What do your children like to do in their spare time? Do they read? Play sports? Watch television? Participate in a club or activity? Spend their time gaming or watching YouTube? While all of these things are fun – you might wish that time spent gaming or on electronic devices happened a little less often. Lots of parents do.

And when you ask most parents what they wish their children would do, the reply is: I wish they would go outside and play.

So how can you encourage your kids to get outdoors? Try these tips!

• Get Fitness Trackers: Do you have a fitness tracker? And do you find that it motivates you to get your steps? Did you know they make fitness trackers for kids? They do! So if you think your child might be motivated by friendly competition with you or just the opportunity to track how many steps they get in each day – then think about getting a fitness tracker for them. 
  • Here are some you can check out:
    • Garmin Vivofit Jr.
    • Fitbit Ace 2 for Kids
    • moreFit Kids Fitness Tracker
    • Inspiratek Kids Fitness Tracker
• Outdoor Toys: When you’re a child, there’s probably nothing more exciting than new toys – so why not get some new toys for outdoors? Balls, chalk, bikes, sports equipment, and lawn games are great for outdoor playtime. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on outdoor toys for the kids to have hours of fun. (Check out your local dollar store for bubbles, chalk, balls, and other things.)
• Take Indoor Activities Outside: Some kids just love arts and crafts, but often parents think they’re messy. The best solution is to take arts and crafts outdoors when the weather is nice. The kids can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air and their crafts – and clean up is a breeze.
  • And lots of indoor activities can be taken outdoors. The kids can play board games outdoors. They can read books. They can have a dance party. You just need to get creative!
• Let Them Get Dirty: Spring means rain, and rain means puddles and mud. While you may want to avoid the puddles and mud, let the kids get dirty. They’ll love all the freedom you give them to get messy.
• Dress for the Weather: Kids can go outdoors all year long – provided they’re dressed for the weather. If you have clothes that will help them get outside even during the cold and rainy weather – they may be more apt to go outside.
• Create a Challenge: Sometimes all you need to do is challenge your kids. It could be a competition to see who plays outside for the most number of minutes in a week. It could be a challenge to see who can run or bike the fastest. Whatever challenge you come up with – kids will rise to the occasion.
• Teach Your Kids New Games: What games did you love to play as a child? Hopscotch? Foursquare? Kick the Can? Red Rover? Do your children know these games? If they don’t, it’s time to teach them. While they may be old games to you, you may find that they are new games for your kids.
• Make It a Family Activity: When you have the time to get the entire family involved, do so. Go hiking, hit the pool, head to the lake, or play a game of minigolf. Enjoy the great outdoors as a family and let everyone take turns planning the next activity you all do together. 

Getting outdoors is important for everyone’s health and well-being – especially children. Encourage your children to get outdoors and enjoy all that nature has to offer.