How Can You Get Your Kids Outdoors And Away From Screens

It can be very easy for children to sit indoors and flit from one screen to the next without us realizing that it’s happening. If they’re not on their games, they watch TV, particularly when the weather gets colder and wetter. The great outdoors is fantastic for kids, and they learn so much when they get to explore outside.

That being said, it can be easier said than done, when it comes to getting them to actually venture out, especially if we don’t teach them or show them what they can or do in the outdoor world.

Let’s have a look at some of the things you can do outdoors with your kids to help encourage them to want to spend time outside, even as they grow into adults: 

A Camping Trip

Although it can be cold this time of the year, there isn’t a bad time of the year to go camping. You can teach them about setting up camp, gathering everything they need to survive in the wild (with heaters of course), and start exploring the outdoor world. From nature hikes to cooking on an open fire, there is so much that can be learned and a lot of fun to be had.

Mining And Gold Panning

Ok, so you're probably not going to go deep into caves and grab out a pick axe, however, going goldpanning in streams, and searching for rocks/stones that could be brought home for the garden. If they take an interest in the topic you can then teach them about the equipment they need such as stackable core trays and what they would need to study at school such as Geology if they want to take the hobby further.

Star Hunting

Another great way to get your kids outdoors is to do a bit of star gazing. You can get a reasonable telescope if they show a real interest in it and maybe even see some planets. Most of the beginner telescopes will enable you to see the moon, so you will be able to see more than you might expect. If you’re worried about finding anything in the night sky there are plenty of apps that can help to point you in the right direction and show you exactly what you are looking at. This may even be another topic that your kids show an interest in and want to take further.

Exploring

Rather than just heading out on a walk why not go on an adventure instead? Get everyone's backpacks stocked up with a flask of hot chocolate and some trail mix, and wrap up warm. Then head into the woods or look for a local nature pack and go exploring. If you tell your kids that you’re heading out on an adventure rather than just for a walk, you might be surprised by how motivated they are to get out, even if it is cold.

These are four different ways you can get your kids outdoors, even though it may be a little colder at the moment. Do you have any other ideas that could work? It’d be great to hear them in the comments below.