Today is Earth Day and I can think of no better way to celebrate than to get outside and enjoy it! The generation of kids that we are raising is considered the first “Indoor Generation” as the time they spend outdoors has decreased by 50% over the last 20 years. Increased screen time (television, computers and video games) is one of the primary reasons behind this.
As a child, I remember spending my days outdoors from sun up to sun down. I want my children have the same love for the outdoors so I’m cultivating it daily by spending time there. Here are some ways we spend our time outside, I hope you are inspired to get outside, too!
RIDE YOUR BIKE
Get your kids to ride theirs, too. Even if you have toddlers just learning to ride, put on your helmet and pedal around the neighborhood with your bike. Your younger kids will follow you around. Set up a small bike ramp for the older kids. They’ll launch anything with wheels off of it.
HAVE A BALL
Start throwing the baseball or football with your kid. Get the basketball out for a simple game of HORSE. Hit a few tennis balls. Toddler or teenager, kids want and appreciate the attention.
PLAY A GAME
Remember Four Square, Kick the Can, Red Rover or Red Light, Green Light? My kid’s favorite is the classic, Hide-n-Seek. All great games to include your kids and the kids in the neighborhood. You’ll enjoy the nostalgia of your own childhood, too.
GET WET
Younger kids are happy with a simple sprinkler. Throw pennies in a wading pool and give them goggles. That will keep them busy for awhile! For older kids, a slip and slide or water guns make for hours of fun. Go to a local pool, lake, river or visit the beach if it’s nearby. Kids of all ages love the water and there are lots of water activities you can do with kids of all ages from canoeing, to swimming, fishing or surfing.
GET ARTSY
A simple box of chalk can turn a dull driveway into a masterpiece. Have your kids practice writing their name or drawing rainbows. Draw a giant Tic-Tac-Toe or Hopscotch game and teach your kids how to play.
TAKE A WALK
We often take an early morning or late afternoon walk with our preschooler riding her bike or scooter. We’ve also taken her for short ( 3-4 mile ) hikes while carrying our toddler in a backpack. You’ll be amazed at the flora and fauna your curious children can find during even a short walk.
GO CAMPING
Backyard or campground, camping is a great way to build wonderful childhood memories. One great event coming up is The Great American Backyard Campout on June 25th. Camp with your family at a campground or in your own backyard. It can be as easy as sleeping bags in a tent pitched on the grass or back patio. Some of the best memories of my childhood are camping – it’s THAT easy to create great memories with your family for your children.
Tiffany Larson
Tiffany is a wife to one wonderful husband and proud mama of two very busy children. They spend their free time in the outdoors on the snow, water, road or dirt. She is passionate about green living and dragging her family along the journey with her! Tiffany can be found writing at Mommy Goes Green.
