How To Encourage Your Kids To Play Outside

Parents would always want what's best for their children. Outdoor playtime can be good for them, to help them explore their environment, develop their motor skills, meet the neighbors, and make new friends. Nowadays, children spend more time on their electronic gadgets than spending their time playing under the sun. It gets harder for parents to take away their gadgets and take them out to play. Here are a few tips on ways that can help encourage your kids to play outside.

1. Backyard

If you live in a village or town that doesn't have a public playground, you can create your own in your backyard. You can purchase quality kids sports toys from Step2 Direct for your child's small playground. This way, you can also invite your neighbor's kids to come out and play.

2. Treasures

Let your children explore and keep whatever they find interesting from their play area. Items like oddly shaped rocks, twigs, leaves, but not living insects. You can create a special space for this on their nightstand or dresser to help inspire them to go out and look for more.

3. Play tools

Kids love to play pretend; you can buy toys online Australia from Step2 Direct for your children like trowels, magnifying glass, bucket, watering can, etc. These play tools can also help them in discovering new things and experiencing what it's like to water the plants, observe the small bugs, dig up sand, etc.

4. Exploration

Try not to limit your kids on the paths they take during a walking trip to the park or a walk on the shore. This doesn't necessarily mean you'd let them be, always supervise them while taking a minimal effort in deciding for them where to walk and which path to take.

5. Encourage Them

Give them a playtime schedule that they'd always look forward to. Encourage them to play outside or bring them with you when going to the grocery store or walking the dog. This can take their time away from gadgets.

6. Challenge Areas

You can build a challenging area for them like lining up used tires, setting up a small crawling area, a balancing plank, etc. This can help them in the development of their body coordination and balance; it also challenges them to finish the challenge without falling or tripping.

7. Outdoor Activities

Introduce them to outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, boat riding, biking, etc. These adventures seem extreme for them, which they would enjoy and look forward to the next time you go out for another adventure.

8. Playmates

Having playmates and playdates can encourage your child to go out and play. They would often look forward to the next time they would see their playmate and enjoy their company during playtime. You can try and set a time and day every week with their parents so that they can all enjoy playing.

Final Word

Introducing your kids to new areas and experiences can help take their attention away from their gadgets and initiate their sense of exploration. Encourage your kids to step out of their comfort zones so that as they grow older, they can build their confidence and self-esteem.