4 Family Benefits of Going Outside Together

As a mom, I sometimes feel pressure to make my children’s childhood “magical.” I see friends and family planning great trips and outings for their kids, and I can’t help but think that I’m not doing enough for mine. With a hectic schedule and limited resources, it’s just not possible to execute every special adventure that comes to mind. One day, after a while, I realized — who cares? Maybe in some ways, I do. But you know who definitely doesn’t? My kids!

What I came to realize is that those special things children really want are not fancy getaways, but their parents’ love and attention. It’s not some amazing destination they care about — it’s the time spent together. Every parent has the ability to give their children wonderful experiences. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t have to involve a lot of planning. And there are many reasons why your kids will love it. You can keep it simple, and even local, by heading outdoors.

A fun, simple, and potentially local experience is to head outdoors! Getting out into nature is a wonderful family activity. It incorporates physical activity, family bonding, and learning — not to mention, it’s really fun! Here are four great ideas for getting outside together.

Make exercise a family affair! When you’re active with your kids, they’ll learn the importance of being physical, getting into the fresh air, and spending time together as a family.

The best way to instill the good habit of exercise into our little ones is to lead by example. The local park is a great place to get physical as a family. Play at the playground, take a hike, or kick a ball around in an open field. Google Maps is a great resource that will allow you to visualize how much open space and greenery is available to you. If there aren’t any parks or playgrounds near your home, a walk in the neighborhood can be another great option.

Get outside to get kids talking! Going for walks can be a fun time to ask questions about each other. Take turns asking your child fun questions and then let them ask questions about you. It can also be a great moment to check in with your child, especially if you’re concerned about their mood. You may be pleasantly surprised by their willingness to engage.

So when you have a free day and the weather is nice, it’s great to head outdoors, even without much of a plan. Pack some snacks, fill up the water bottles, and go for it. Even if you’re just out on a short walk, the kids will love hanging out, talking, joking, and just being together. The more regularly you go out into nature and bond, the more they’ll enjoy it and look forward to it.

There are always opportunities for learning when families spend time together. Walking through a park, checking out a new neighborhood, and exploring a local nature preserve are fun and inexpensive ways to discover and learn new things.

Another great aspect of the great outdoors is all of the things that you and your children can observe and learn in the process. Take turns identifying things outside. When out for a walk, point out the butterflies, the clouds, and the trees. Then, have your child point out things as well. It’s fun for children and adults alike to learn more about the natural area where they live — the types of trees, flowers, and birds you’ll find; the babbling brooks and big hills you may discover; and maybe even some cool views you never realized were within your own neighborhood or region.

Take a look at the things this dad and his kids learn from each other on family walks:

In addition to checking out local parks on Google, you can also search outdoor events in your community, especially as the weather warms up. Your town may hold a 5K race, a street fair or farmer’s market within walking distance, or even a festival geared towards children. Having a great time with your kids does not have to break the bank. If you’re on social media, check out your apps and follow local organizations and your community government offices. They’ll often post free events for the whole family.

Spontaneous outings can be fun for the whole family. Other times, you can plan in advance and let the kids in on the preparations. For some children, knowing what to expect provides comfort and makes the outing that much more enjoyable.

Next time you’re looking to fill a Saturday, or the kids are whining that they’re bored, lace up their shoes, apply the sunblock or throw on a hoodie, and get going!