Outdoor activities for children are more important today due to past events that kept them inside. Even before the 2020 pandemic, four out of 10 parents believed that outside activities were extremely important for their children. Unfortunately, as social media and video games continue their hold on kids’ attention, it’s harder to get them out of the house. That’s why we put together 5 ways to encourage your kids to get outside this spring.

1. Incorporate Technology

You don’t have to eliminate technology when your kids are outside. Fact is, incorporating some form of it into a spring activity can encourage them. Not only to stay outside longer but also enhance skills they’ve developed.

If your child has an interest in golf, then you can incorporate a golf swing analysis app into their routines. Companies like V1 Sports offer such apps to measure the progress of their swing so they can enhance it. Similar applications are available to measure a baseball player’s swing or pitching style.

2. Go Outside With Them

There was a time in society where parents let their kids out after breakfast and didn’t see them until lunch or dinner. Things are different today. For as many kids who don’t want to be with their parents after spending so much indoor time with them, there’s an equal amount who want to interact with them in outdoor play.

Nothing is more important than bonding with your children. So, spend some time with them outside. However, don’t do the planning or criticize them while together. Instead, let them lead so they feel a sense of accomplishment. Overall, it allows you to see how well they handle themselves.

3. Travel to New Places

Your kids are itching to get out this spring after months indoors. Rather than take them to the same places you once did, head out to a new outdoor location. Some area that isn’t too far away to make it seem like an inconvenience.

Like the item above, allow your kids to help with the trip planning. Find out where they’ve always wanted to go and see if it’s feasible to do within a day or so. Explain the outdoor offerings available and see what piques your children’s interests. In the end, you don’t want them to be bored with the experience.

4. Encourage Them to Participate in Organized Sports

Participation in organized sports at a young age does much for children. It provides a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that they carry into their adult years. Additionally, it encourages them to be their best no matter the situation.

Of great importance is it gives them a chance to experience loss and find ways to cope. By doing this, they increase their resilience and can quickly bounce back from adverse situations.

Needless to say, make sure you are a proud fan when you watch them instead of a helicopter parent. To continue their interest in outdoor experiences you need to be supportive instead of authoritarian. That basically urges them to move back inside.

5. Go Camping

Camping has gone beyond a tent and sleeping bag. There are several layers of comfort available to make a night or two under the stars more exciting for children. Self-inflating air mattresses, self-heating meals, and portable chemical toilets help make the experience easier to handle.

If your children want to camp but not in a tent, then rent an RV for a few days. Doing so gives your kids the comforts of home, like a bathroom and television, after a day’s worth of outdoor activities. Also, look into cabins and other indoor accommodations within park areas.

These five items are a small sample of the ways to get your kids outside this spring. You can visit a local botanical garden, go on a hike in a local park, or even take a walk around your neighborhood. If you live in a city, walking to your destination instead of driving or taking the bus encourages them to spend more time in the sun.

Needless to say, don’t force this on your children. If you have a hard time moving them past the television, then have them take charge for a bit. A few minutes outdoors is a great first step.