7 Safe, Effective Ways to Get Young Ones Outside

Today’s world is often a very different one than the one we grew up in. Children’s schedules are packed to the brim, and “go play outside” is easier said than done. While screens and school may seem like the safest, most efficient ways for kids to spend their time, unstructured playtime outside is essential for their imagination, creativity, bodies and relationships.
While the average American child spends less time outside than ever before, consistent time spent in nature has been associated with better school performance, better sleep, more friends, less hyperactivity and a higher likelihood that they’ll grow up to be happy, healthy adults. As we transition from more carefree summer days to the hustle and bustle of extracurricular activities, sports, tutoring sessions, music lessons, playdates and seemingly endless amounts of school work, there are some ways you can structure unstructured outside time this back-to-school season.
1. Take the time to talk about outside time. — Simple things like staying out of the street and being back before dark are just the start. Talk to your kids about trusting their guts and being aware of their surroundings and mindful of their thoughts and actions. This will help you establish boundaries and be more comfortable with allowing time outside.

2. Use technology to disconnect safely. — Smart and mobile phones are amazing tools that help us keep in touch and offers piece of mind when the world calls. Use technology to stay connected and find new parks or hiking trails to explore. National Wildlife Federation’s Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder™ app is a nice tool for exploring walkable, bikeable parks local to you.

3. Bring downtime outside. –Waiting in line at the doctor’s office? Killing time between lessons? Go outside. Research has found that even brief interactions with nature make us all healthier and more productive, and consistent access to even small spurts of nature, like a patch of trees in an urban landscape, has a positive impact on a child’s development and maintains mood in both kids and adults.

4. Plan for unplanned adventures. — Investing in your children’s future usually means commitments of time and money in activities meant to enrich and educate. In a highly scheduled day-to-day of extra-curricular science tutoring, test prep and cello lessons, the space to just be can be difficult to squeeze. Make it a point to set aside extra time to run around the block or bike with friends on a whim.

5. Fuel the adventure. — It’s important that kids get the right nutrition and stay hydrated while engaging in fun and imagination-filled activities. Healthy foods children can easily nosh on without too much instruction, such as mess-free snack pouches from GoGo squeeZ, provide more opportunities for “BE Time” and are fully recyclable through TerraCycle.

6. Be a steward for the environment. — Being a role model isn’t just someone children can look up to — it’s someone they can look over and walk alongside on their journey to discovery in the open air. Show your appreciation and respect for the outdoors by taking care of it. Don’t litter, teach kids how to recycle, and walk or bike instead of driving when possible.

7. Enjoy your own time outside. –Choose to do things you enjoy in the outdoors — like taking walks, sitting outside with a book, or doing a whole lot o’ nothing — and allow kids to see you doing the unstructured thing without negative talk or excuses. This allows children to establish trust and clarity in their relationship with “me time,” noting these activities as positive, necessary aspects of their routine.

