them to spend more time outside as well as teach them how to be responsible.
Join in on the Fun
As a parent it can be hard to find the energy to get outside and be active, but it is just important for you as it is for them! Not only is it good for you to be outside, but it will also provide a good example to your kids of how to balance time inside and out. You are their role model so make sure to show them the outdoors are a blast! Remember that there are countless activities you and your kids could go do together beyond the backyard. Take them to a park or to the beach for a day of fun.
Habits are Hard to Break
No matter how you go about getting your kids outside, the most important thing is to make sure that you keep things consistent. Having a time set out everyday where your kids go outside to play will get them used to the idea. This way you won’t have to push them every step of the way. Once it has been part of their schedule for a little while they will become eager to get outside!
Just as important as setting a time to play outdoors is setting a time limit on their electronic devices. You could make it so they can only play video games or watch television once they have tuckered themselves out in the backyard. By setting a limit on how much they can use their devices it helps them learn moderation and explore other activities.
These are just a few of the countless ways you can get your kids outside this summer. Spend some time brainstorming ideas of your own and share them with us in the comments. And make sure to ask what your kids like to do as well!
