HOW TO ENCOURAGE OUTDOOR PLAY

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Did you know that the average child spends only 4-7 minutes a day in outdoor play?

Here are some easy tips to help encourage more outdoor time!

Tip 1: Leave your back door open throughout the day

This means even if your kids aren’t outside leave the door open! I started doing this and many times I’ve found that Lucy has wondered into the backyard to play even if I’m not there! This has helped encourage her to play independently outside.

Tip 2: Eat meals outside

We love taking our lunch outside! Sometimes we’ll have a little backyard picnic or Lucy will just eat on her little kids table. It’s such an easy way to get them outdoors even for just a little bit. They’ll get some good vitamin D and vitamin N before nap time. This idea has helped us log more hours outside for our 1000 hours outside challenge too!

Tip 3: Normal activities you would do inside take outside instead

I’ve found most activities or toys Lucy plays with inside can be taken outside. So the only thing you’re changing is the location. So easy to do! Zero prep work!

Tip 4: Make it part of your daily routine

If it’s something that’s important to you, schedule it into your day! If it’s part of your daily routine it comes more naturally. You could go for a walk every morning or spend some time at the park every day after nap time!

If you you have a backyard check my Pinterest board for inspiration on creating an outdoor play area!

Tip 5: Make a game out of it by joining the 1000 hours outside challenge

This entire movement is incredible. The challenge is to spend 1000 hours outside in one year. Click here to see their free printable trackers!

I hope these tips can help encourage more outdoor play for your family! I know it’s so important and the benefits are incredible. Best of luck!