I was an outdoor kid, I often refer to my childhood as free ranged and barefoot. Rural Oklahoma on 55 acres in the 90’s I loved being outdoors. Now as a mom in this modern era, between schoolwork, busy schedules, and screens competing for their attention, getting kids outside isn’t always as simple as opening the back door. Encouraging outdoor play doesn’t have to mean planning an elaborate adventure or spending a fortune on gear.
As a homeschooling mom of five, I’ve learned that some of the best childhood memories are made outside. Whether we’re exploring the woods, spending time at the park or simply enjoying an afternoon in the backyard, I want my children to grow up appreciating the outdoors and feeling comfortable in it. Years ago, as a young mom had read a book Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children. Along with 1000 Hours Outside becoming more popular I was determined to raise my kids with a love for the outdoors. Their outdoor spaces had changed a lot over the year due to us being a military family. I realized it was my responsibility to foster their outdoor experiences and help cultivate a love in them for enjoying the outdoors. If you’re looking for simple ways to get your kids outside more, here are five ideas that have helped our family embrace an outdoor lifestyle.
1. Make Outdoor Time Part of Your Everyday Routine
Getting kids outside doesn’t always require a special occasion. Sometimes, it’s as simple as making outdoor time a regular part of the day. Take schoolwork onto the porch, eat lunch outside, or encourage the kids to play in the yard after finishing their responsibilities. Even a short walk around the neighborhood can be an opportunity to get some fresh air. The goal isn’t to fill every minute with an activity. It’s to make spending time outdoors feel normal rather than something reserved for weekends.
2. Let Them Get Dirty
Kids are naturally curious, and sometimes that curiosity comes with muddy shoes, grass-stained knees, and pockets full of rocks. Let them dig in the dirt, climb over fallen logs, splash in puddles, and explore their surroundings. Of course, safety and appropriate boundaries still matter, but childhood shouldn’t be so structured that there’s no room for a little mess. Some of the best learning happens when kids are free to explore.
3. Give Them a Purpose Outside
One of my favorite ways to encourage outdoor time is by giving my children something meaningful to do. That might mean helping in the garden, collecting firewood, learning to identify animal tracks, or practicing an outdoor skill. As a hunting family, we also spend time teaching our children about wildlife and conservation. Not every child will grow up to be a hunter, but every child can benefit from understanding and appreciating wildlife and contribution to conservation. If they can connect their footprint to the impact it makes early on, it will be beneficial to their understanding.
4. Let Your Kids Help Choose the Adventure
It’s easy as parents to plan activities based on what we think our children will enjoy. But sometimes, the best way to get them excited about going outside is to let them decide. Maybe one child wants to go fishing while another would rather explore a creek or ride bikes. Give them a few realistic options and let them take ownership of the experience. When children feel included in the planning, they’re often more enthusiastic about participating.
5. Put Your Own Phone Down and Join Them
This one is just as much a reminder for me as it is for anyone else. Our children notice how we spend our time. If we’re constantly looking at our phones or treating outdoor activities like another chore, they’re going to pick up on that. You don’t have to be an expert outdoorswoman to enjoy time outside with your children. Go on the walk. Sit around the campfire. Help them build a fort. Ask questions about what they’re discovering. Sometimes, the greatest gift we can give our children isn’t another activity or piece of equipment. It’s simply our attention.
Raising Kids Who Love the Outdoors
At the end of the day, getting kids outside more isn’t about checking another box on our parenting to-do list. It’s about creating opportunities for curiosity, independence, and connection. You don’t need acres of property, expensive equipment, or perfectly planned adventures. Sometimes, all it takes is opening the door, stepping outside, and letting childhood happen.
Leave a Reply