Six Fun Ways to Get Your Kids to Play Outside
Kids today spend 55 hours a week indoors using electronics, and less and less time outdoors. But how do you get your kid to experience the wonders of nature, develop creativity and learn to appreciate the virtues of quiet? These tips will help families get a daily dose of nature-to improve children's physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Camp Out in the Backyard
The outdoor vacation is making a comeback! Hiking and camping have been increasingly popular in recent years, and there's no better way to introduce your child to the wonders of the outdoors. But if your family's not quite ready for wilderness camping, organize a campout in your own backyard! It's cheap, fun and easier than you think.
Or get away at summer camps for kids and adults.
Buddy Up with the Birds
City, country, or anywhere in between, birds are probably the most familiar wildlife we see each day. Invite them to your own green space by making homemade feeders or nesting boxes for songbirds and hummingbirds. Or, simply enjoy their songs and calls-and see if you and your child can identify these familiar birds by sound.
See more bird conservation tips, and family friendly citizen science projects that benefit birds and other wildlife.
Meet North America's most amazing birds.
Go on a Photo Safari
Your family doesn't need to travel to the Serengeti to have a photographic adventure. Simply peering through a camera lens is a great way to see the world around you from a fresh perspective. Head out to the backyard or venture to a national park and start snapping.
For nature photography inspiration, check out nwf.org/photozone and to find a local park try nwf.org/naturefind.
Get inspired by these amazing wildlife photos.
Make Art from Nature
Stop to smell the roses-and to appreciate any of the wildflowers your family can find growing nearby. Make a keepsake of a favorite natural find: press your flowers or make leaf prints. To press flowers, simply put them between pieces of wax paper and close them in a big book. To make leaf prints, ink a leaf with a sponge and press it into paper for an instant artistic creation!
Also try these fun crafts that could double as gifts.
Plant a Garden
Gardening is a great family activity that can help teach children about so many things-life cycles, pollination, and nutrition, just to name a few. Whether it's in your own yard or a community garden plot, why not plant a garden with your child-one to benefit wildlife as well as humans? Research shows that children who plant vegetable gardens tend to make healthier nutritional choices as adults.
Find out what you need to know about starting a garden.
Take a Night Hike
Exploring nature doesn't have to stop when the sun goes down. Spend some time with the moon, the stars and all the animals that like to be active at night. Go for a moon walk, trace the constellations of stars, learn to identify nocturnal insects and have your child keep a moon journal that will help him or her understand the phases of the moon. The darkness outside makes it more of an adventure!
Get more ideas for playing outside.
What's your favorite outdoor activity to do with your kids?
Related Articles
30 Ways to Get Your Kids to Play Outside
America's 10 Most Walkable Cities
DIY Organic Baby Food
30+ Surprising Ways to Save Money by Going Green
For More Tips & Tricks You Can Count On: Subscribe to Our Free Newsletter!
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
