We spend the majority of our time indoors. Most of us work, sleep, go to school, and eat inside.
Even when we have a chance to go outside, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. For those of us who enjoy being outdoors, this can be a bit of a downer. However, this makes it all the more important to take advantage of the times that we are able to get outside with the family.
If you are looking for inspiration on how to spend time with your kids outdoors, here's a few of my family's favorite activities.
*Disclaimer: Some of the links you see may be affiliate links. All that means is if you click through and end up making a purchase, I’ll earn a commission.
Go for a walk or a bike ride
We love going for walks around our neighborhood. It’s a great way to spend time together while getting a little exercise. If you don't live in a neighborhood, see if there's a nearby neighborhood, park, botanical garden, or walking/bike path that you can take advantage of.
When my oldest daughter was a baby, we would walk a two mile loop while we pushed her in the stroller. This past year, we walked a much smaller loop while my daughter walked, rode her Radio Flyer 4 in 1 Stroll n’ Trike, or rode in the Radio Flyer 2-in1 wagon with her younger sister. We just got her a 16 inch bicycle with training wheels for her third birthday so she now enjoys riding that while we walk and push her sister in the stroller.
Go to a playground
If you get bored of playing in your backyard, going to a local playground is a great alternative. Many churches, schools, and parks have playgrounds that are available for public use. After visiting several of our local playgrounds, we fell in love with a small church playground about a mile from our house. The playground was very age appropriate for my daughter and there was never more than one other family there so it felt like having our own private playground.
Play with bubbles
Bubbles are a classic pastime for a reason. They are cheap and kids of all ages find them endlessly fascinating. My husband and I spent hours waving these $5 large bubble wands around last summer while my daughter chased giant bubbles around the yard. In October, she got this Llama Bubble Blower that plays music and lights up and it quickly became her new favorite way to play with bubbles.
If these bubble options don't appeal to your kids, just head to a local store and check out the endless variety of bubble wands, machines, guns, and lawn mowers that are available.
Draw with sidewalk chalk
A $5 tub of sidewalk chalk is a great investment for any family with a sidewalk, paved driveway, or patio. My daughter can’t draw too well yet, but she still enjoys scribbling all over the driveway.
If you are like my daughter and love drawing but hate getting your hands dirty, you will want to get some of these retractable sidewalk chalk holders. I honestly had no idea that these even existed, but they have been a game changer for my daughter who used to wipe her hands every time she touched a piece of chalk.
Do yard work
See if your kids can help you with any of your outside work. Chances are, it will seem much more like a game to them than a chore. My daughter loves to help pick up rocks and sticks in the yard. She also helps me water the flowers and pull weeds. She has her own set of gardening gloves and tools which makes it more fun for her and is a safer alternative than giving her actual gardening tools.
Play a game
There are tons of outdoor games that require little to no equipment. Games like tag, red rover, hide and seek, and duck duck goose require nothing but a wide open space and willing participants.
If you or your children have a favorite sport, teach them how to play. My daughter isn’t playing soccer matches just yet, but she loves kicking a ball back and forth with us and has gotten quite good at it.
Adventure Awaits
The next time you have thirty free minutes and the weather is decent, seize the chance to get outside with your kids. Try one of my family’s favorite activities or make up something new. Whatever you decide to do, you won’t regret making memories outside with your family.
Let us know how it goes: post a comment below or on our socials.
Read more blog posts about adventures with your kids!
Brooke Hines is an adventurous mom of two and has written for A Wild Lass before. She and her kids love to spend time outside together.
*Disclaimer: Some of the links you see may be affiliate links. All that means is if you click through and end up making a purchase, I’ll earn a commission.