If your kids are anything like mine, then they ask to go outside every day to play, whatever the weather may be like. With so many gorgeous days around this time of year, I’m partnering with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to help you find solutions for getting outdoors with your kids during the summer. I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to run out of easy and fun outdoor ideas and I’d love to get some new ones!
Also, if I’m being honest, I can’t say that I have the same excitement about going outside as my kids do. From hot and humid air, to mosquitos, to having to slather on sunscreen before heading out the door…I can pretty easily find an excuse for answering their requests for outside time with, “Not right now.”
Later this summer I’ll be part of a team partnering with NWF to launch a free e-book that will give you some great ideas to make outside time easier to fit into your day, less cumbersome for the grown ups, and WAY more fun for the kids. I’ve got a few of my own ideas for unstructured yet highly entertaining outdoor fun, and I can’t wait to share them with you! Here’s a little sneak peek! 🙂
In addition to this great ebook that will be launching this summer, NWF also has a lot of resources and ideas to share with you on their site, Be Out There. Definitely check it out and get inspired!
I Need Your Help!
For my section of the e-book, I’m going to be writing about finding time for the outdoors in everyday life, and as part of my contribution, I want to share ideas from my readers! Please let me know how you fit outdoor time into your busy family schedule in a way that doesn’t just feel like one more activity on your to do list! I’m not talking about structured activities like sports teams, but rather, unstructured, stress-free stuff. Â And how do you overcome those barriers to getting outside, be it the weather or the lure of the television or computer? Any tips or ideas you can share would be greatly appreciated, and you just might get published, too!
Win it!: To thank you for taking the time to share how your family gets outside, I’m offering up a $10 Amazon gift card! The deadline is 06/23, so hop to it!
Be sure to enter my other current giveaways, found on the sidebar of my page.
 Thanks to National Wildlife Federation and The Motherhood for bringing me on for this sponsored campaign. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. The giveaway listed here is personally funded.Â
Christian Alejandro says
I like to be involved in the outdoor activities. I don’t like to just watch them do something.. being a part of it is great to keep them interested.
Nikki Lynn Hanna says
My daughter loves to go outside, so we always play frisbee or play ball or something to keep her active
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Crystal Rose says
I got a puppy a few months back. He’s our families new exercise buddy. It’s worked out pretty well.
soha molina says
we set up a lot of playdates in parks or pools/.
Lily Kwan says
have activities involving animals
Carolyn Daley says
Come up with fun outdoor activities that the whole family can get involved in whether it be swimming, picnic/playing catch in the park, or going for a walk on the beach.
Sue Hull says
I think going to a park that has trails is fun.Kids can see all sorts of different parts of nature,like bug,butterflies and just beware of not so nice animals. Having a pool,even a small one is fun. Going to fairs is so fun for all ages.I know here in Ca. there’s lots of fairs in different counties.Also going to the beach is always a fun place to make new memories. Thank you for the cool giveaway 🙂
Tamara says
I just got a bean bag toss for my kids, which is a great “outside toy”. They’ve been spending more time outside soaking up the sun because they’re enjoying it so much!
Rebecca Lock says
We have a tetherball in our yard and our kids love hanging out and playing it.
Anna H. says
We like to do family walks.
Buddy Garrett says
We have always did activities together outside. We love bicycling and taking hikes.
krystal wethington says
I dont have kids but my nephew loves to play board games
Lacey Burd says
My 2 year old absolutely loves playing outside in the sprinkler!
April Beverc says
My kids always love to play outside, especially when they have new toys like a jump rope
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Rebecca Peters says
We do not have cable so its more fun to be outside
DanV says
We like going to the park or riding bikes
natalie yeoman says
i think pools are always the best way to get ur kids outside more
Deb C says
We love to go camping and the kids love to go for long walks!
Samantha says
We make tennis a family sport!
KJ Skib says
We love to go for family walks and practice riding bikes. We basically live outside during the summer.
Laura says
We take a family walk every evening
Laura says
We make it a point to take a family walk every evening ( weather permitting) to point out new sights, animals, sounds, etc
Melissa Lee says
Love bubbles and sidewalk chalk
jessica says
i like sidewalk chalk
sharlene caisse says
We go to parks and go for walks and play outdoor games.
Jaime says
Anytime we can we have dinner or lunch outside.
maureen says
Sidewalk chalk and competition.
Karrie Millheim says
Once I get the hose going with water, they want outside..and you can get them outside really easy with even a sprinkler running..have them play it and add some bubbles to blow and easy fun day outside
Alexa says
i think we should just play with them outside 🙂
Vanessa says
Living in Central Florida, water must be included cause it’s hot! I like the pool and splashpads, too. 🙂
crystal smith says
I have two little boys that love to be outdoors so I’m pretty lucky I don’t have to spend much time worrying about them being inside watching t.v., gaming, etc more than they should be. But we were sure to foster their love of playing outside from the start by making sure there was fun things to do out there- we have a swing set, pool, tons of outside toys for both summer and winter fun 🙂
cassandra says
i try to keep them in different sports to keep them active and outside in summer like, soccer or football camps. I think swimming is a great activity for kids in the summer!
Julie Hawkins says
We do a lot of hiking and camping trips which they love
Savannah Miller says
My little boys have a swing set that they love. I’m not an outdoors kinda person so I set up a lounge chair in the shade and read when they play out side 🙂
Colleen W says
Scavenger hunts and pool games.
Joy N says
our family does a lot of swimming
Kelly D says
I like to take my kids on a nature walk, and if they don’t feel like going I tell them we are packing a picnic lunch and eating it half way through our walk and it’s makes them want to go every time.
Nance Meyer says
Gardening or trips to the zoo.
Nance Meyer
nancymeyer1@gmail.com
Darby says
We live in vt-so it can be tough to get outside in the winter. The summer is so short though that we enjoy EVERY warm day outside!
Anna H says
I’m not an outdoorsy person, but I’ll go out to the park with the kids because I love to see them play outside! Just grab the sunscreen, hat/shades, water and camera and head out!
Carol Greenburg says
Looking forward to some beach time with my family this time.
Amanda H says
Uhg. I’m like you. My kids love going outside but I’m partial to indoors but they want me out there. I try to have a book that I usually get lost in and sit in the shade while they play. We just got the inflatable pools out and they have been playing with those for a few hours and it’s nice since they go to bed without a problem!!
Callee S says
We take our kiddo to splash in her kiddie pool before it gets too warm and any other time sometimes to show her how to use the frisby she just found or something like that 🙂
Sarah L says
We walk around the lake almost every day. We see what’s changed with the plants and what birds we can see. ‘There is no bad weather, only bad clothes’.
Thanks for the contest.
Rachel Johnson says
We like to go outside and spend time in the pool! It’s hot in AZ!
Maria says
When I was young, my siblings and I spent a lot of time building forts in the woods in our backyard. Our parents provided us with hammers, saws, and even a power drill to work on them.
Ellie W says
I occasionally let my boys pack a picnic and have their lunch outside on the lawn.
Danielle D says
Hide things outside and make a treasure hunt with maps really fun!!
Rachel H. says
My boys LOVE outside so we spend a lot of time outside. On particular days when my oldest just wants to play video games inside, I will entice him out with a popsicle and then we will play games such as Colored Eggs (a fun game like tag but one person is the wolf and the others think of a colored egg they are going to be. If the wolf guesses their color, they have to run and the wolf tries to tag them), I Spy, Mother May I, Red, Light, Green Light, and hide and seek.
Rachel Williams says
give them things to do outside like watering the garden.
Sarah Hayes says
my daughter has liked being outside since the beginning and that has really helped. i like to have fun toys for her to play with and things we can do togthr. i will always incourage her to play outside as much as we can and to make sure she knows how important it is to get out
Amanda Hoffman says
chalk. kid pool. go outside with them and play some kind of game like kickball or catch
Annmarie W. says
I can usually get my kids to head outside by suggesting they take a ball outside to throw for the dog! Once they’re outside, they’re happy to stay out there & play for a bit!
Lesli says
Let them choose a few outdoor activities each week and schedule them. Then when it is time they will be excited.
Taryn Pasco says
I like making my daughter a “Scavenger Hunt” list of things we find outside or a color of some sort and we put everything in a bucket. She has fun finding things and I have fun taking pictures of her running through the yard looking cute (:
Mandy Haynes says
I can get my son outside anytime by letting him play in the kiddy pool or by letting him drive his “blue truck” (power wheels truck he got for Christmas).
Lianne says
We love to do scavenger hunts out in the yard!
Yesenia says
My kids love going outside to ride their bikes and scooters, they love going to the playground, and at the moment, they are enjoying the process of planting seeds in the garden and watching them grow into plants and food that we will later harvest!
Mary Beth Elderton says
The best way is to make a kid-friendly outdoor space. Bikes, toys, climbing sets, watertables–things that kids enjoy
sandra davis says
when i mention playing in the water my kids are ready to go outside. they love getting the waterhose and soaking each other down.
Candice says
We play outside with our dogs to get exercise.
K. Cleaver says
It gets really hot here in the summer, so we make it a point to do outside activities in the morning and evening. I find it’s easy to get the kids outside it I got out too. It doesn’t matter if I’m mowing or working in the garden.
Deb S says
We have the kids go outside with the dogs and play Frisbee. They don’t mind going out some much when it is with the dog. We also ride bikes a lot.
Nicole W says
It’s usually too hot to be outside so we do activities inside, but when it’s nice enough weather, I will take evening snacks outside 🙂
Ashley F says
I try to include my daughter in on working in the garden and we also have play dates in the park with her little friends.
Tami Valentine says
We have an above ground pool. The kids love to be outside in the summer!
Debbie Lewis says
We just put up a new trampoline for the grandkids and they love it. We live on a farm so there is always plenty to see.
Steve Z says
They love the sand pile
Martina W. says
To get my niece outside, we go on ‘treasure hunts.’ I give her a list of specific things to find, like a clover or a brown rock. And then we walk around our neighborhood and look for those things. (Sometimes, I adapt the list, depending on what all we can find.)
tina page says
we like to hike and camp a lot as a family. Lately we have been foraging for wild edibles which is quite fun.
Emi says
We have a lot of outside toys including croquet, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, a swing set, a kiddie pool in addition to a built in pool, basketball and more. We also have a vegetable garden that is my childrens responsibility to maintain although I do work on it too.
Pamela Halligan says
My kids love being outside, no matter the weather. We are fortunate to have a number of beautiful parks around us. We go on nature hikes through forested ares and are sometimes lucky enough to stumble upon Great Blue Herobs wading in a marsh or deer grazing in a field. A local bird haven boasts a large population of bald eagles, which can easily be seen soaring high in the sky. We have come across one roosting in a nearby tree. It was truly amazing seeing this magestic bird so close. I am a nature lover, so I get so much enjoyment out of sharing my passion with my kids.
Diana Hatch says
Spending time outdoors with the kids keeps them out there
Samantha Remington says
Special “outside only” toys like bubbles, chalk, etc. will get them outside.
Teresa Thompson says
The slip-n-slide gets them outside every time.
Debra Hall says
sidewalk chalk was always a big hit with my kids
Heather says
I try to provide lots of activities for my kids to choose from when they are outside: bubbles, hula hoops, chalk, jump rope, scooters, bikes, etc. We also have appealing spaces: swing set, kid space in our shed, shade under the deck. Two of my kids also have garden space, jut a little spot to put in whatever they want. I think the biggest thing that gets my kids outside, though, is other kids. I’m very thankful to have great neighbors but play dates and siblings get our kids outside as well.
Colleen Fowler says
I like to do backyard campouts, the kids love it and it’s a nice chance of pace.
Elizabeth Gentry says
I would take my kids on adventures. My son is the type to like to stay in more then play outside so in order to have special times we could all enjoy including him we would come up with an adventure plan. We would scope out a local park, creek, hiking area, cave, waterfall ect and go exploring. We have done everything from look for gemstones to wading or tubing down a local creek, to having a swing on a grapevine while out on a hike. My kids are 13 and 15 now and still enjoy our adventures 🙂
Sally G says
I started a garden and the kids love helping me. Also it gives them a chance to have some fun with the garden hose.
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin) says
My son loves sports activities, water play, bubbles, and his bike. I can suggest any of those items and he is ready to go.
stacy says
Lots of water play outside….put familiar toys on a back patio…put up a tent outside for fun play.
Emily says
I try to get my two kiddos outside everyday – I will often say OK we are having lunch outside and we have a picnic on the lawn or on the patio and end up staying out there alot longer than we thought.
Mihaela D. says
My kids love to ride their bikes
Gina Rock says
During the Summer we go to the pool a lot.
Kim says
I feel like going outside to play is more important than most of the things we do all day. It’s a great time to explore and learn. In fact, my kids get more hurt inside than outside … maybe it’s because there is just so much more going on outside than inside, I’m not sure. Anyway, we live where there are four very distinct seasons but that doesn’t stop me from sending my kids outside because it’s just that important to me. I just make sure they are dressed appropriately and they will come inside when they’re too warm, too cold, too tired, etc. As it is currently summer, my kids know that before they go outside, they need sunscreen and their sandals. Even my one year old will find his sandals and find the sunscreen and get it if he can reach it, to bring it to me. Any free time we have is spent outside. Plus, it’s not only good for them, but it’s good for me, as well. It gets me active and away from most of the stress of life.
Bethany M says
My kids love anything with water. That will keep them out there forever. For walks we bring something along for their hands. They like places with lots of things to look at too.
shantelle stately says
My girls love to ride their bikes or just go for a family walk around the river.
Mandy says
Honestly my kids love to play outside so it’s not hard for me to get them to go out, but the park is always a fun option, or a splash pad
Julie says
we love outdoors so it is not really all that hard to get my daughter out but sometimes it is very hot here in Fl so we like to go to the beach to cool off or legoland:)
Shirley Carr says
I fill up the pool and turn on sprinklers
Susan Smith says
We either play in our backyard games like soccer or baseball or we will walk to the park and play on the equipment . My daughter enjoyes playing jump rope and draw with side walk chalk on our driveaway.
Mindi says
Take them camping, fishing, or to a park!
Debra Pauley says
Take them to the park and have picnic and let them play on playground
Jason says
Play with them. Play games, squirt gun fights.
Stephanie Larison says
I can’t stand being outside when it’s hot, but my daughter is very outdoorsy like her dad. So we set up a sprinkler she can run through and have fun with. They do a lot of outdoors activities just them together in the summertime.
Abby Kraynick says
I am the mom of 2 & I am ALWAYS trying to get my kids outside to get some fresh air. I have craft days where we all do fun crafts and we also do alot of water play.
Robin Mongold says
Take them to the park and have picnic and let them play on playground.
Jenny says
In the summer, my son loves anything to do with water. It is a fun activity for him to play with his water table with his toy boats.
Candie L says
We go geocaching as a family. Thank you
Robyn R says
To get my indoor kiddo outside, we implement a 30 minute a day outdoors time. Even if he just sits on the porch, he’s got to go OUT. Usually, there’s kids out to entice him to play.
Hannah M. says
Having special activities that they love which are “outside only” activities! That makes them a treat
Kim Pollock says
We planted a garden and the first thing they want to do in the morning is go outside and look at it. We also picked up water squirters at the dollar store and the kids just love squirting them and getting wet.
Ava Chavez says
We go bike riding together!
Jennifer says
I have found that most kids usually will be happy going outside to play as long as they aren’t spoiled with technology. The days when they aren’t as enthusiastic, I try to set an example and go play with them, that way it doesn’t seem like I’m chucking them outside as some sort of punishment.
Shemp DeYoung (@shempgames) says
Slip-N-Slide! Really does the trick. Even the sprinkler would get my daughter excited.
Diane Cooper says
Kids love water! Anything involving water is always a hit with my 6 year old grandson and my two year old granddaughter. Whether is is swimming, super soakers, or a slip and slide. Their favorite pastime this week has been pricking a tiny hole in a water balloon and wetting each other down.
Amy Honious says
if poking and prodding do not work, i have never failed to lure the kids with either a big batch of homemade bubbles, a fresh box of sidewalk chalk or mudpies! getting dirty always seemed to get mine going! they also loved to take turns getting hosed off (and turning it on old mom,lol). thanks for such a nice giveaway and for making me remember the good times when all of the kids were little.
brandi hawn says
i don’t have any tips to get my kids outside more, i need some tips on how to get them inside lol. my boys love to play outside with their bikes, the dogs, in the sprinkler and on the swing set 🙂
Raina DelRio says
I try to incorporate my kiddos in some of the yardwork, we run in the water sprinkler together, and also go on hikes with a picnic at the end (even if it is just around the block and back). I limit their t.v. and video game time (known in this house as total blackout) so that gets them more motivated to go outside
Lisa says
Anything we can do all together as a family makes my kids want to be outside… Swimming in the pool, beach days, going for a family hike or picnic
tina reynolds says
my kids love going out geocaching
Linda W. says
I limit tv and video games but i never have to tell my kids to go outside. We have hockey or soccer going at any time, riding bikes, swings and they take the dogs for a walk.
Daniel M says
we like to bike alot, better than walking because you can cover a larger area
Georgia Beckman says
Most of my children always preferred to be outdoors. We have 15 grandchildren now & most of them prefer to be outdoors. We do have one that would much rather stay inside & veg out with his video games but if we provide enough variety & fun things to do, we can keep him engaged. There are lots of outdoor games that you can buy but also a lot you can make up yourself. Create a bean bag toss of sorts with homemade bean bags & any receptacle that you can throw them into. Play water color bowling by adding different food coloring to bottles of water & setting them up like bowling pins. Create an obstacle course. Make a tent over the clothes line with old sheets. It provides a place of shade. Let them play in the water. Wash the cars, wash their bikes, wash the house. Hey, whatever they do can only help!
Sharon says
We go walking late in the evening when it’s cooler to get exercise for ourselves and our dogs! We also like to go hunting for Indian Arrow Heads when the fields nearby are plowed up! It’s like treasure hunting for the whole family! 🙂
shirley says
We live in the country, there are lots of things here that have to be cleaned off, water hose after cleaning makes fun, making mud pies after working in garden is fun, have to cook, so cook outside we play, swing and ride bikes while we wait on the food to cook.
sheila ressel says
We love to be outside, especially in the summertime. We like to garden on some days and swim in our pools on others. We play with our dog and like to go out on our boat. When inside we play games, cook and watch movies.
Dorothy B says
The Local Park is a favorite outdoor spot
joni says
Scavenger hunts are always a hit because there is a prize at the end.
Tina W says
My niece LOVES gardening with me – we started months ago painting some pretty pots, then when it warmed up with planted seeds and now she enjoys helping pick veggies that we have grown. Next up is making zucchini pickles since she loves pickles!
Holly Storm-Burge says
They love playing in the sprinkler. When they’re complaining of being bored, I just mention it and we’re out the door.
Sherri says
Get some water guns and take them outside….. the whole family can get in on the fun
Nichol Tone says
We like doing crafts
Brenda Robinson says
You need to buy volley ball, badminton, and crochet sets and let them learn and play like kids did in the past.
Clare N says
I live near the beach, so that is an attraction.
natalie nichols says
My son loves riding his bike, so it’s very easy to get him outside!
Stephanie Phelps says
I love to take a cardboard box and some paints outside and the kids and I make cars out of them. We paint them and then pretend to drive them but mostly they end up rolling down the hill in them it is so cute!
Anonymous says
I never had that problem with my kids and I don’t with my grandson now, he loves to play outside, but if I were to give a tip it would have to be use activity that involves water and you are set, water balloon wars and so many more.
Christy Maurer says
My kids are teens now. My son loves to fish and my daughter is always taking a book outside to read. When they were little we’d go in our tiny backyard and just explore the bugs we’d find under the moss and rocks. We loved visiting the park as well.
Silvia says
Going out on geo caching walks is always great. I also like to set up a mini treasure hunt outside that includes a map for them to follow.
Claire says
they like to play outside in the sprinklers
Kathy Fleming says
Fishing, swimming and gardening together gets my family outdoors.
Tina LaBau says
Our family loves to go rockhounding. There are many free sites that tell you of good locations to find semi-precious gemstones all over the country. On hot summer days we try to find locations close to water so we can cool off! All you need are bags for carrying rocks (I love the reusable grocery bags), a hammer to chip edges to see what’s inside, a pair of safety goggles to protect eyes, and a shovel for digging in areas where good stones are buried.
lizzy says
My kids don’t like going outside too much, because it is so hot where we live. We set up sprinklers and they have fun!
Summer Bartlett says
I like to let my daughter take the lead when we are outside. I follow her as we explore and I explain/answer any questions she may have. I also like to have some spontaneous fun. When its raining, I love to put some play cloths and rain boots on and spend 15-20 minutes making mud pies and getting really dirty. She loves it and it’s a memory that will last forever. 🙂
Jenna Osborne says
Get a trampoline! They are irresistible and such good exercise. Also anything involving water is sure to lure kids outside- even washing the car together. Just learn not to be uptight about the kids getting as wet as the car. 🙂 Another thing we do is bring indoor activities outside- boardgames, painting, crafts etc can all be done on the porch or in the yard. And for instance with crafts you can encourage kids to explore and find materials outside to incorporate into their projects!
Christina Anne says
Going to the park:) Also, if friends are over, when my kids were little, they would love playing outside for hours coming up with more games…
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Christina Anne says
I left comment on fb under anne dall. If you publish names, please don’t put mine:)
amanda whitley says
my kids are easy, we have toy cars and a kitchen set outside and that gets them out there often
kathy f says
Anything to do with water will get my kids outside. Have a squirt gun fight or make a slip and slide.
Jennifer says
honestly, my kids have no choice! All of our games are for outdoors and they don’t know any better, we are totally an outdoors family!
Denise S says
I struggle to keep them inside. They have a birdfeeder, swingset, and balls outside.
Lucy Lopez says
We take them swimming, camping and bike riding.
Danielle says
Offer new experiences outside, don’t always do the same thing!
Holly Mitkowski says
Chalk!!! you can play so many games with just drawing on the sidewalk! Entertaining for hours 🙂
Mary Gibbons says
We would go outside and lay on quilts, look at the clouds nad find pictures or animals, etc. in them. After a bit, they were ready to be up and running around
Christina Oddy says
I don’t give them the choice! I tell them to go outside and after some grumbling they are quickly busy cathcing bugs, bulding forts or running through the sprinkler!
DANIELLE WILLIAMS says
for kids that like to stay indoors (like my sisters) I do a scavenger hunt that starts inside but leads them outside…and since we live in phoenix it usually ends at the pool or sprinklers to cool them off!
Annemarie Z. says
We love to hike. After the hike we all get ice cream!
laura says
I usually take them swimming.
Robin says
I usually take my son the local park to play on the slide and swings
Stephanie R says
we go biking a lot. We also visit the local pond to feed the ducks often
Susan McNeill says
Nature walks with little ones are the BEST! It’s like an endless treasure hunt 🙂
Mike toohey says
camp or pool
Priscilla says
My nephews loved sidewalk chalk.
Jenny says
my nephew likes to go berry picking with us and will also play well at the playground (change of scenery) rather than being left unattended in the same old backyard.
jennie sanderson says
My kid wishes he could LIVE outside. We play ball, ride bikes, stroll around, go to the park, go for random walks, whatever, it’s easy!
liz l says
My niece likes coloring on the sidewalk
Adrianne B says
Hang a plain white bedsheet from your fence, get a few empty spray bottles and fill with super-diluted food coloring, let the kids spray the sheet and make “tie dye”. WHen you are done, just bleach the sheet! You can do this over and over again.
Naomie says
Water! Anything that involves water makes them happy.
Judy W says
My kids are older now but my nephews have their own garden patch and they picked what they wanted planted and they go out and tend to it every day. They love it. They take pictures and are so proud!
Suzanne Lewis says
Flashlight tag is fun after dark.
Tyneisha Fondren says
Kids love to get wet so in the summer turn on the hose and let them go at it! Invite friends over and do the whole water balloon thing. Also just completely remove the video game option.
grace aspinwall says
bubbles and chalk are the best way to get emmy outside!
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grace aspinwall says
bubble and chalk! they are the best way to get emmy outside 😉
wondermentmgmt@me.com
Sunnie says
My kids love to play outside, they also play sidewalk chalk games/drawing. We are going to garden next year so that will keep us outside a lot.
Heather Kelly says
We go to the park, put their pool up outside, play with our water table, go to the lake, and they like to play on their swing set. But they are only 5 1/2, almost 4, and almost one. So it’s easy to get them outside. I would rather stay inside, but they need to run or they drive me nuts.
Marlene S says
It’s a lot of fun to play with squirt guns outside. Doe’snt matter if they get a little wet. Also used to love jumping rope.
Sindy Murray says
my kids go outside everyday to check on the chickens and water the garden after that they stay outside for awhile depending on the weather!
Danielle Porter says
It’s hot here in Florida! So anything with water! and then Ice pops are always fun outside!
Stephanie Grant says
My son loves to go outside to play with our Boxer Loki and he also enjoys bug hunting so that’s how I get him out to play is with a little bug hunting and playing with Loki!
Les Johnson says
My daughter enjoys having scavenger hunts outside. I will make a list of colors or items that she has to find.
Heather Ratliff says
I let my kids have popsicles outside!
deanna says
We go as a family. The kids are taking swimming lessons. So we hike (our fave) to a spot with a swimming spot (their fave). Everyone is happy.
xo
Felicita says
Do a mini picnic! My son loves helping me prepare the snacks – we bring bubbles and kites. Nice one on one.
diane Baum says
We love to go to the beach
Christine D. says
Well, I do not have any kids. But when I was younger we would go hiking, and when we were unable to, we would set up our tent in the backyard and sleep overnight. It is very adventurous in a way! Oh, and I loved planting and feeding squirrels. 😀
Stephanie L. says
We are constantly going to different parks in our city and surrounding neighborhoods. My kids love exploring all of the new parks, and comparing them to others we frequent, and they ask everyday “which park are we going to today?”. It makes it fun for all of us without getting to repetitive. Plus, we belong to several mommy groups, so we usually meet friends there!
Teish says
If you live in an area where bugs are a problem, invest in an instant-up screenhouse. The blackflies in Maine are horrible, but a screenhouse makes it easier for us to still enjoy some time in the fresh air!
Jennifer says
with my son its how to get him back inside! my nephew isnt so outdoorsy so we made a nature treasure hunt that had the little guys running around for over an hour!
Jonathan Pryor says
The joys of Summer… I need to get out to our local metro-parks.
Madeline says
My daughter actually likes fishing so we try to schedule some trips here and there.
Heidi McGuire says
sprinklers or pool
Janna Johnson says
Home made sprinklers!
April M says
Bubbles and chalk are our favorite ways to get the kids to go outside! Once they get started with those then they remember oh hey, I have a bike and ball and swings and the whole world out here! Then the trouble is getting them to come back in at dinner time!
Sharold says
Go out and be with them.
Catherine says
We love being outside. I’d say bringing any activity outside is a great idea. Living closer to downtown is wonderful we can and do walk to most anywhere. I’d say if its hard to get the kiddos out take an indoor activity they like and bring it outside 🙂
Sarah Ann Walker says
I bought my son chalk, finger paint, and a shovel. He loves to draw with the chalk, finger paint with my help, and try to help me garden. He always wants to be outdoors now.
Sharon says
when i was a kid, i loved playing outdoors as long as i felt safe from all the bugs out there. investments in all natural bug sprays and repellents were a good idea!
Roxy R. says
We take our inside activities outside! like: painting, snack time, dancing, stories. Anytime it’s nice outside, there are things to do!
Rachel S says
We use chalk, our swingset and step 2 house and sandbox.
We also have our own bounce house, so that helps.
latoya says
I think letting kids play outside with other kids works really well. In my apartment complex, the kids are usually outside riding bikes or scooters together..another popular activity is sidewalk chalk.
Evie says
Get kids outside with water balloon fights, fresh cut fruit with the family outside under a tree.
renee says
We get more outside time by doing yard work together. We have flowers and a few herbs and vegetable plants, nothing fancy. Weeding and watering usually leads to studying nature (we have some cool praying mantis insects and lizards in our yard!) and refreshing water fights, and my daughter loves to eat strawberries and tomatoes she has picked herself. Our work outdoors usually ends up being pretty productive playtime.
miranda says
We like to play in the sprinklers
Cheryl says
We have always made it a habit of spending time each day outside–so it now comes naturally. I try to eat outside–snacks or a picnic, even just in the back yard, try to make it special, yet simple. We often pretend we are visiting a place we have read of in a book (The Hundred Acre Woods with Pooh and Piglet–of course honey would be on the menu). Have special toys or activities only played outside–and of course water when the weather is warm–any kind of water battle is always fun!
Ani says
We like to take walks every evening and play with chalk and water guns.
Nadene Adams says
As long as water is involved, both my kids want to go outside. I just have to offer to take them swimming.
Jessi Randall says
We have several toddler sized outside play gyms I’ve picked up at yard sales. My toddler loves to go climb, slide and swing all over them. She also begs to go play bubbles. Any times she says ‘bubbles please mommy’ I have to take her out!
Rachelle says
We use old paintbrushes and water to “paint” the driveway
MaryAnn says
My son loves to go outside all the time. I would say get them involved in a project with you. My husband and son are currently working on a train set in our shed.
Jessie C. says
Water sprinklers- best way to get kids to play and enjoy outdoor fun.
Tiffany says
We try to grill out more often in the summer, so while we are cooking, we encourage the kids to be outside too! It helps to have a volleyball net set up in the yard for badmitton or volleyball, or easy yard games we can join in on like Bocce Ball or Ladder Golf. Usually after eating out on the patio, the kids want to continue playing or spot some lightning bugs to chase after!
Diana Stanhope says
To get my kids outside we always did something that involved water. Even just water balloons or a garden hose.
Ella Brooks says
It’s WAY to hot here in TX so we have to go out early morning to do activities, usually chalk
Heather Manu says
Chalk and bubbles are always ‘go to’ outdoor activities for us. My kids love riding their bikes too.
T.h.Ransom says
I get the water toys out and they can’t get out of the house fast enough. Water guns, water balloons, slip n slide, sprinkler, etc.
Katie L says
we like to go for walks and look at the trees and birds. Also anytime I mention park they are out the door before I am.
June Lisle says
Trips to a close park and maybe some icecream is a great way to get everyone excited about going outside.
rachel says
Go for nature walks! Visit a park with a nature center for inspiration.
Dana says
We don’t have the TV on when the sun is out, so my kids want to go outside for something to do!
Erica says
Family bike rides are always a great way! The summer is always fun for sprinkles and sidewalk chalk!
tanya devenney says
my daugter and i ride bikes almost everyday
Jennifer B. says
Teaching kids to garden is a great way to get them outdoors. Let them plant their own seeds and take care of the plants.
Kate F. says
Give them sidewalk chalk or let them play in the sprinklers
Jenn McClearn says
my kids love to go outside and catch bugs, just tell my oldest that he can bring his bug catcher out and he is dressed and ready to go in no time 🙂
Heather S says
We play badminton in our yard! Our kiddos can’t get enough of it!
Faith Bosnick says
I like to take the kids for a walk in the stroller. They love to color with sidewalk chalk; blow bubbles look at bugs (lol); play in the sprinkler; play in their water table
Kim H says
I get my kids out by taking them on hikes and playing outdoor games like volleyball
Vicki Wurgler says
the kids love to be outside-we have a small pool and are close to a city park that we go to almost daily
Dorothy Teel says
One thing you can do to help get children out in summer is have water fights, like ballon fights but use cut up pieces of sponges, then when done have kiddos pick them up and put in bucket ready for next time and no aggravating pieces of balloon to pick up or endanger birds, etc. We also like to have picnics outside and fly kites then finish off with dip in the pool to cool down. Go on nature hikes with scavenger hunt involved, children love to seek and find.. Have fun they are only young once…
April Yedinak says
I really push the kids to be outside as often as possible and I have found they are more willing as long as I am outside, too. If they are stumped for ideas, I will suggest different games like kickball. I even came up with a game of tag that is zombie tag (because they love zombies) where one person starts as ‘It’ and then each person they tag becomes a zombie and helps hunt down ‘survivors’ until there is one ‘survivor’ left. They loved it. I also try to organize little outings to parks, the tennis courts and pool.
Barbara Montag says
We have a couple of super soakers – a sure of getting the kids outdoors!
Thank you.
Tari Lawson says
We like to excercise as a family. We go to a local college track and excercise a couple times a week. We also go for hike and bike rides together.
Emily N says
We love to go outside and blow bubbles. My kids like to try to pop them.
Ann Fantom says
We get our daughter outside by going on family bike rides. It is great exercise for the entire family
Cynthia C says
My kids always loved playing with super soakers in the back yard. We also took day trips to the local parks.
Tamara Sz says
My kids love anything to do with water. THey really love the new water squirters we got and even the 2 yo can use them!
allyson becker says
playing on the swings
allyson becker says
let him play on the swings
Jim Lipscomb says
My daughter likes to go outside to build fairy houses. These are tiny houses mad of only natural items such as twigs, bark, and moss.
Jen S says
We flew kites tonight. The kids help in the garden, they especially love using watering cans sized for them. Rule is, if it’s not raining and daylight, the electronics aren’t allowed. There is some screen time or game time, but not when it’s nice outside! And if it’s raining, get on the rain jackets and boots and go splash in the puddles. The whole family goes for a walk in the rain.
Kyl Neusch says
have a water day
Tamar says
My son is a huge fan of simply digging in the dirt! He loves going outside… sometimes he goes out without us and I get nervous.
shannon Baas says
We turn off all electronics during the day.
rich morris says
I try to restrict what they can do indoors…thus making it more likely they’ll go outdoors. Of course, there’s some things still inside but not as much as there used to be
Matermomma says
If you are really looking for some great getting kids into the outdoors stuff think of science. There are many free things you can do like gathering twigs, flowers, leaves, rocks… and making sculptures or gluing them to cardboard for art. You can also print out “nature” bingo cards. Most dollar stores have bug kit areas where you can get plastic magnifying glasses, tweezers, butterfly nets and you can “hunt” for different creatures. Most kids enjoy exploring the outdoors on their own, but you can can prompt them with questions too… have them watch the bugs or animals to see if they can figure out what their “home” is and see what they can find to make their own home just like that bug or animal. My kids love exploring with their “nature backpack” it is loaded with magnifying glasses, hats, sunscreen, binoculars, compass, paper and pencils to draw maps or animals, tweezers, water… So they feel more independent. You would be suprised to see what kids come up with for the uses of things we see as a one purpose object.
If you have limited access to outdoor activities you can always order kits to grow your own ladybugs, ants and butterflies so that your children can learn about nature inside also.
latanya says
My son loves playing outside, so doing anything outside is fun to him. We walk/run around the neighborhood, put him in the stroller and push him, go to the park to give him a chance to play with other kids, ride his car outside, play ninja turtles, etc. As long as he is outside he is pretty happy.
jenny says
My boys love to take any trucks, construction vehicles and shovels and scoop up beans, rocks, dirt or sand. Keeps them busy for hours!
Erin V says
I love to go outside with the 13-yr-old kids to play games on the lawn and to have them help with the garden. The kids love to climb the trees or use the zipline my boyfriend made. They love water balloons, swimming at the river and collecting rocks, visiting the neighbors horses, practicing their archery or helping their dad build. We also love to take bike rides or hike, every once in a while.
I have younger niece and nephew who love to play in the sprinkler, play throwing games (cornhole, ladder golf, catch), blowing bubbles, painting the deck/sidewalk with colored water and paintbrushes). They, too, love the zipline and running around outside. They love to swing and go to the park to play on the equipment.
Loni M. says
My kids (6 & 8) love to be outside, but often get bored with the same toys. I fill a balloon with about a cup to two cups of water & then fill it the rest of the way with air. I let the kids draw on faces & name their “water babies.” The one who keeps their baby intact the longest wins. They roll the babies down the slide, play school with them, & pull them in the wagon. It is a cheap easy way to keep them outside & busy. They are even great about picking up all the balloon pieces right away so that our dogs or the birds don’t eat them.
Sara Z says
Several of our local parks have splash pads, so we can start at the park and get all sweaty and then cool off at the splash pad.
Tricia Janthor says
We love the swim in my 2 year old blow up pool! She also loves sidewalk chalk and playing plato on the porch on her kiddie table. My husband loves going to the parks and going on hikes and having a picnic! 🙂
Tricia Janthor says
We loveeeee swimming in my 2 year olds blow up pool. She also loves sidewalk chalk! My husbands loves when we go to the parks and go hiking and have picnics! 🙂
Cat Davis | Food Family & Finds says
I try so hard to keep my kids outside in the summer since we spend over half the year stuck inside with winter. I coax them outdoors with bubbles, side walk chalk, turning on the sprinkler and regular trips to the water park.
brandy says
Honestly, my kids like a ball and some chalk. I also chase them around the playground when they are feeling lazy.
For times when we are indoors (too hot), we have a loft bed with a slide and a trampoline. I also use ideas from the CrossFit Kids website to incorporate a little more structure – just for some ideas. It doesn’t seem structured to them, but I really want my children to have the physical activity they need on a daily basis.
Jessica McMasters says
We visit our local parks that have some creeks. Our boys love to play in the water and run around.
Viv says
I showed James how to color with side walk chalk last week (he’s 20months), we are no longer allowed to leave the front porch without 1st stopping to color for a few minutes!!!