Since the growing popularity of electronics, it has become more and more difficult to motivate children to go out and enjoy the great outdoors. Getting the kids to be active outside has multiple benefits: it helps avoid childhood obesity, it helps increase brain function, and it encourages them to think outside of the box. Parents know this, but how do they put that plan into motion and get children to go outside?

Go To a Local Park
Take a bike ride to a local park or go on a nice walk down some walking trails. Most urban areas have created trails in or around neighborhoods for easy access.

Set A Timer
Have children go out and play for a set amount of time. Afterward, they can come in and be “rewarded” with their favorite electronic. This could be a great way to get in that necessary daily exercise and provide the best of both worlds for them… They get to be outside in the fresh air and still get to spend time on their phone or tablet. It’s all about the balance!

Participate In An After-School Program
Children have more fun playing outside when friends are involved than they do by themselves. With that being said, research has shown that children and youth who participate in after-school programs reap a host of positive benefits: academic, social/emotional, and health, just to name a few. The key to a successful program is to ensure that the school develops a strong partnership with their community. Families have to feel that their children are able to have fun in a safe and positive setting.

Have A Picnic Outside
When children and parents alike spend all day at a desk, they start to develop a routine of being indoors and forget what the benefits of being outside are. Taking a drive to the closest park or setting up a picnic in the backyard for dinner is a great and easy way to shake things up while enjoying the outdoors.

Explore the City
Each weekend select a new part of the city and explore the area. See how many parks/playgrounds you can find or create a scavenger hunt! Most cities offer many free outdoor activities for children, just check your local event calendar.