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Fun Ways for Families to Get Outside More

The lure of technology has got many families spending too much time indoors. Kids are constantly playing video games, watching television, or browsing social media while parents are checking emails, sending texts, and doing who knows what else online. Convenient – yes. However, too much screen time can really do a number of your health. 

If this scenario sounds familiar, perhaps it’s time to make some changes. It’s time to step away from the devices for a while and simply step outside. Spending time outdoors regularly helps to build strong bones and muscles and improves your mood. Though it may not seem as stimulating as a television, computer, or smartphone, the truth is there is a lot to discover. Check out these outdoor activities you can do with the family:

Walk the Dog

If you have a dog in the family you’re in luck as this is the easiest way to get your family motivated to go outside. Instead of just taking him to the backyard or up and down the block, tell everyone to grab their coats and take your dog to a nearby park. Once you’re there, include your pooch in the family fun by playing a game of fetch or simply let him chase the kids around for a while. 

Kids Vs. Parents Games

Want to encourage your kids to get off the couch? Tell them you’d like to challenge them to a game. Whether it be kickball, soccer, basketball, or a friendly game of freeze tag it gets everyone up, out of the house, and moving. A friendly competition is certainly enough inspiration for your kids as they won’t pass up the opportunity for bragging rights about how they kicked mom and dad’s butt. 

Head to the Lake

Do you live near a lake? There are so many activities you and the kids could participate in once you’re there. You could try stand up paddle board surfing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming, fishing, boating, and much more. This is your one-stop-shop to fun and excitement. With so many activities to do in one place, you’ll keep the family occupied the entire day. 

Backyard Camping

You don’t have to go far to enjoy a family camping trip. If your backyard is large enough to fit a tent, you’re good to go. You can easily get the kids fired up about stepping outside for this adventure. A tent, campfire, smores, and good conversation is all you need. If you have a projector and a screen you can even watch a movie under the stars. 

Science Experiments

Want to see your kids drop their devices and run to the backyard? Tell them you’re going to do an experiment and they’re hooked. What kid doesn’t love the opportunity to be able to see something blow up, fizzle, crackle or pop? They’ll have a blast helping you perform the experience which is great because they’ll be learning without even realizing it. There are plenty of outdoor science experiments to choose from so spend some time teaching your kids about the wonders of the world. 

Water Fight

Here’s a fun activity for families to get outside in the summer – water fights. If your kids know that they have the opportunity to splash, quirt, and drench mom and dad in water, they’ll be outside before you. Get some water balloons and water guns and get ready for a water war you guys won’t soon forget. 

Arts and Crafts

If your kids love to express themselves creatively you can easily allow them to do so outside. There are a lot of art and craft projects you guys can try out. You can get easels, paint, and canvases and allow them to paint something they see in nature. You can build your own bird feeder. Or you can do something really cool like make your own sidewalk chalk and then have fun drawing or playing hopscotch with the kids. 

At times it may seem hard to compete with the lure of smartphones, video games, televisions, and laptops, but it is necessary that you continue to try. Motivate your kids (and yourself) to get outside more by coming up with fun ways to enjoy the outdoors. Hopefully, the above list of activities has given you a good place to start.

Photo by Amit Thakare from Pexels

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