It’s summer! The kids are home and the goal is to keep them off of the screens and get outside! I don’t know about you, but my kids thrive outside and the less screen time the better! Our kids just know that screens aren’t an option for a way to pass the time. The best way to set this expectation in your home is to not have screens around – hide the iPads, don’t start the day with TV shows, play music instead of having the TV on. If you are needing some ideas to implement this change in your family here are some fun and engaging ways to encourage your kids to unplug and embark on outdoor adventures.

Plan a Family Hike

• Choose kid-friendly trails: Look for trails that are easy and have interesting features like streams, bridges, or wildlife.
• Make it a scavenger hunt: Create a list of items for kids to find, like specific leaves, rocks, or birds.
• Pack a picnic: Bring along a delicious picnic to enjoy at a scenic spot on the trail.

Backyard Camping

• Set up a tent: Let the kids help set up the tent and create a cozy camping spot in your backyard.
• Campfire stories and songs: Share stories and sing songs around a fire pit or a campfire.
• Stargazing: Teach kids about constellations and spend time looking at the stars.

Backyard Adventures

• Bug Hunt: Send your kids on a bug hunt – turning over rocks and planters, digging in the dirt and looking through the garden.
• Building Challenge: Challenge your kids to build something together! You can give them a set of supplies (straws, tape, pool noodles, blankets, etc) or let them be creative with whatever they can find outside.
• Mud Kitchen: Create a simple mud kitchen with a table and old bowls, pots and utensils. Give them a bucket of water and some dirt and be amazed at how long they are entertained! Hose them down after for some water fun, too! 🙂
• Picnic: Eat lunch or dinner outside on a blanket! Doing the simple, everyday things outside make them just a bit more special.

Visit a Local Park

• Playground fun: Spend time on the playground, encouraging physical activity and imaginative play.
• Organize games: Bring along equipment for games like soccer, frisbee, or tag.
• Nature exploration: Go on a nature walk and talk about the different plants, animals, and insects you encounter.

Beach Day Adventures

• Build sandcastles: Have a family sandcastle-building competition.
• Collect seashells: Go on a seashell hunt and see who can find the most unique shells.
• Beach games: Play beach volleyball, paddleball, or simply toss a beach ball around.

Gardening Together

• Plant a family garden: Choose flowers, vegetables, or herbs to plant and tend to as a family.
• Teach responsibility: Assign age-appropriate tasks for each child to take care of specific plants.
• Harvesting: Celebrate the growth and harvest of your garden by making a meal together with the produce.

Geocaching Adventure

• Learn about geocaching: Introduce your kids to the world of geocaching, a real-world treasure hunt using GPS coordinates.
• Find local geocaches: Look up nearby geocaches and set off on a family adventure to find them.
• Leave a treasure: Bring small trinkets to leave in the geocaches you find for other adventurers.

Nature Crafts

• Collect natural materials: Gather leaves, pinecones, rocks, and sticks during a nature walk.
• Create art: Use the collected materials to make nature-inspired crafts, such as leaf rubbings, pinecone animals, or rock paintings.
• Display creations: Showcase the finished crafts around your home or garden.

Biking Excursions

• Find scenic trails: Research local biking trails that offer safe and scenic routes for families.
• Pack essentials: Bring water, snacks, and a first-aid kit for the journey.
• Enjoy the ride: Take breaks to rest, enjoy the scenery, and have meaningful conversations.

Fishing Trips

• Teach the basics: Show your kids how to bait a hook, cast a line, and reel in a fish.
• Enjoy the process: Focus on the experience and the time spent together, rather than just catching fish.
• Celebrate small victories: Celebrate each catch, no matter how big or small, and take photos to remember the day.

Outdoor Sports and Games

• Organize a family sports day: Set up a variety of sports activities like relay races, soccer, or badminton.
• Encourage teamwork: Play games that require teamwork and cooperation, fostering strong family bonds.
• Keep it light-hearted: Emphasize fun and participation over competition.

Encouraging kids to unplug and enjoy outdoor adventures not only promotes physical activity but also strengthens family bonds and fosters a deeper appreciation for God’s creation. By incorporating these activities into your family’s routine, you can create lasting memories and help your children develop a love for the great outdoors. Let us know what you you do in your family to stay active outside!